~Joseph Urbans Unique Fairy Tale House Est.1928 ~ The Gingerbread Castle

What was The Fairy Tale House...Is it Still Opened? Is it Restored?  (scroll down from the lower left to read)

The walls are made of ginger-bread (your imagination tells you so), the roof of frosted sugar. Candy cane towers and cake icing turrets, animal cracker handrails and a plum pudding grille were once a thrill at the Gingerbread Castle. Its once appearance of being lifted from an Enchanted Forest where Hansel and Gretel stumbled on in an old fairy tale.

Opened in early 1930’s, The Gingerbread Castle is where dreams came to life, and Hansel and Gretel awaited to take every child and grown –up through this exciting adventure.

The Gingerbread Castle recaptured the spirit of childhood and provided all visitors, young and old, with a momentary glimpse back into an almost forgotten memories. Based on Grimm Brothers’ collection of German Folk tales published in 1812, the Gingerbread Castle featured most of the character known to children regardless of nationality or color.

Visitors were led by Hansel and Gretel through the Gingerbread castle while they recited the fairy tales connected with each display. Some of the favorites were Humpty- Dumpty perched atop his famous wall, Prince Charming astride his prancing charger, the Spitting Black Cat standing guard over the castle up high up in the turret and the Wise Old Owl watching every move with unblinking yellow eyes.

The tour led past the strange abode of the Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe, and down the dank stairs to the dungeon like cellar of the castle the Witch’s Trophy Room then up a winding staircase to the Main Hall of the castle where Hansel and Gretel pointed out the gingerbread cookies studding the walls, the peppermint sticks, and the windows composed of multi-colored candles.

Your were then directed to the little alcoves off the main hall which contained figures depicting heroines from various fairy tales. Miss Muffet’s spider suspended from a single thread from his huge web high up in the turret of the castle.

An awesome pit covered with a plum pudding grille; an evil witch astride her broom ready to flee from reproachful eyes and the witch’s evil kitchen where a big black cauldron contains the bones of the hapless children trapped in her lair and cooked alive!

Hansel and Gretel then lead you out through a narrow door into a landing high up in the battlements and down a brick stairway past animal cracker balustrades formed by elephants. A look on high you could see the black seal perched on a peppermint stick balancing a big orange ball on his nose.

The tours would lead you back over to the reception area where you could take a train ride on the grounds!

The Gingerbread Castle was truly a place where dreams came true.

How Is This One of Joseph Urbans Masterpieces? 

F.H Bennett was a boy who loved to sit on the floor at his mother’s feet and listen with wide eyed wonder at the little fairy tales she related to him.

In years gone by, Bennett never forgot the fairy tales told to him and he hoped that someday …somehow …he could build land of make believe…..

In the1920’s, He attended a stage production of Humperdinck’s famous opera, “Hansel and Gretel”.

  Inspired by the fabulous stage settings and designs, by Joseph Urban, the world renowned set designer, he conceived the idea of constructing a gingerbread castle in which figurines illustrating fairy tale characters would be displayed.

 Bennett approached Urban and two years later The Gingerbread Castle was completed at a cost of $50,000.00 and opened to the public on the grounds of the Wheatsworth Mills. One of the original Nabisco factories. Click the link to the right ,to read Time Magazines Article/Interview with Fred H. Bennett Dated Monday, July 14, 1930 -  

Scattered abroad are some of Urban's unique art, buildings, designs etc. Mr. Urban was a very talented man. Recent discovery of his Weathervane is just an example how he did not limit himself in his awesome ability to create. Most have not discovered yet, his design of the rare and unique sheet copper Weathervane with copper decorative base. His original blue prints of the "Fairy Tale House", with Mr. Urban's mark on them, are truly inspirational and surely he did not get enough recognition for the fullest of his talents. To have come over 75 years after his passing and still still discovering his works, speaks in volumes. The descriptive blue prints used to build the "Fairy Tale House" e.g The Gingerbread Castle, are as inspirational as the place once was. Joseph Urban was truly a gem and to be appreciated by architects, families and many children from around the world and many of us who have special memories of his beautiful creation . Mr. Urban has inspired and gleamed for most of his life with his influence in stage design,architecture, art and more...

Mr .Urban commissioned Prince Charming and Cinderella, pictured below as a display, after Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddie...the "Hollywood Stars of the Era"...

The Flint TIle Murals are simply beautiful. One of our favorites pictured below is the Sun. Agriculture in Egypt and Seasons of Wheat, are just as beautiful. All have their unique touch from the artists who created them.They are truly beautiful, colorful and simply the finest in ceramic tiles...

Where is The Castle Today? Is it Going to Be Restored?

Today the Gingerbread Castle is in the hands of a notorious developer in the Hamburg area. Frank lost it in foreclosure in early 2007. We know Frank's efforts were not in vain. Thank you Frank, your heart was true. Hopes are now that it is not destroyed and can live on and be restored to its intended purpose. The Gingerbread Castle is one of Josephs Urbans last projects completed before his passing. Columbia University in NYC, has a small collection of Mr. Urbans works, designs, buildings, and sketches at their facility. Very few of Mr. Urbans buildings are still standing. Unfortunately, since the developer acquired the place, its been sitting dormant, secluded and continues from season to season into irreparable damage(s). Rumor has it, that this is his (the developers) intention's. To let it sit. Then when appropriate, claim its too far gone to repair. He owns the surrounding Wheatsworth (Plastoids Factory and its grounds, that backs up to his "Bluffs" development, that backs to his "Ballyowen" golf course. Frank caused much public awareness upon being foreclosed on. The developer was cornered by news reporters. He then swore he would not tear it down. However, actions speak louder than words. At this point, he just might not be accused of tearing it down, but this man is worth trillions and leaving it sit as he has and continues, its not far from falling down. Therefore, when and if this happens, we all know the truth. One of his stature, would say anything they need in a moment of pressure. Frank found out, that by time the Sheriff's foreclosure sale took place, that this developer already purchased the mortgages on the buildings. Not the business- Not the art, not the precious figures, gift shop items or unique figures- nothing just sticks and bricks. He has allowed local goons in the place to clean up and steal many of the other valuable, personal items that Frank had no choice but to leave behind. Point is, he only bought the property and buildings, to our surprise. He wanted nothing to do with "The Gingerbread Castle". His true intentions were and are not for The Gingerbread Castle or what it stands for. If he was, why didn’t he want all the precious art, gift shop items and much more that followed the castle for its entire life? That is the truth folks. He only wanted the land and buildings and now nearly four years have passed and nothing. Through Franks short lived, stressful years, He made front pages of local news papers. He had painting and weeding at the Gingerbread itself, when Hampton Inn Save a Landmark, stepped in to help jump start the restoration. Frank personally attended a town meeting and told them of this great moment and invited the Mayor and all town members to come join in with the Save a Landmark crew, nation news crews etc. The town wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, they did show up. The building inspector, to see if permits were pulled for painting and weeding the grounds!!! (Thanks Hamburg Borough Inspector, for your heroic dedication to Hamburg Borough's residents and making sure I was legally painting and weeding while in the presence if the national news crew your dedication to your town truly showed that day - Yet while on the ajoining property owned by the developer, they were removing contaminated materials from a Class D - State of NJ .DE.P clean up site, that Hamburg Township was notified of, numerous times about the tons and tons of contaminated materials disappearing from his property. Contaminated site removal was going on, just a few yards away- illegally. When I notified, the town they ignored it, then when I notified the D.E.P. they clearly relayed it was Hamburg’s responsibility to over see a site removal for these PCB’s and toxic contaminants that were disappearing- and folks this required BIG equipment, hugh dumpsters, tractor trailer loads- tons of contamination- and no one wanted to see- even though I screamed...Hamburg is 1.2 sq miles - they seen it- and ignored it. They could care less about it...When the State DEP and other environmental departments were notified, they relayed it was Hamburg Boroughs responsibility to oversee and stop this illegal, dangerous disaster, the developer was removing from his property- but acted like it wasnt happening...Yet I got a visit from Mosquito Control- for the pond at the Gingerbread- for its possibility of making larve- Lets overlook the removal of 2 - 10,000 gallon oil tanks sitting with oil in them, wide open, in the ground and contaminated materials being hauled away (I reported this to OSHA too- but ironically, the developer had it disappear late that night and on Sunday afternoons - at first, but then dumpsters filled up in broad day light and they choose to turn the other way...I remember the local inspectors comment like it was yesterday, "At least its out of my town") Where did it go? Its a scary thought- the tons and tons that were illegally hauled away from the Plastoids Factory...Where could a hugh nortorious developer actually put this contaminated stuff???Ironically, when Frank would pull through with a simple benefit, to raise some restoration funds or raise funds with a music benefits for Unicef or local children with medical needs and attempt get opened for light fare, lunches, a cold beer or attempt to sell a gingerbread cookie, in effort to pay the mortgages, restore the entire place and accommodate his 24/7 job of maintaining two buildings, on approx. 8 acres, the main road was shut again! Only this time the town decided suddenly the Gingerbread Castle Road Bridge needed re-doing. This lasted over year. Hurt his efforts. Oh yeah, the developers main entrance to Ballyowen, there stood a sign "No Right Turn" for several years- after the developer discovered his golf clients would love to come over to Franks for a cold beer and good music...and by pass his own bar/restaurant.(Before and after the road closings) Then when the developer bought (not sure quite bought- former owner claims stole it- hummm.. not this notorious developer- ya think??? ;-) the surrounding property adjacent to Franks, Ballyoween decided to expand its development "The Bluffs", they suddenly worked out a deal with the town (Hamburg). No notice to Frank, while they were drilling under the Wallkill River, without permits (no one cared in the town and all officials were notified as they polluted and pumped in the Wallkill River- officials turned their backs- and the job was never stopped! Hamburg got their water deal and the developer got a fine-pocket change to him- and everyone was happy- except Frank of course. By now his business loss was well…l I'll go on...) they accidentally came up through the top of the Franks restaurant entrance driveway. This caused no access and damages to the restaurants entryway e.g. the place looked closed and impassable with cones, tape and a big gaping hole in the entrance to the restaurant). The town could care less. This developer had it made! Ironically, again when Frank had a few patrons stop in, who braved the entrance of cones and warning signs and the one way access from across town because the road was closed - again...their pipe came through Frank’s access again!!! To add to it, Franks patrons, who came to enjoy the place and see the petting zoo with their families or listen to great music, would be pulled over by Hamburg Police...after enjoying a beer or two...and at times, the patrons would be left with no choice but to just drive by...why? Simple explanation - because certain Hamburg police officers decided to sit and do traffic control right out the door of Franks place, on his property (before and after the road closings...Frank thanks them for their heroic efforts to fight speeding, less than 500ft from an establishment, in plain view, on his own property, who held a liquor license. One wonders how much it pays to do such a thing? Maybe one day we will all know)...anyway...Folks the story goes on and on and on. The small town corruption added up beyond what you can imagine. Some blatant, some manipulative, to the point where Frank could no longer afford to keep the it. Frank never accomplished getting open. He work daily - sometimes 20+ hours a day, and even slept there, to get up again to maintain the place and work to restore something else in the hugh beautiful property. He was at a point where there were no more local patrons. Hence, foreclosure. And the most interesting part is the developer already bought the mortgages before the official sale. He told his former employees he already owned the place long before Frank secured his mortgages which took a few years by the way, because he could not find a local financial institution to lend to him...BTW- the developer owns a local bank!!! Coincidence??? I'll leave that up to you to decide...So this developer, he sat at the auction, in person, while Frank bided on the place against him, knowing this corrupt persons goal wasn't to loose. (gotta love Frank - all those who knew him) The developer turns to Frank and yells, "STOP BIDDING ITS COSTING ME MORE MONEY, I AM WILLING TO GO AS HIGH AS I NEED TODAY" Folks, it was sad and funny at the same time. Sad to see corruption win, joyous and funny to see all this corruption did not steal Franks sense of humor and fight...right to the end! So that’s part of the story- corruption thinks they won. As he played dirty corrupt games with the local politicians who run Hamburg. Frank even offered, to the town, at give-a-way of a price, for them to take it over - with a deed restriction that they are not allowed to knock the castle down if they do and to keep the dirty developer out of it- he added to the knock down part to deed it to him for $1.00 for 99yrs- just the Gingerbread itself- not the restaurant and reception hall- so he can make sure its restored and he would over see it. The Mayor and another member came and looked over the place. After a couple of months they said no, while they held private, closed to the public, meetings about the place, at the town hall. We heard rumors of eminent domain takeover but this has not been verifed. Turns out the castle is on the cover of Hamburg's Master Planner. Turns out the developer has it under Historic Hamburg, LLC - all verified on sussexcountyclerk.com. Turns out, Hamburg and the developer are very, very close. Though the politicians played hard for this developer, they really wanted the restaurant and reception hall- but the big guy wanted the Gingerbread Castle- why? Land and access and many, many rumors- one will see one day…but they would not get in his way…In fact just before the foreclosure an associate of a local restaurant owner wanted to buy the reception hall and restaurant- Frank could have save the Castle itself if he sold the other buildings- and he tried…Except at the last minute – SOMEONE threatened the local restaurant owner should they or their associates get in the way- their current restaurants would not be open for long…So, of course, no sale… Anyway, to all who wondered. Frank and I are still local. Our beliefs are "All darkness will come to light". We believe everyone of the corrupt politicians, civil workers and all who think they got away with it- even the developer who played for years...well, like I told him directly to his face the day of the auction, " GOD IS BIGGER"...So for now, lets all hope the Gingerbread Castle buildings remains in tack- but I honestly say, don't hold your breath(s). Frank tried, corruption with trillions won- or so it appears. We believe you reap what you sow. Franks heart was true and he only wished to bring back the lost dream to families and children...Simple goal one would think- all the publicity he had revealing the dream to the town "Hamburg The Children’s Town". Even the police wear a patch with the Gingerbread Castle on it...ironic huh? No one in the town cared- they only cared to play dirty with their rich acquaintance and speaking of him - If he cared so much about the Gingerbread Castle - why did he not respond all the years Frank plead for restoration help? Why? He was too busy scamming and playing, in a very evil way, to get what he wanted- it was never about the Gingerbread Castle to him and never will be...Sad, but true...

So, for all who knew us, "Thank you for all your prayers, help, support and friendship. Know that it was not in vain. God knows the truth..."

God Bless

  The Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg, New Jersey