Gustav Stickley pioneered the American Arts and Crafts movement in the early years of the 20th century. His belief in simple design, natural materials, and careful craftsmanship is still a powerful influence in American architecture, interior design, and aesthetics. In 1908, Stickley established Craftsman Farms as a farm and school, where apprentices could study with master craftsmen. The school was designed to be completely self-sufficient and included gardens, orchards, a dairy, ice ponds, and stables. Unfortunately the school was never a financial success, and Stickley filed for bankruptcy in 1917. The Farny family owned Craftsman Farms until the township purchased it in the 1980s.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the Log House operates as a museum with guided tours, exhibits, lectures, and demonstrations.

The current grant will help fund the preparation of a Site Master Plan that will address the long-term preservation and use of other buildings on the site and make recommendations for site and accessibility improvements. Eleven buildings were constructed between 1909 and 1912, including the Log House, stables, milk house, several cottages and chicken houses that remain extent.  The site also includes landscape features and the ruins of a cow barn.

Previous Trust grants helped fund a Historic Structure Report for the Log House as well as terra cotta roof repair, restoration of interior finishes and assessment and repair of deteriorated wooden logs.

For more information, visit: www.stickleymuseum.org