“We are delighted to honor the Willans with this well-deserved award. It can be argued that without Davey and Nancy, the museum could not have achieved it current success. Davey and Nancy have been deeply involved with the Museum since its inception more than twenty-five years ago and exemplify the spirit of the Als Ik Kan Award. Each has served ten years on the Board of Trustees, the maximum term length, and each has served as Board President. The breadth and depth of their accomplishments cannot be measured,” notes Vonda K. Givens, Executive Director of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.
Barbara Weiskittel, President of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee Raymond Stubblebine presented the award to the Willans, who received multiple standing ovations from an enthusiastic audience of friends and admirers. As part of the festivities, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio and Councilman Michael dePierro each read a Proclamation of official congratulations and thanks. In addition, Mayor Barberio presented the Willans, longtime Parsippany residents, with a key to the city.
The Founders Gala highlighted a year-long commemoration of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms’ 25th anniversary as a museum. Craftsman Farms was rescued from development in 1989 through the joint efforts of individuals, community groups, and the township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The only home designed and built by Gustav Stickley for his own use, the Log House and its 30-acre site was designated a National Historic Landmark. For more information, please visit www.stickleymuseum.org.
Photo Caption: Western Michigan University alumni Nancy and Davey Willans receive the key to the city from the Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, in recognition for their outstanding support of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, a National Historic Landmark.
Craftsman Farms, the former home of noted designer Gustav Stickley, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and is operated as The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms by The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible, in part, by a Save America’s Treasures Grant administered by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from Morris County Preservation Trust, The New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual members. The Craftsman Farms Foundation received an operating grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission. The Craftsman Farms Foundation gratefully acknowledges a grant from the New Jersey Cultural Trust. Educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Arts & Crafts Research Fund.