Two questions I keep forgetting to ask, where exactly is Moe mountain, and is it named after Moe Howard?
The Long story:
Greenwood Lake and West Milford News July 29, 1998
By JENNIE SWEETMAN
West Milford Township Is comprised of many small localities, each of which boasts its own unique past. One of these localities, Moe, once sat atop what we now call Moe Mountain. between Warwick and West Milford, near what Is now known as Clinton Rd.
Between 1828 and 1880, area maps depicted Moe as Greenwoods. It was also referred to as Center Milford. But the arrival of Ira Moe and his wife, Drucilla Blythe (Posh) Mack Moe. soon changed that.
Mrs. Moe and her first husband, Joseph H. (Rash) Mack came to the Greenwood Mountains, where he passed away. In 1893. The following year, she married Ira W. Moe and on Jan. 8. 1896 the Moe Post Office was established, with Drucilla Moe as postmistress. The event apparently led to the name change.
The establishment of the post office was followed, In 1903, by the construction of The Horseshoe Log Tavern in what was then known as Moe. NJ. The land was purchased from John Mabee. In addition to the tavern and post office, the log building also served as a stage coach stop and was a tourist attraction. Despite the long steep trek up what was then referred to as Hog Back Mountain, many tourists walked from the boats on Greenwood Lake to visit the tavern, where they were reportedly not only well fed but entertained as well.
One of the unique aspects of the tavern was Its hand-carved door. Decorative scrolling circled various messages such as Ira W. Moe 1903,’ log Tavern,’ The Latch Chain is Out, Pull it,’ Rules - Call Freely, Drink Heartily. Pay Honestly, Part Quietly.’
Upon entering the tavern located on the top of the mountain in the vicinity of the present-day Mount Laurel Club, visitors could view mementoes from around the world. Moe. known for his ingenuity, had many trick lights and other novelties of his own on display.
Not to be outdone by her husband, Drucilla Moe entertained her guests with stories of her past life. She had many stories to tell. Her first husband, who had been active in the circus and theatrical world, not only joined the management of the Barnum and Bailey Circus but, for a short period of time, owned a 1/16th interest In It. Mrs. Moe, an extraordinarily talented person, was an expert hunter, horseback rider, musician and artist.
Mr. Moe on the other hand, in addition to the tavern, was well-known for his wild cherry tonic, He owned a team of white horses which pulled a yellow wagon advertising his home-brew.
Moe apparently had a fiery temperament, which was illustrated by on incident involving his team of horses and on unsuspecting motorist. For about 30 years after the Incident, old timers recalled that innkeeper Ira Moe once drew his pistol, pointed it at a summer resident and staying in Warwick and compelled the man to stop his automobile and get off the rood so that Moe could drive post with his spirited team of horses.
While it’s difficult to imagine stage coaches lumbering through the area In the 20th century. the stage coach was still in operation as late as Aug. 2. 1911 On that date a news article reported that Herman Paddock, one of our popular boys who drives a stage coach between Greenwood Lake and Wawayanda killed a large rattler with 10 rattles near Moe last week.’
Incidentally, at that time a toll road was in operation from the Warwick Turnpike to Wawayanda, which was located a short distance from the present entrance road to Wawayanda State Park.
Moe had its moment in the sun, or at least in the spotlight, in 1916 when Lionel Barrymore starred in the movie Dorians Divorce ,which was shot in and around the Horse Shoe Log Cabin.
Drucilla Moe passed away on January 12, 1916, at the age of 57. The funeral services were held at her home. Her remains were transported to the Warwick Cemetery with the yellow wagon serving as the funeral hearse.
Following her demise, Ira Moe served as postmaster, until the Moe post office officially closed on Dec. 15, 1921,Just prior to his death on April 29,1921 ,Moe was held up twice. On April 20,1921 news article reported a Daring holdup at the Ira W. Moe home. The article noted that Moe’s wild cherry, which was famous before prohibition, and other wines and Liquors, were reported stolen by four masked thieves who also took stamps and a typewriter from the little post office.
Moe was 60 when he died. His obituary noted that Moe’s tavern had been looted by highwaymen.
On April 11,1928 a news article reported that Moe’s Place changed hands, having been sold to a country club. Moe’s Place was eventually demolished and today the site boasts a modern home. But while the famed Horse Shoe Log Cabin at Moe, NJ, Is gone, the name Moe lingers. some photos
