The community began in the 1840s as the brainchild of David Felt, a successful New York printer and Unitarian, with entrepreneurial and utopian ideals influenced by social movements based on Christian theology and political theories of the American industrial revolution.

During the mid-19th century, Felt's village was a bustling company town focused on the manufacture of paper. It hosted a post office, a church/store, a school and a large four-story book and paper factory powered by a water wheel. In 1864 the community was purchased by Samuel Townshend, the "sarsaparilla king" who invented and manufactured a variety of "cures." He attempted a range of industries at Feltville, but was forced into bankruptcy in the 1870s.

Near the end of the 19th century the town became a resort, Glenside Park, catering to New York City's upper and middle classes. Glenside Park operated successfully until about 1916. Improved transportation networks early in the 20th century drew vacationers further away and the town was again deserted.

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