Gothic Revival home that stood at 666 Paramus Road

 


The Fritz Behnke Historical Museum in Paramus, NJ, maintains a Facebook page highlighting local history, including old photographs and descriptions of historic structures in the area. One relevant post from February 2022 features a Gothic Revival home that stood at 666 Paramus Road, just south of Ridgewood Avenue. This mansion, built in the post-Civil War era (after 1865), exemplified Victorian Gothic architecture with intricate details typical of the period, such as pointed arches, steep gables, and decorative trim, making it one of the finest examples in Bergen County.The property was part of the broader historical landscape of Paramus, which transitioned from farmland in the early 20th century to suburban development post-World War II. The Behnke family, for whom the museum is named, had ties to local lumber and farming operations; Fritz Behnke was born in Paramus in 1919 and farmed extensive land in the area, including near Route 17. It's possible the mansion was associated with local merchants or farmers, given the area's agricultural roots, but specific ownership records prior to the 1980s are sparse in available sources.The original mansion no longer exists; it was demolished sometime before 1983, when the current single-family home (a 2,118 sq ft structure on a 0.34-acre lot) was constructed on the site. This reflects a broader trend in Paramus during the late 20th century, where many historic buildings were razed for modern residential development amid rapid suburban growth following the opening of the George Washington Bridge and post-war booms. The property last sold in 1991 for $254,000 and is now a private residence with no public access.For more in-depth artifacts or oral histories related to this site, visiting the Fritz Behnke Historical Museum at 330 Paramus Road is recommended, as it houses exhibits on Paramus and Bergen County history, including farming, architecture, and local development.

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