Nude Tractor Sky Farm Archives Mr Local History Project
NOTE: As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and receive photos from our community. We will continue to expand this piece as information becomes available.
The Sky Farm Music & Arts festival is going to be one of the largest events Sky Farm has ever held. Several bands and performers will be on hand to provide live music throughout the day. A variety of artists will showcase their creative side, and, of course, there will be plenty of food. If you are invited to join us, you will also enjoy the regular benefits of the Farm, including the pool, sunning lawns, tennis courts, hot tub, and more. For more info and an invitation – Click Here
“I will go to the bank by the wood and become undisguised and naked; I am mad for it to be in contact with me.”
Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
In 1932, the American League for Physical Culture (ALPC), under the guidance of Kurt Barthel, set up a little-known community in the Liberty Corner section of Basking Ridge. A “summer camp” for families, local residents, and those from nearby states, who spent their summers at ALPC, with the mothers and children residing there full-time and the husbands arriving by train from New York City on weekends.
Members set up tents on platforms, which later became cottages. The original cottages had no running water or electricity, and the residents—for the most part—chose to wear no clothing!
Yes, the American League for Physical Culture—now known as Sky Farm—is what’s commonly referred to as a “nudist park” or a “clothing-optional club.” Sky Farm residents prefer to be called “nudists” or “naturists.” “We’re just like everyone else,” says Sky Farm Historian J. “However, we feel that nudism is healthier, both mentally and physically.”
In the 1930s, activities for physical fitness were encouraged, with mandatory morning exercise. “If you missed the morning exercise, and someone saw you later in the day, you’d be greeted with a chastising ‘Good Morning!’” commented J. People were reminded to maintain good posture and stay fit.
Now in its 88th year, Sky Farm is the oldest clothing-optional park in the United States, still operating in its original location. Situated on approximately 35 acres, Sky Farm accommodations include 57 cabins or cottages, additional tent platforms for camping, a couple of other camping sites, and a lodge for guests.
Some residents own cottages. The cottages do not have bathrooms, but three bathhouses are situated throughout the property. A year-round caretaker lives on the grounds.
One former Sky Farm caretaker was Charles Webb, author of The Graduate, a novel made into the well-known movie of the same name, starring Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross. Tuesdays are reserved for visits from vendors and repair persons; members, knowing this, can choose to adjust their attire accordingly on those days.
After a probationary period of at least one year, members become full members of the co-op, with each member owning a portion of the property. Members are expected to contribute to the overall maintenance of the facilities, whether by digging a post hole or supporting the social committee. Sky Farm members participate in various activities, including communal dinners, dances, gardening, sports, and other outdoor events, and have even hosted a “Nude Olympics.” As you may recall, the original Olympics were performed in the nude.
Members feel free and relaxed at Sky Farm: all “baggage”—including clothing—is left behind as they enter the gates. That sense of freedom is especially important to members who feel that wearing clothing can turn people into something they’re not; “Everyone at Sky Farm—plumber, lawyer, stay-at-home parent—is on the same plane.” J adds, “Without clothes to hide behind, people can stop playing games and be themselves.”
One area to stress, commented several Sky Farm members, is that Sky Farm—and other similar naturist clubs—are NOT “sex clubs.” The area and activities are very family-oriented. Some of the adults, still members of Sky Farm, stayed there with their families as children and have fond memories. According to May Frank in Nudism Comes to America (Frances & Mason Merrill, 1932), “The prurient won’t get a kick out of these unself-conscious naked ones playing handball, swimming, taking exercises, for pornography depends on suggestiveness.”
Sky Farm is open by appointment for visitors who are considering membership. Members can stay at the lodge and experience the clothing-optional lifestyle, relaxing in the spa or heated pool daily and stargazing at night.
Sky Farm has been affected just like any other organization in the world. Many would say even more so. Our discussions with members highlighted that the Bernards Township Board of Health plays a crucial role in ensuring Sky Farms meets the same high standards as other businesses in the township, including maintaining water quality, pool safety, and food handling practices, among others.
We leave you with the research we found while working on this piece about Skyfarm and Nudestock. In this interview, we found Foreigner playing at Nudestock in 1995 (Kansas also performed). They weren’t informed about the audience until they took the stage. Lou Gramm, an American rock singer-songwriter best known for being the original lead singer of the rock band Foreigner, is interviewed throughout. Turtle Lake Resort, Union City, MI, USA on August 11, 1995. Go figure. History nonetheless.
The local Bernardsville News’ own Jake Perry and Debbie Weisman also visited for the 75th Anniversary and wrote about it. Check out the article (Click Here)
We know there are stories out there. Share yours below in the Comments Section.
Original Post: 2000
Updated: May 21, 2025
