MUNICIPALS: "P" IS FOR PARAMUS

This "P" is for PARAMUS and it is part of the MUNICIPAL COLLECTION that I have been describing over recent months in this blog.

My parents went almost their entire life in New Jersey without hearing of or driving to Paramus. The community was a small area in Bergen County near the George Washington Bridge. It is incorporated as a "Borough" which is why this badge fits in my Muni Collection.

When our Country was first being settled this area was inhabited by Indians. Their favorite game bird was the Turkey. In their language one will see the roots for the word that gives this town its' name.

During the Revolutionary War this community saw nothing in terms of a battle, but they did have heavy movements of both Washington's Troops, as well as the British. The trails used became the foundation for many of today's major roads. 

It took the creation of the Garden State Parkway and an appropriate exit to create the Paramus Mall. These two events, I am told, put this community on the map.

My research revealed that this Mall was one of the top spending spots in the country. I am so glad the wife and I live in Florida where Gulf Waters are our main concern.

The badge that is pictured above is an obsolete badge that is believed to date back to the mid 1920's. It is a traditional Jersey type badge with a silver tone finish.

As the picture reveals it has two panels with recessed lettering. The letters re black and reads: Paramus on top, with Police on the second panel. The NJ State Seal is stamped from the rear onto the shield prior to plating.

In the number box, at the bottom, is the number "277".  It is the 27th community in alphabetical order in my display. It is a keeper, especially since I favor the shape which was very popular in New Jersey. It now sits under glass where it reminds of all those receipts from "the mall" that I don't have to worry about.