Before the Ranch Arrived
Gardiner/Goertner Property
A 19th century farmhouse was greatly altered to become the HH Ranch. It had been owned by Francis J. Goertner (b. 1893) passing through several hands and was the site of a still during the prohibition. This photo dates to 1941 and was taken by Ethel Terhune Johnstone.
Harry himsel (HH) ranch
Rodeos and Upper Saddle River do not seem related, but you’d be surprised. Harry Himsel was a successful pig farmer in Secaucus, but he always wanted to be a cowboy. So he became one. He and his wife Margaret bought the 52+ acre Gardiner property on July 28, 1948 and set out to establish the first (and last) rodeo in Upper Saddle River. The circa 1902 house on the property was converted into a log cabin and they had stables as well. The arena was named after Sheriff Bob Dixon in 1951. He attended the ceremony along with the “Chuck Wagon” gang and Broncho Charley Miller, 101 years old, who was the last remaining pony express rider. The rodeo lasted through 1958. Luckily the house is still there. The surrounding land has been developed, but still bears the name Ranch Road, an eternal reminder of the former rodeo.
For numerous additional photographs of Harry Himsel, the rodeos, celebrities, maps and newspaper articles visit Barry's Double H gallery on his website.
Postcard of Margaret & Harry in buggy pulled by 'Pride' - Fall 1949. The stables in the background were part of the original home of Francis Gardiner/Goertner.
HARRY HIMSEL
This wonderful hand-tinted photo was found in the collection of the Upper Saddle River Historical Society. It probably dates to the 1920s.
Front view of the Double H Ranch house - September 1949
Harry Himsel & Ed Ewald (center/right)
Colorized photo of Harry, his wife Margaret (left in the covered wagon) & others circa 1950.
Color photo by the stables, which were part of the original home of Francis Gardiner/Goertner that was significantly altered to build the ranch.
Sheriff Bob Dixon was a highlight attraction at the Ranch.
Sheriff bob dixon
Rodeos were advertised in local papers and attracted large crowds. A highlight was when Sheriff Bob Dixon made an appearance.