Wick House - Jockey Hollow

As the story goes, Tempe Wick was out riding her horse one winter day, when some colonial soldiers spotted her. They took up the chase, hoping to take her horse from her and save themselves from having to walk. She rode quickly to this house, where she took the horse into the guest bedroom. There the horse stayed until the soldiers left. They never thought to look inside the house, and I would guess that a horse never had so nice a stable as was provided by her.

This house is a fine example of our state park system at work. Many sites on the web have some shots of the home, but none are as extensive as I offer here.

By early standards, this is a large home, however, by our standards, it is quite small. I found it interesting that just when you think you have seen it all, you go through another door into another room. It is very well laid out. Before you know it, you are back out in the kitchen again. This house will be very fascinating for your children as well.

The home was occupied until the 1930's when the park system purchased it. The floors have been replaced because the original ones had been worn too thin for safety, but the one in the house now has the look and feel of the original. I marveled at how organized and functional the home felt.

I especially want to thank Kevin Hanlon (the curator of the home) for his hospitality, and for affording us a private tour. We caught him mending a shutter, and he was kind enough to show us around. I encourage anyone who wants to really learn about the house to stop by and listen to his stories. He has a talent for bringing the era to life.

Oh yes, one more thing. Watch out for the cat. It loves to climb up on your shoulder and make itself comfortable.