An area in Morristown, New Jersey lays a patch of land filled with History and Lore that it was dubbed America's first Historical Park. It draws interest to Historians, Tourists and Curious Minds from all over the Globe.
The "Wick House" built between 1747 and 1750 by Henry Wick who was a prosperous operator of his 1,400 acre Farm. The Wick House is an example of the "Integral Lean-To" style architecture of New England. Starting as a simple box or rectangle with a fireplace and chimney constructed on one wall in the center of the house. It is estimated that the chimney was replaced around 1848 as evidence of a date stamped on an oven door. The house is only one floor with a steep narrow staircase leading to an attic. The house was completely restored to it's near original condition in 1934 where it's continuously maintained today.
The story repeats itself over and over with variations about Tempe "Temperance" Wick, Henry's Daughter who was Spirited, Brave and Fearless and always rode her beautiful Horse Colonel thought the wooded and scenic Wick Farm land. Lots of areas to explore and consume Mother Nature at her best along with her worse.
On one particular day while Tempe and Colonel were exploring, they ran into a group of Pennsylvania Mutineers who allegedly tried to seize Tempe's Horse. The Mutineers surrounded Tempe and Colonel slowly closing in until Tempe realized what was going on and knew she was in danger. She was certain this was the case when one of the Mutineers grabbed Colonel's Bridle. Without hesitation Tempe slapped Colonel on the rump and they dauntlessly galloped away. The Mutineers chased on foot a short distance and shot at Tempe to no avail of harming her nor her gallant Horse Colonel.
Once Tempe was home she knew that the Pennsylvania Mutineers had a good idea of where she lived. She suspected they were on their way and to arrive in just a matter of time to apprehend Colonel. Logic would lead them to the barn, but Tempe though young yet very cunning, led Colonel into the house and grappled him up the narrow stairs into the attic. She had the gut sense that no one would ever suspect a full grown Horse stowed away in such small quarters. The legend says that Colonel stayed in the attic for several months before retreating back down and with the many times the Mutineers searched the grounds and barn, they never once thought to look in the attic of the Wick House.
The Wick Farm
A 1,400 acre bounty enriched with typical Crops and Orchids from the area of New Jersey. Wheat, Corn, Rye, Hay and Timber along with Orchids of Apples for making Cider as well as a Herb and Vegetable garden just outside the house.
The Wick's Barn
