History of Ramrock: Ch. 1
4

Chapter 1
How Ramrock Began

European settlers began arriving in Ramford County in the 1700s and by the late 1800s the population that would become Ramrock was about 800, all living on farms.

The incorporation of the Town of Ramrock occurred when the leading citizens were told by the governing body in Ridgepark that all rural schools would be replaced by a new school in Ridgepark costing $50,000. The residents were upset over the cost of the new central school and the fact that their children would have to walk over 5 miles one way over largely unpaved roads to access the school. In addition Ramrock's small School #22 was already serving their needs.

Residents organized several meetings and learned that Ridgepark was about to incorporate into a town that would include them. They circulated a petition and hired a surveyor to determine the preferences of the landowners on the border of Ridgepark. The resulting map and petition were completed and filed in the city of Ramford only a few hours before Ridgepark's filing.

The new town was incorporated in 1894. The vote was 94 for and 2 opposed. The two opposition votes were cast because the residents feared that a unanimous vote might not be considered legal.

Taxes were assessed the next year - $3006 were collected.

A serious threat to Ramrock happened in 1910 when the Hodger farm was scheduled for development. The developers, Mr. Howard and Mr. Laklife spoke despairingly about Ramrock and demanded that their development be annexed by Ridgepark. A bill was proposed to enact the annexation in the State Senate by Senator Bigham a prominent resident of Ridgepark.  The opposition leader asked for an amendment allowing the citizens of Ramrock to vote, and when it was denied, approached the Governor directly. The Governor intervened, the bill was presented with the amendment allowing the vote. The bill failed by 15 votes and Ramrock remained intact.



 

 

 


Copyright © 2000 TIES Ramapo College, NJ

Last Update: 07/02/04 06:35:32 PM