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Let's Explore
Craftsman Farms
The Gustav Stickley Museum
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
2352 Route 10 West #5
Morris Plains, NJ 70950
973-540-2265
www.stickleymuseum.org
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During the Victorian era there were many design "styles" being introduced into the population.
There were many people who wanted a more clean and less cluttered style. The Arts and Crafts movement was emerging. One of the best known people of the time was Gustav Stickley.
Gustav Stickley was best known for his work as a furniture designer and manufacturer, but also was an architect, publisher, philosopher and social critic.
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We received a wonderful and very interesting tour of the "Gustav Stickley Museum" property, which is currently 31 acres, and feel it would be very enjoyable for the entire family to visit. We were impressed with beautiful and simple style of the furniture that could adapt easily to our current style of today. Stickley incorporated his furniture along with a lighter style willow furniture in the living areas to give it a great "mix and match" look. He also used a unique treatment to some of his walls in the home, rice paper which gave the rooms a more lighter feel. Everything made sense to incorporate a natural feel through the home bringing a feel of nature indoors, but also be sturdy enough in design to hold up through many years of use. Let us now explore why this "Craftsman Farm" was constructed and give you a little look inside Gustav Stickley's "Garden of Eden".
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In 1908 Mr. Stickley had a vision of starting a farm school for boys. He would refer to it as his "Garden of Eden". He started to buy the property in Parsippany-Troy Hills area of New Jersey. This property was to be known as "Craftsman Farms". A large log house, which was to be the club house was constructed, which would be the focal point of his vision. The log house was constructed of logs and local stone which was found on the property. This house was a gathering place for workers, students and guests. In the kitchen meals could be prepared for 100 people.
Actually, a separate home for the Stickley family was planned to be built further up the hill from the club house but the school's opening was delayed and the club house had to be modified to be used by the Stickley family.
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On the property there are several buildings including craft workshops, stables, dairy barn, chicken coop, other farm buildings and three cottage dwellings.
However in 1915 Stickley declared bankruptcy and had to sell the property, and his dream of the "Garden of Eden" was never fulfilled.
The "Gustav Stickley Museum" is an important part of design history and we are very fortunate that it has become a National Historic Landmark which will be enjoyed for many generations to come.
Also, there is Gift Shop in the museum which we know you will enjoy and bring home a little treasure for your home.
We would like to thank Tracy F. Sayles for a very enjoyable and fascinating tour of this unique piece of history. We would also like to thank Beth Ann McPherson and Nancy Willians for their assistance in getting this article created.
The Museum is open April through November 15.
Happy Exploring!
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