Smokestacks and Steeples: A Portrait of Paterson

This program traces the history and development of manufacturing in Paterson, New Jersey. Discusses the impact of Paterson's Great Falls on the development of the city and its various industries. Cotton production, paper manufacturing, silk production and breweries were some of the industries that flourished in Paterson.

[@georgesharkey9119]

We would all like to see Paterson come back again

[@rugcutter284]

My left ear learned so much about Paterson

[@provousa2253]

I'm from Paterson N.J. born @St. Josephs hospital 1969.I live in Utah now. It was difficult for me but made me the man I am today very successful business owner love that place but I moved on my Mom is still there and I'm sure till her last days. I will always go visit and remember my Family roots as a Puerto Rican wepa!!!

[@frank921rivera]

Weeeeeepaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!🎉🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@anthonynunya3954]

I'm from Paterson, NJ and it so disappoints me of what has become of this historic city.

[@louis-vd3ur]

...it's the logical conclusion to capitalism. Industrialists and corporations work in their interests, not their employees. That is the foundation of capitalism; usury for the masses and wealth for the few. Patterson is inhumane, that's why they devastated their own workers and buy-outs finished off what was left. Christians make good workers and are therefore defenseless against these satanic practices because they believe they are given "opportunities for work" by these companies instead of the basic human dignity through labor and proper wages to care for families. Patterson is a perfect example of the capitalist model, according to industrialists it was a major success!

[@JLO47]

@@louis-vd3ur One can only wish that it were so simple...

[@paridocxs6268]

Louis unlike you we have faith to make it better and you probably don’t live here so please don’t just insult it

[@thedollbabys1073]

@James Barrett lmao I hate when people spell it with an extra T like yes it's ghetto, hood and crime ridden especially schools like Eastside and JFK but if you can't spell it right and know it's nick names (P-Town, Silk City) or how Elmwood Park and Woodland Park were East Paterson and West Paterson then you aint truly from Paterson or lived in any of the iconic areas like the old Alabama Projects, Colombian Avenue aka 21st, Riverside (River Street, 5th avenue) La Madison (the main street of family owned homes who are middle to upper middle class until it hits Market st by the Chicken spot lol)

[@samhelsel443]

Louis, it's a shame you need to espouse your political beliefs on a wonderful presentation of what was once a great city. Did you ever consider it's not the "mean old capitalists" that destroyed the city? Perhaps the failed policies of the leadership over the past 30+ years had something to do with it?

[@mohammedcohen]

I went to college in Paterson - Seton Hall University on Ellison Street - behind City Hall...the building had the distinction of have the only stained glass skylight in the state...the skylight was in the school library in my day (1967 - 1971)...it IS sad that the one beautiful city is now a cesspool...

[@mvd1948]

I had Dr. Parrillo for two classes in college. Far and beyond the best instructor I've ever had

[@rocketman6973]

My great, great grandfather immigrated from Holland in 1888 and settled in Patterson. My great grandfather was 6 years old. My paternal grandmother was born there in 1911, when "Silk City" was in its prime. She's told me so many stories of Patterson when it was beautiful and vibrant! How exciting it was to get the train service and electricity! Walking down Main Street with all of the wonderful silk dress shops. She lived to be nearly 107 years old!! She was so devoted to Passaic County that she wouldn't leave, even when most of the family was gone. My other paternal great grandfather moved there in 1909 from Ramapo, NY, a descendent of English immigrants from the 1600's who were among the first settlers in Rhode Island. His son, my grandfather, was born in Patterson in 1912, and married my grandmother in 1935. He lived in Clifton at the time. Both of my great grandfathers moved to Patterson for the opportunities! They both worked in the silk mills. I was born in Passaic in 1963, and was raised in Clifton until we moved to Patterson around 1970. We lived there for about 5 years. Even then, it was a very different city than the one my grandmother told me about, very poor and deteriorating, even more so today. It's so sad to see the decline. I had a lot of family that lived there then and it was rough. My father's cousin was a cop there and did he have stories! This video tried to spin it as a city being revived, but it seems to me that this is an optimistic view. I wish it were true and hope that someday Patterson can become a beautiful, vibrant city again!

[@toonchi3357]

Ive been living in paterson my entire life 26 years, and didnt learn about the history of my home town till now thank you for this video i really wish i had a time machine because the future sucks

[@barrieraraul]

I grew up in Paterson. Lived there 28 years. I still loved the city where I learned about my faith, learned to love it, and received a good education that has served me for 69 years. I know there are now new immigrants that have also learned to love Paterson. It is my hope that they will find a way to revitalize it and bring great dignity to it.

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

I was born and raised in the Italian, 'Riverside' area. I'm half Italian and half Polish. My Italian grand parents came to the USA in 1907, settled in Paterson, and started a business in 1918, Joseph Maiella and Sons Inc., that existed for 95 years. My Polish Great grand parents arrived in Paterson, 1890. With my 3 year old grand father. Who was raised in the Mulberry/Fair Sts. area. My American/Polish grand mother was born on Mill St. in 1884. Of Polish immigrant parents. Yes, it is heart breaking to see what has become of what was and is a historic city. I attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church and school. Established 1882, by Belgians. And St, John the Baptist Cathedral High School. Established 1840s by primarily the Irish immigrants. It is sad to see that so many of the people in Paterson today, don't really care about the rich history and culture that used to permeate that city. All brought to the City of Paterson by , immigrants !

[@mohammedcohen]

...I agree my friend...I went to Seton Hall on Ellison St behind City Hall from Sep ''67 to May '71...so sad to see the old churches and neighborhoods in the sorry state of decay- it was getting bad in the 60s & 70s - I haven't been back sine then but can only imagine how the decay has spread & worsened

[@SilkCityOG]

I love my city! Silk City, P Town or whatever name they have for it,this will always be my city!

[@suzannecaci8635]

Absolutely wonderful presentation, thank you Gratitude to the all Much love to everyone everywhere 😁🤗💜🌌✨🎇🎇🎇😇

[@SilkCityOG]

That was PS 28 at the end! I went there back in the late 70s

[@green_black998]

Very nice historical of my Paterson

[@jimmya3794]

Very well done. Too bad history today is being lost.

[@jholla]

great video!

[@kerrylthompson29]

Is there a link or site where these pictures can be viewed in detail?

[@OffGridretreat]

They showed my street but not our house lol I guess my father was rebuilding the porch next to the White House on the left sad it wasn’t shown .. still there .. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@moboutmen]

Cue Springsteen's "My Hometown".

[@elaynekatz2684]

made me home sick i remember so much

[@dizzyknutsak9462]

RIP Paterson

[@jdee3421]

12:17 - *Hinchliffe

[@rustynail6819]

Paterson, a portrait of political corruption

[@geraldobrien7323]

It eventually turned into crackpipes and needles.

[@geraldobrien7323]

@@user-aReJjW196 You obviously inhabit a world where everyone is a victim, and no one is to blame for their decisions in life. That’s the problem with Paterson and other places like it. Too many people don’t want to take personal responsibility for themselves and their surroundings, and the people who are responsible make excuses for the other half, starting their sentences with “you need to understand”.

[@SilkCityOG]

Don't forget corrupt cops and city officials...

[@bigstuff52]

@@geraldobrien7323 Got the white man's burden eh Jerry?

[@geraldobrien7323]

@@bigstuff52 White man’s burden means I’m somehow responsible for other people and they’re decisions in life. That’s exactly the opposite of what I just said above.