1950’s and 1960’s – Continued Growth

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the company prospered and continued to grow. As neighboring Paterson began to suffer an economic downturn and the textile mills began closing, the business shifted more and more to homeowners and contractors. Over time, the company’s focus and direction would shift more towards the professional contractor.

In the early 1960’s, Nick H. served on the Fair Lawn Planning Board for 3 years. From the mid 1970’s until 1992, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Fair Lawn Building and Loan Association, which became Columbia Savings and Loan. Today he is a Board Member Emeritus of what is now known as Columbia Bank. He served as the fourth President of The Kuiken Brothers Company, succeeding Richard R. Sr. Additionally; Nick H. was a charter member of the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serving for nearly 20 years.

Both Richard and Edward were volunteer firemen with Fair Lawn Fire Company Number One, each for nearly 17 years.

In the late 1960’s, Evan became the third Kuiken involved with banking when he helped found the Fair Lawn State Bank (now Valley National Bank). He became the fifth President of The Kuiken Brothers Company; succeeding Nicholas H. Evan is a past President of the Fair Lawn Rotary, district 7490. In June of 1997, he received from Rotary the Walter D. Head Foundation Award for “Service Above Self. ” He celebrated nearly 30 years of perfect attendance with the Rotary. Additionally, Evan served as Commander of the American Legion Post 171 in Fair Lawn. All four US-born Kuikens are members of American Legion Post 171. Richard has celebrated 56 years, Edward 52, Evan 51 and Nicholas 50.

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