This Day in History: 1949-08-19
Mahwah was the site of a cow hunt lasting two days. It ended with the killing of the animal by Charles Morris. Martin Cook reported that one of his cows had escaped and might be dangerous to children. Cook had a herd at the dairy barn once owned by Albert Winter on Rt. 17. Sgt. Edmund Wickham patrolled the streets of Mahwah for two days, spurred on by reports from various citizens who had seen the beast. Police officials finally determined that she hid out in Ash’s wood in Cragmere during the day, only venturing out at night to graze. Finally Wickham organized a posse consisting of Frank Dator at the wheel, he with a powerful light, and Morris with his rifle. A report that the cow had been seen near the corner of Miller and Alcott Roads led them to concentrate in that area. Finally they found her and were able to get close enough for Morris to finish her off with four shots from his 30 30. The cow was reported to be able to run like a deer and the police were afraid that she might attract a child. Some wondered if there wasn’t some way to capture her peacefully. (Bristow)