“Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!”
I’ve carried this phrase with me for most of my life. It’s so pertinent to my present situation (getting old) and to the Stickley Museum’s journey.
Where has the time gone? On a personal level, I can’t believe how old I am. I’ve been blessed with, for the most part, a wonderful life. The years fly by and suddenly you’re in your twilight. But what a trip it’s been, accumulating a bank of great memories.
My Stickley Museum memories exist for more than half of my life. Being collectors of the furniture, my late wife, Cara Corbo and I read about Craftsman Farms in The Craftsman magazine. Living in northern NJ we set out to find it in the late 1970s. We broke out the old Hagstrom maps and began our search, blacking out the areas as we eliminated them. Our search was fruitless.
Shortly thereafter, Stickley Day occurred, sponsored by Morris County. Attendees were bussed to several sites including Nabisco’s corporate headquarters, which was displaying an exhibition of Stickley furniture; the Parker house, a Craftsman Home built by Stickley’s architecture firm, and finally Craftsman Farms.
Soon thereafter, The Craftsman Farms Foundation was founded, and Cara and I were on board from the start. We, and now, I, have supported the Stickley Museum for the whole ride. What a rewarding experience! I have watched with pride, as the Stickley Museum has achieved local and national accolades.
With our 35th Anniversary celebration approaching, I urge reflection of where we started, where we are today, and how we got there. As I’ve said before, “What a success story,” and “This is why I smile.”
In our past 35 years, we have made amazing strides, but we’re not done. Our campus holds so much potential. Turning the potential into reality is up to us.
I urge your support for our 35th Anniversary Celebrations. As I’m sure you know by now, you have many ways to contribute. Participate in our reopening events. Our famed Reverse Auction will have several opportunities to have your “investment doubled.” Make some purchases. Our new Craftsman Shop will be packed with great merchandise.
Our operations depend upon your generosity. My biased opinion is that we’ve done a damn good job of planning and overseeing the restorations, day-to-day operations and providing content, especially during the pandemic.
Allow us to continue our success with your support. Don’t let “time fly by,” do it now.
Looking forward to seeing you at Member Day and the Harvest Party. Let’s make this a record fundraiser to celebrate our 35 years.
So, back to the question “Where has the time gone?” I hope you share my mantra—“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
With gratitude,
Ted Lytwyn
Vice President, Board of Trustees for 6 years and Charter Member
Short Hills, NJ