Located in central Bergen County, the vibrant borough of Paramus
has been home to many people and cultures. Today, this suburb of New York City is a nationally distinguished shopping destination, but less than a century ago, it was almost entirely farmland. The Sprout Brook, which still runs alongside Route 17, divided the area into two distinct farming regions, one of which was responsible for the town's reputation as "the Celery Capital of the World." In 1922, Paramus branched off from Midland Township, transforming into its own prosperous community. An attraction at that time was the Bergen Pines Hospital, which initially put the town on the map. Other local attractions included the Arcola Amusement Park, eventually lost to a fire, as well as Paramus Lanes and the Paramus Skating Rink. In 1957, the Garden State Plaza opened, and by 1961, it had become one of the largest shopping malls in the country. Paramus showcases the rich community heritage of this Bergen County borough.