70-Year-Old Clippings of Fair Lawn's Original 'Cutters' Emerge
A series of old newspaper clippings and photographs provided by Glen Van Olden, the nephew of "Cutters" namesake Jack Van Olden, document the team's inaugural season.
This October marks the 70th anniversary of the fateful day a half-dozen Fair Lawn High School football players were punished for skipping class to catch a double billing of Holy Matrimony and the 7th Victim at Paterson's Rivoli Theater. Their return to the field in the second half of a game against Leonia that Fair Lawn came from behind to win inspired the school's nickname. Glen Van Olden, the nephew of one of those original "Cutters," provided some photographs and clips from the Paterson Evening News detailing the team's inaugural season in 1943. -- Follow Fair Lawn-Saddle Brook Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to receive our daily newsletter in your inbox each morning
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Glen Van Olden
7:54 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013
The "lawn mowing" did have something to do with the name of the town. With many large lots and several mansions owned by Paterson silk & dye company owners these properties were manicured with nice landscaping, unlike most properties at the turn or the Century. Those asking directions for stops along the trolly & train rails were told to "Stop at the fair lawns" then head west to Paterson. more ›