This Day in History: 1954-06-12

The lawn of the manse of the Ramapo Reformed Church was the site of a special party given by Mrs. Howard E. Friebely and Rev. Richard M. Suffern in honor of their father Dr. Edward Russell Suffern’s 50th year in dentistry. Many of his friends and patients from Rockland County and northern Bergen attended and presented him with gifts and good wishes. Dr. Suffern was a fifth generation descendent from John Suffern the tavern keeper, industrialist, and public official after whom the village of Suffern is named. John Suffern was the first Rockland County Judge and a New York State Assemblyman and State Senator. Dr. Suffern was educated at the Paterson Classical and Scientific School and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry, from which he was graduated in 1903. He married Ida Else Munn of Newark in 1911. She was a 1902 graduate of Cornell University. Dr. Suffern was closely involved in youth work for many years especially with the WMCA and local churches. When asked whether he was going to retire he answered “I have no thought of discontinuing”. (Bristow)