Craftsman Farms facts for kids
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Craftsman Farms
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Main building in 2008
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 Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. of NJ 10 and Manor Lane, Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey |
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| Area | 33.6 acres (13.6 ha) |
| Architect | Gustav Stickley |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003730 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 10, 1989 |
| Designated NHL | December 14, 1990 |
Craftsman Farms is a special place in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. It was started in 1908 by a famous designer named Gustav Stickley. He wanted it to be a farm and a school for the Arts and Crafts movement. This was a time when people loved handmade things.
The farm was used until 1915, then it became a private home. Later, in 1989, the land was almost sold for new buildings. But the town of Parsippany-Troy Hills bought it to save it.
Today, Craftsman Farms is a museum called the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms. A group called the Craftsman Farms Foundation takes care of it. It's a great place to learn about history and design!
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What is Craftsman Farms?
Craftsman Farms is famous for its large log house, built in 1911. This house and the surrounding 26 acres (11 ha) of land are very important. They have been named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place that tells a big part of America's story.
It's also part of "Save America's Treasures." This program helps protect important historic places for everyone to enjoy.
Gustav Stickley's Big Idea
Around 1905, Gustav Stickley moved his main office to New York City. In 1908, he started buying land in Parsippany-Troy Hills. He dreamed of creating a farm school for boys there. He called his dream place a "Garden of Eden."
The main house was built using chestnut logs found right on the property. Local stones were also used. This made the house fit perfectly with nature.
The Log House Design
Stickley first planned the main house as a "club house." It was a place for workers, students, and guests to gather. The huge kitchen could make meals for 100 people!
The living and dining rooms were very long, about 50 feet (15 m). They had big copper fireplaces, making them perfect for meetings. A porch looked out over the farm, letting in light and fresh air.
The house has a "T" shape. A one-story kitchen is attached to the back. The large roof has windows called dormers. These let light and air into the bedrooms upstairs.
A Home for the Stickley Family
Gustav Stickley first planned to build a separate house for his family. But he decided to delay the school's opening. So, he changed the upstairs of the main house. It became home for his wife, Eda, their five daughters, and one son.
Life on the Farm
Stickley wanted Craftsman Farms to be self-sufficient. This means it could produce everything it needed. They grew vegetables and flowers. They had orchards, dairy cows, and chickens.
The food grown on the farm was even used in Stickley's restaurant. This restaurant was part of his furniture store in Manhattan. Stickley would travel to his New York store by train from Morris Plains.
The property also has many other buildings. These include workshops for crafts, stables, a barn for dairy cows, and a chicken coop. There were also three small cottages.
Changes Over Time
Stickley and his family lived at Craftsman Farms until 1915. He faced money problems and had to declare bankruptcy. People's tastes in furniture had changed. They no longer preferred the simple, strong style of Craftsman furniture.
In 1917, the Farny family bought the property. They lived there and owned it until 1989. The Farny family kept the farm much like Stickley had. They made some changes inside for modern family life.
When the property was in danger of being sold for 52 new townhouses, the town stepped in. With help from community groups, they bought the property. This saved Craftsman Farms for future generations.
