welcome to

Downtown Paterson

The publication of Downtown Paterson was made possible through the generous contributions of noted historians, poets and visual artists, through which the story of Paterson is explored.

Special thanks to historian Candace Pryor for her chapter on the beginnings of the city; labor historian Steve Golin for his window of understanding into Paterson's rich labor past; Edward A. Smyk, Passaic County Historian, for his insightful look at Main Street of yesteryear; noted folklorist Tom Carroll for his essay on the once abundant movie theatres he experienced as a boy growing up in Paterson; and poet and educator Mark Hillringhouse for his graceful poetry about Paterson today.

Deep appreciation as well to the Paterson Museum, the American Labor Museum, and the Allen Ginsberg Estate.
When the Dutch negotiated trinkets and blankets for the area called Ackquananonk with the local Lenape Indians in the late 17th century, they had no idea that the peaceful farming community would become the center of planned industry." ~Candace Pryor
The enchanting Rivoli Theater, built in 1923 at 130 Main Street, is shown here. Not a single theater remains open today. Photographs Courtesy Paterson Museum.


    

   

© 1999 June Avignone
Last modified December 12, 1999

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