When we think of movies, we usually think of Hollywood in LA, right? But the real 'original hotspot' of the American film industry was actually New Jersey.

Before Hollywood rose to fame, Fort Lee, right next to Palisades Park, was the birthplace of the silver screen.

As a result, artists naturally gathered in the neighboring Palisades Park.

Among them, the most prominent family is the Bennett family.

The legendary actress Joan Bennett, who dominated the era of black-and-white films, and her sister, the dancer Barbara Bennett, who swept the stage, both made their mark in Palisades Park.

Students enjoying tteokbokki on Broad Avenue today might not imagine that 100 years ago, that very street was a hot spot where Hollywood stars held script readings! Isn't that fascinating?

Was it only the entertainment industry that was hot? In politics, Palisades Park's presence becomes even more significant. People from this small town had a major influence throughout New Jersey.

John J. Dickerson: He served as the mayor of Palisades Park from 1939 to 1952, and he wasn't just any local mayor. He was the chair of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, commanding respect across the state.

William J. Dorgan: An elite politician who served as the mayor of Palisades Park in the 1960s, he went on to hold high positions in Bergen County (Freeholder Director) and served as a New Jersey State Assemblyman.

Don Guardian: For those asking, "What about current figures?" let me introduce you to this politician, who has been actively serving as a New Jersey State Assemblyman since 2022 and has a deep connection to Palisades Park.

At this point, can you feel that Palisades Park is not just a quiet suburban town, but one of the elite paths in New Jersey politics?

Of course, the Palisades Park of the past, when these historical figures were active, is completely different from today's Palisades Park. Now, it is the undeniable hub of the Korean community in the U.S., with the highest concentration of Koreans.

Perhaps a student working on assignments in a café in Palisades Park today could become the future governor of New Jersey or a Hollywood star.