Funny name – – why’d you call it that?

Hi, there! Nan here. I grew up in Paramus, NJ. The story we were told back then was that “Paramus” came from a Leni Lenape word meaning “Land of the Wild Turkeys.” That always fascinated me because I never saw a wild turkey, except for a statue that was in one of our many shopping malls!

Fast forward – – I now live in Wyckoff, not far from Paramus. Several years ago, I discovered there were wild turkeys living in the nature preserve nearby! I was amazed. Seeing them strut around and raise their babies made my heart smile! For a few years, they actually would walk with their young ones down our street and into our yard! I always looked forward to seeing them each day.

One evening, as it was getting dark, I happened to look out the front window and saw about 8 of them on our front lawn under our oak tree. Cool. All of a sudden, one flew right up and perched on a branch!

Whaaaaaat?? It never occurred to me that they could fly, much less perch in a tree! Then the rest of the group flew up all at once and perched in the branches. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I watched until darkness made it impossible to see them anymore.

Well…they never did that again. And a few years ago the flock was removed from the park because they had become a little too aggressive and territorial.

I miss seeing them. But I never forgot them and how they surprised and delighted me. So I decided to call my little shop the Wild Turkey Tree Shop because I hope to surprise and delight you with the unexpected treasures you’ll find here.