Historical Society of Watertown The Shick House used to stand on land on Grove Street, and will be commemorated at a ceremony on June 26.
The following information was provided by the Historical Society of Watertown:
On Sunday, June 26, 2022 the Historical Society of Watertown will hold a public unveiling of an interpretive marker adjacent to the site of the Shick Farm at 183 Grove St. in Watertown.
Jacob and Mary Shick purchased this farm in 1914 and operated a dairy here and grew the business until their 200 cows required larger acreage in Wayland.
“They were the archetypical immigrant success story,” says Historical Society board member Bob Bloomberg, “backbreakingly hard workers, with a fierce determination to succeed, and a willingness to take chances. Members of the family continued to live in the Italianate mansion on the site until 2002. The family was an integral part of the ethnic and religious diversity of the town.”
The marker, generously donated by the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, summarizes the story of the house, and also includes vintage photos of the Shicks, as well as of their 1850s Italianate house in its glory days.
“Originally a country estate stocked with prize-winning horses,” says Historical Society president Marilynne Roach, “the land was originally a market garden, but for the greater part of its history the farm was the thriving Shick Dairy.”
The public is welcome to attend the unveiling of the marker at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the edge of Filippello Park on Grove St. in Watertown, next to the site of the former Shick House. For more information contact Bob Bloomberg at rpbrpb2012@gmail.com.