Know Your Neighborhood: Tyler Park
I usually catch a lot of guff from downtown residents that claim their part of North Bergen is often over looked. Today I change that by taking a look at the historic Tyler Park section, a long forgotten neighborhood with a rich history. The area known as Tyler Park is the southern most section of town, starting it's northern boarder on 14th Street and extending south to Secaucus Road, the boarder with Jersey City and bound by Kennedy Boulevard and Tonnelle Avenue. But where does the name come from? And more importantly when did we stop calling that neighborhood Tyler Park?
Tyler Park circa 1873
Atlas of the State of New Jersey and the County of Hudson
G. M. Hopkins & Co.
The name Tyler Park originates directly from the man who laid out the streets, Phineas L. Tyler. Tyler was a land developer and entrepreneur from Red Hook, New York. He was most likely drawn to Hudson County as many other were during the post Civil War era...cheap land. Tyler Park may be named for Mr. Tyler but he did not work alone, he partnered in this suburban development with Mr. Charles Gobisch. Gobisch was a founding member of the Hudson City Savings Bank which was the most respected financial institution in the county during its time of operation. Regardless, it is not odd that Mr. Tyler and Mr. Gobisch would cross paths, both were active members in the Hudson County Real Estate Association, and eventually worked together in creating the new neighborhood. However, according to records, even though the neighborhood bears Tyler's name it was Gobisch who actually lived there and oversaw the development, division and sale of property during Tyler Park's formation.
September 3, 1870 Evening Journal
Courtesy of the Jersey Journal Archive
The original streets laid out by Tyler and Gorbisch have only changed by name since the 1870s. Together the two developers laid out the following streets:
Original Present
Petersen Street - Secaucus Road
Hoboken Steeet - 6th Street
DeMott Street - 7th Street
Courtland Street - 8th Street
Gillies Street - 9th Street
Hamblet Street - 10th Street
Adelina Place - 11th Street
Browning Street - 12th Street
Hill Street - 13th Street
Traphagen Street - 14th Street
They also laid out Columbia Avenue which still retains the name. Germania Avenue with was changed to Liberty Avenue during World War I. As well as the original Tonnelle Avenue which was replaced by present day Tonnelle Avenue. Since it original layout, Bove Terrace was added, 6th and 7th Streets were extended, Tonnelle Avenue expanded, but two streets were completely removed. Prior to the reconstruction of Tonnelle Avenue you could take Tyler or Gorbisch Place straight across the train tracks to Seacacus Road. When the state expanded Route 1 and 9 these "shortcuts" were removed, and the last remaining vestiges of Tyler Park were gone.
Jefferson School circa 1910
11th Street
Present day site of Kennedy School
Courtesy of Lenny DiBrango
Pioneer Firehouse circa 1920
Present day 1110 14th Street
Courtesy of Lenny DiBrango
Now the goal of this series is to expand our knowledge of a neighborhoods history and Tyler Park has plenty of that. However, recently there has been one resident of Tyler Park brought to my attention that needed to be recognized. An athlete that may be North Bergen's greatest athlete. Now I know what your thinking, that is a bold statement to make. Each and every North Bergener can name an athlete that defines North Bergen sports to them. However, the achievements that have define sports in this town were set by this young man in the 1930s. However, the name Albert Blozis doesn't remind residents of sports greatness as most have never heard of him or his natural abilities. A true athlete, and though not born in North Bergen he called it home from a very young age until his untimely death defending the world against tyranny.
Courtesy of the New York Giants
Al Blozis was for lack of a better work, a monster. By the time he was in high school he stood a towering 6'6 and 1/2. Just for reference in 1935, when the average male height was roughly 5'7. Blozis graduated from Jefferson School, which was replaced by Kennedy School. Blozis did not attend high school in North Bergen as NBHS wasn't built until 1961. Instead the 14th Street kid was supposed to go to Emerson High School in West Hoboken (Union City). However, Blozis was recruited by the Dickinson Hilltoppers' legendary coach Charlie Witkowski. Blozis played on some legendary 1930s Dickinson teams but what makes his tenure there most interesting is that Blozis is rumored to have walked to and from school everyday, 6 miles round trip or an hour each way.
Al Blozis circa 1942
Courtesy of the New York Giants
Blozis was a star on the football field but his true talents were displayed during track and field events. Blozis held national records in both the shot put and discuss throw. His natural ability was undeniable. He played college ball, as well as continuing his successes in track and field events at Georgetown University. There he continued to dominate, setting a shot put record that stood for several decades, putting a ball nearly 56 feet! After his college career Blozis was drafted by the New York Giants in 1942. He played three years as an offensive lineman before volunteering to fight in World War II.
Al Blozis circa 1942
Courtesy of the New York Giants
Blozis was originally enlisted as a physical instructor. He trained to be an officer and set an army record throwing a hand grenade 94 yards! Originally it was his size that kept him out of combat, but Blozis persisted he do his part in defeating Hitler. He was sent to France in 1945 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After two of his men did not return from a recon mission, Blozis went to look for them. He never returned. His death was officially confirmed a short time after his disappearance and he was buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Moselle.
1946 True Comic
Complete Comic
Today the memory of Albert Blozis is long gone. The Giants retired #32 in 1945. He was immortalized as The Human Howitzer by True Comics in 1946. Throughout Hudson County there were several youth sports leagues that memorialized the Blozis name. But much like Tyler Park, the kid from 14th Street, the sports icon for his generation, slipped into the cracks of history, only to be remembered in select sports circles. Today the childhood home of Blozis, 1201 14th Street, is still resided in most likely by residents unbeknownst to the legend of Blozis or the history of Tyler Park. The neighborhood lost its identity during the 1950s as the old timers left. Today the only remnants of Tyler Park reside at 609 Kennedy Boulevard, but only in name. The Tyler Park Postal sub station is the last remaining vestige of Tyler Park.
Coach House circa 1945
The residents have come and gone, and will always continue to do so only adding to the history of Tyler Park. The landmarks from the turn of the century are gone being replaced by newer ones. Today, Coach House Dinner an iconic North Bergen eatery is a staple in the community as well as the township. A real old school deli, Leo's, still acts as a cornerstone of the neighborhood. A place where you can get "bruhzhoot" (prosciutto) with fresh "mutz" (mozzarella), roasted peppers. oil, vinegar with mayo on Italian bread, and its simply delicious. Other restaurants such as La Fusta, Tiano Lounge and Latin BBQ continue to showcase the ethnic diversity of the area. Tyler Park has changed greatly since its founding in 1870, but it would be no surprise to Phineas Tyler and Charles Gobisch to see that their park has flourished into one of North Bergen's most up and coming neighborhoods.
Sources
Tyler Park
Courtesy of the Jersey Journal Archive
The original streets laid out by Tyler and Gorbisch have only changed by name since the 1870s. Together the two developers laid out the following streets:
Original Present
Petersen Street - Secaucus Road
Hoboken Steeet - 6th Street
DeMott Street - 7th Street
Courtland Street - 8th Street
Gillies Street - 9th Street
Hamblet Street - 10th Street
Adelina Place - 11th Street
Browning Street - 12th Street
Hill Street - 13th Street
Traphagen Street - 14th Street
They also laid out Columbia Avenue which still retains the name. Germania Avenue with was changed to Liberty Avenue during World War I. As well as the original Tonnelle Avenue which was replaced by present day Tonnelle Avenue. Since it original layout, Bove Terrace was added, 6th and 7th Streets were extended, Tonnelle Avenue expanded, but two streets were completely removed. Prior to the reconstruction of Tonnelle Avenue you could take Tyler or Gorbisch Place straight across the train tracks to Seacacus Road. When the state expanded Route 1 and 9 these "shortcuts" were removed, and the last remaining vestiges of Tyler Park were gone.
11th Street
Present day site of Kennedy School
Courtesy of Lenny DiBrango
Present day 1110 14th Street
Courtesy of Lenny DiBrango
Now the goal of this series is to expand our knowledge of a neighborhoods history and Tyler Park has plenty of that. However, recently there has been one resident of Tyler Park brought to my attention that needed to be recognized. An athlete that may be North Bergen's greatest athlete. Now I know what your thinking, that is a bold statement to make. Each and every North Bergener can name an athlete that defines North Bergen sports to them. However, the achievements that have define sports in this town were set by this young man in the 1930s. However, the name Albert Blozis doesn't remind residents of sports greatness as most have never heard of him or his natural abilities. A true athlete, and though not born in North Bergen he called it home from a very young age until his untimely death defending the world against tyranny.
Al Blozis was for lack of a better work, a monster. By the time he was in high school he stood a towering 6'6 and 1/2. Just for reference in 1935, when the average male height was roughly 5'7. Blozis graduated from Jefferson School, which was replaced by Kennedy School. Blozis did not attend high school in North Bergen as NBHS wasn't built until 1961. Instead the 14th Street kid was supposed to go to Emerson High School in West Hoboken (Union City). However, Blozis was recruited by the Dickinson Hilltoppers' legendary coach Charlie Witkowski. Blozis played on some legendary 1930s Dickinson teams but what makes his tenure there most interesting is that Blozis is rumored to have walked to and from school everyday, 6 miles round trip or an hour each way.
Courtesy of the New York Giants
Blozis was a star on the football field but his true talents were displayed during track and field events. Blozis held national records in both the shot put and discuss throw. His natural ability was undeniable. He played college ball, as well as continuing his successes in track and field events at Georgetown University. There he continued to dominate, setting a shot put record that stood for several decades, putting a ball nearly 56 feet! After his college career Blozis was drafted by the New York Giants in 1942. He played three years as an offensive lineman before volunteering to fight in World War II.
Courtesy of the New York Giants
Blozis was originally enlisted as a physical instructor. He trained to be an officer and set an army record throwing a hand grenade 94 yards! Originally it was his size that kept him out of combat, but Blozis persisted he do his part in defeating Hitler. He was sent to France in 1945 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After two of his men did not return from a recon mission, Blozis went to look for them. He never returned. His death was officially confirmed a short time after his disappearance and he was buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Moselle.
Complete Comic
Today the memory of Albert Blozis is long gone. The Giants retired #32 in 1945. He was immortalized as The Human Howitzer by True Comics in 1946. Throughout Hudson County there were several youth sports leagues that memorialized the Blozis name. But much like Tyler Park, the kid from 14th Street, the sports icon for his generation, slipped into the cracks of history, only to be remembered in select sports circles. Today the childhood home of Blozis, 1201 14th Street, is still resided in most likely by residents unbeknownst to the legend of Blozis or the history of Tyler Park. The neighborhood lost its identity during the 1950s as the old timers left. Today the only remnants of Tyler Park reside at 609 Kennedy Boulevard, but only in name. The Tyler Park Postal sub station is the last remaining vestige of Tyler Park.
The residents have come and gone, and will always continue to do so only adding to the history of Tyler Park. The landmarks from the turn of the century are gone being replaced by newer ones. Today, Coach House Dinner an iconic North Bergen eatery is a staple in the community as well as the township. A real old school deli, Leo's, still acts as a cornerstone of the neighborhood. A place where you can get "bruhzhoot" (prosciutto) with fresh "mutz" (mozzarella), roasted peppers. oil, vinegar with mayo on Italian bread, and its simply delicious. Other restaurants such as La Fusta, Tiano Lounge and Latin BBQ continue to showcase the ethnic diversity of the area. Tyler Park has changed greatly since its founding in 1870, but it would be no surprise to Phineas Tyler and Charles Gobisch to see that their park has flourished into one of North Bergen's most up and coming neighborhoods.
Sources
Tyler Park
“Hudson County Real Estate Association.” The Evening Journal, 1 June 1871, pp. 1
North Bergen Locality: Why is Tyler Park Section Called That Name? (1960, September 20). The Jersey Journal [Jersey City], p. 3.
Mail For Tyler Park (1900, November 3) The Evening Journal [Jersey City], p. 5.
Al Blozis
Al Blozis. (2015, January 1). Retrieved from https://www.giants.com/news/al-blozis
Robert Mcg. Thomas Jr. (1991, January 26). Two Giants Were Heroes Far From Playing Field. The New York Times [New York City], p. 45.
FamilySearch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6SHQ-RSP?i=475&cc=1861144&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AXRT9-YJ8
HoyaSaxa.com: Georgetown Football All-Americans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hoyasaxa.com/sports/hist06.htm
North Bergen Locality: Why is Tyler Park Section Called That Name? (1960, September 20). The Jersey Journal [Jersey City], p. 3.
Mail For Tyler Park (1900, November 3) The Evening Journal [Jersey City], p. 5.
Al Blozis
Al Blozis. (2015, January 1). Retrieved from https://www.giants.com/news/al-blozis
Robert Mcg. Thomas Jr. (1991, January 26). Two Giants Were Heroes Far From Playing Field. The New York Times [New York City], p. 45.
FamilySearch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6SHQ-RSP?i=475&cc=1861144&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AXRT9-YJ8
HoyaSaxa.com: Georgetown Football All-Americans. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hoyasaxa.com/sports/hist06.htm
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