Beyond the Malls: Discovering the Real History of Paramus and Its Neighboring Towns
Beyond the Malls: Discovering the Real History of Paramus and Its Neighboring Towns When most people hear the name Paramus, a single image often comes to mind—rows of bustling shopping malls, crowded parking lots, and a retail scene that rivals some of the biggest commercial hubs in the United States. For decades, Paramus has been widely recognized as a shopping paradise on the East Coast, attracting visitors not only from nearby towns but also from across state lines. Its reputation is so strong that even people far from New Jersey often associate the town immediately with retail and commerce. However, this modern identity tells only part of the story. Beneath the layers of commercial development lies a rich and fascinating history that paints a very different picture of Paramus. Long before it became a shopping destination, the area was known for its fertile farmland and natural abundance. The name “Paramus” itself originates from the Lenni Lenape word Perampsus , which transla...