America's First and Finest Naturist Community
Originally founded as the American League for Physical Culture, what we
know now as Sky Farm began in 1929 at a meeting in the Michelob Café on 28th
Street in New York City. The first brochure issued by the League proclaimed
on the cover: “An Invitation to Come Into the Sunlight.” Sky Farm bears the
distinction of being the first nudist group in the United States to operate
continuously in the same location.
The first organized events of indoor exercising and swimming took place in a rented gymnasium in New York City, leading to the arrest and subsequent acquittal of our founding members in 1931. While continuing to rent the gymnasium during the winter, the founders also rented properties in Spring Valley, NY and later in Ironia, NJ, before purchasing the property for Sky Farm in Liberty Corner, NJ, and in 1932 for $3,440.
Since acquiring the property in 1932, Sky Farm has functioned as a
member-owned cooperative. Located on the property are approximately 60
cottages which mostly began as tent platforms from the ‘30s and ‘40s. A
dormitory (now known as Sky Farm Lodge) provided overnight accommodations
for members who traveled mostly by train to the Farm.
Back in the 1930s, meals were prepared and served by Leni and Bill Meyer for
$1 a day in what is now the kitchen portion of our Clubhouse. The Meyers
bought locally produced provisions, such as milk, ice and chickens, to
develop personal business relationships with merchants. And remember – there
was no electricity on the Farm in those days.
One of the first projects to be undertaken was the hand-digging of the
original pool in 1933, which was fed from the creek. Over the years, a wide
variety of improvements have been added – the Recreation Hall, a heated
swimming pool, miniten and petanque courts, nature trail, spa and sauna. The
Sky Farm Historical Society was formed in the mid 90s to preserve various
documents, photographs and memorabilia that outline the development of our
organization.
Sky Farm is open 365 days a year. Besides enjoying the facilities during the
warm weather, many members come out during the winter months to walk around
the property, use the sauna and enjoy the tranquility that our setting
provides. We hope you will enjoy your visit to Sky Farm.