Mr. Walden was a prosperous New York merchant. While summering in the Highlands, he extended his drive with Mrs. Walden many miles further, and came upon this charming valley of the Wallkill, through which a broad stream flowed. They saw the old mill at the very foot of the cataract, and a tiny cottage in a grove of locusts further down the stream. The old merchant perceived the wonderful possibilities of this picturesque spot, and he lost no time in developing the place. He purchased large tracts of land covering the region, closed up his extensive city business and moved here. The place grew very slowly in the earlier years, even after its incorporation in 1855. Down to 1868 the population of the village did not exceed 600 souls. Of course, the manufacturing interests had not been fully developed at that time. The people were still largely employed in trades and farm work. The New York Knife Company began business in 1856 by purchasing the cloth mills of Scofield, Capron & Gowdy. [Illustration: Edward Whitehead.] There are two fine iron bridges over the Wallkill at this point, many handsome private residences on the heights on either side of the river, several busy factories, churches, schools, newspapers, numerous stores and shops of every kind, and there is a general aspect of thrill and progress all through the pretty village. Most of this growth is modern; nearly all the more substantial structures are less than forty years old. The act of incorporation was passed April 9, 1855, and the first village meeting was held the following week. Augustus F. Scofield was the first president, and continued six years. Previous to the incorporation of the village the fire company had been in existence some time. This organization was known as "The Walden Fire Incorporation," and it constituted the Fire Department of the village for years afterwards. In 1865 Daniel Torbush was the chief engineer, and in 1880, when the company was known as "Enterprise No. 1," the chief engineer was Granville Crist.