Guestbook

Loved this place as a kid. So many great memories. I know nothing lasts forever, and I guess it was of it's time. But it's sad that someone wasn't able to find a use for it that would have preserved the buiildings and the park.

I visited the castle on a field trip from Camp Sacajawea back in the early 60's-it has always been a fond memory to me-i tried to find it once back in the 70's when i was in college but that was before the internet and information was hard to find-i will be in the area for a wedding this weekend and i thought i would try to find it again-i am so upset that this piece of my childhood is going to disappear! Please don't let that happen!

Oct. 16,2011 Went and visit the Ginger bread castle so sad to see every thing falling apart took my kids twice 35 years ago and rode on the train a peice of history gone.

I went to Gingerbread Castle back in about 1950. We found out about it as my dad's boss either owned or had a plastic business in one of the mills. My family went there every summer. Absolutely loved the fresh-baked gingerbread cookies and restaurant. Then I took my kids there in the 70s before moving to NH. When I went back to that area about 2 years ago, it broke my heart to see the condition it was in. Sadly, greedy people are all over as are crooked politicians. Fortunately, good always wins over evil -- just read those fairy tales!!

Went here as children and it has always been a part of our memories. Am saddened to see that it is not being saved. Perhaps prayer will save it! I still have pics of us as children there and hope it is saved for historical value. I wish to be kept aprised of the latest events. Thanks so much for your efforts and God be with us! Seems to me that if he was that powerful it would have been turned into housing by now...so perhaps there is still hope!! Do not allow bullies to make you feel like you lost beforehand...remember Daniel & Goliath! And that was NO fairy tale!

It's been sixty years or more since I visited the Gingergread Castle, but it still brings back fond memories. I remember a female a guide in European peasant garb who made a presentation in a lilting, sing-song fashion: "THIS............is the GINgerbread castle." I do hope that someone is able to restore it.

I have such great memories of this place. I went with my sister as a child. So sad that other children can not enjoy it. I show my children any pictures I can find, I wish I could bring them today!

What a great bio on the castle. I was soo pleased to find some information on the Gingerbread Castle. I had gone when the Haunted Castle was held and have wanted to take a trip back up to see it in day light to truly value this beautiful building. After reading the full history, I am horrified that this building has not been cared for. It's truly sad that building, such as this castle, are being lost to developers. All they see are $$ and not the history they hold.

Hello,
I stopped by the Gingerbread house yesterday 7/31/11 and was amazed at how much it has gone down hill in the past 15 years. It bought back so many happy memories I just couldn't resist stopping to take pictures. It must be one of the last known older unique structures in Northern New Jersey and someone must step in to save it from the wrecking ball!
When I was taking pictures a guy in a red audi car came in and closed the gates. I had no intention of going near the place because it is so run down. I just wanted to preserve some wonderful memories.
God Bless the gingerbread house and the children and adults who have some many happy memories.
Sincerely,
Laura Andersen

My grandparents took me and my sister to the Gingerbread Castle often when I was a child in the 1970's, and I have very fond memories of the magical environment that was there. I was happy to find the web site and pictures honoring those who created the magic, but I'm saddened to learn of its present condition. I don't know if there are any current restoration efforts planned, but I hope those who have the power will do the right thing and restore it to what it once was so it can bring joy to other children.

I remember going there as a young kid in the 60's with my family. Boy, was it cool. It brought all the story books to life. I am shocked to here of it's demise. I have not been back to it since the late 70's as I now live in Chicago. I hope that someone steps forward to resume the Ideals that such a wonderful place has in a young child and the memories that go with you through life as this place did for me.

Greg

I'm 30 years old... I'll be 31 in a month. I visited place about 23-25 years ago (wow I feel old).
When I looked up the GBC a few years ago after my first son was born I was saddened to read that it was left to crumble pretty much.

I'm in the construction industry I've met so many developers and investors throughout my young career and man if I knew how to get the ball rolling on this project I would make it my own personal pet project. I'd dedicate so much to this place.

I'm sure there must be someone out there with the financials and desire to get this place back up and running. I wish my children can experience this the way that I did.

Richard Rosario
Brooklyn, NY
917-520-5093

My grandmother grew up near the gingerbread castle and my mom took me their when I was kid. I thought that it was the most magical place in the world, I still have all the pictures of the huge storybook and the crooked man with the crooked house. I drove passed the gingerbread castle yesterday and was shocked by the state of disrepair that it is in, it really makes me sad to see something that I loved so much as a child going to ruins. I was also shocked to notice that it is wedged in between two factories, I guess when I was four years old all i saw was the castle and I hadn't even realized that it was next to a factory. I have pictures of the castle from the 1940's, when my grandma was a child and also from the early 1990's, when I was a child. I really hope that the castle is restored to the way that it used to be so that I can take my children there someday.

back in its time it was a wonderful place. went thier for class trips when i attended Hamburg elementary. i even worked thier at the restaurant. and worked behind the snack counter and ran the train.. i havnt been back thier for years. i dont think it looks like it did. wish someone would take it and return it back for kids to enjoy again.

Stopped by there today 4/17/2011, it was so exciting to see it , brought back memories of going there when i was little. I would love to see it restored. If there is a group that works on restoring it, i would love to help and get other people involved too . I am an artist and have other artist friends, so we could help painting or whatever.....

My Grandfather's home was on Oak St. Every time we visited him I would make a trip to the castle. The last time I was there was 1971. I looooved my visits to the castle. I am glad that they restored it. I hope they maintain it for te kids of the future

I just saw Gingerbread Castle for the first time yesterday. It would be wonderful if it were fixed so that my baby brother could enjoy it. I have some ideas to make Gingerbread Castle come to life again. It would take alot of work but we may be able to do it. I am willing to help!!! Maybe someone can spread the word on Facebook I am too young to have a page.

Don't give up on the Castle. There's plenty of people in Sussex County willing to help. We just need to find them. There is a way to win without money! And I've got a few ideas...

Some of my happy childhood memories were going to the Gingerbread castle . That was in the early 50's. I don't know why it just popped into my head this morning and I decided to look it up. I see it is no longer in operation. Very Sad. But nothing ever stays the same. I guess fariy tales and magic have given way to technology and our children are no longer entertained by the likes of this place we thought was such splendor! If it were renovated, I doubt it would still be able to support itself, given changing interests these days. But - that is what makes memories. I'll just contnue to cherish mine.

I too have been trying to find out if the Gingerbread Castle will reopen. I went there as a kid, 40 years ago I have a picture standing on the steps, each rail made out of elephants, with my Grandfather holding me. (does anyone remember that whole winding staircase all elephants I think blue?) He is here at almost 98 years of age, in amazing health & we have been trying to go there with my daughter (who is 5) to get another photo of us with her also! I am so sad to find all this info.on how it is just sitting there rotting. Happy to find so many others with interest in it & many memories! I hopw someday too that someone with enough time & money can reopen it.

These pictures bring back some really happy memories as child, I remember my family taking me to the Gingerbread Castle. It was my fairytale books coming to life. I hope that it gets restored so that future generations can have fond memories to look back on. It was a simpler time and time did stand still when you are a child and look up at the beauty of this little castle tucked away in the woods.......It reminds of when I visited the Haartz Mountains in Germany and was able to visit some of the Grimm's Fairytale sites. Hope it comes back to life soon!!

DEMOLISH THE BAR AND GRILL BRING BACK GINGERBREAD CASTLE. I REMBER THE GINGERBREAD CASTLE WHEN I WAS A TODDLER I WAS SO HAPPY TO GO THERE. WHEN I WENT THERE MY HEART RACED AND MY IMAGINATION WONDERED I LOVE IT.THE PLACE JUST WAS SO FUN IF I HAD THE MONEY I WOULD BUY THE PROPERTY AND DESIGN IT AS IT WAS. THE PLACE WAS LIKE A CHILD SECOND HOBAR AND GRILL WHERE WHERE YOU COULD DO ANYTHING YOU WANTED. I WISH IT WAS STILL THERE I HATE THE BAR AND GRILL I THINK IT SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED BY THE NEW GINGERBREAD CASTLE.IT'S NOT THE SAME WHY PUT A STUPID BAR AND GRILL WHERE ONCE NEW JERSEY FIRST AMUSMENT PARK ONCE STOOD. THE ROAD SAYS GINGERBREAD CASTLE ROAD SO PUT THE CASTLE BACK NOW!.

I also remember visiting this Gingerbread Castle as a child of about 5 or 6.
We lived in Brooklyn and went many places with our parents. This was always one of my favorites. Sad to see it in disrepair.

My first visit to Gingerbread Castle was when I was five years old in the early seventies. It seemed to be so enormous... physically and in spirit. It was magical!
So sad that I can't revisit again it all it's glory. Thanks for having a place for all of us fortunate to have been there a "lane" to walk in our memories.

i live very close by the gingerbread castle property. i would love to work on the possible restoration. hope to hear from you

please let me know if there will be a restoration. i live close by and would like to work on the undertaking.
maureen cudworth

Only seen in present state which seems so sad not to be restored in some way.

I JUST HAPPENED UPON THIS WEBSITE AND WAS SHOKED AND AMAZED TO SEE A PICTURE OF MY MOTHER CHRISTINE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE ON THE TOP OF THE PAGE. i TOO HAD BEEN TAKEN THERE MANY TIMES AS A YOUNGSTER BUT DID NOT REMEMBER MY MOTHER DRESSING UP IN THE COSTUME OR POSSIBLY EVEN WORKING THERE. IT IS ALSO SAD TO SEE THE STATE OF RUIN THE CASTLE IS IN. IT IS TOO BAD IT TO HAS COME TO THE SAME FATE AS MANY UNIQUE BUILDINGS IN THIS COUNTRY.IF ANY ONE HAS ANY KNOWLEDGE OR INFORMATION WHEN THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN PLEASE EMAIL ME. ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU JAN

In sorting through my mother's things after her death in August of 2010, I found a postcard of theGinger Bread Castle and googled it to find out more about it. I am sad to learn that it has been allowed to deteriorate. Many of these types of sites have been allowed to go into ruin as our children become interested in something more active and exciting. I enjoyed reading of those who spent some wonderful times there when it was in its prime. It is touching to see a tribute to our troops on this guestbook page. Nice job!

My husband and I found the Gingerbread House by accident one day. I remember being marveled at its character. When our daughter Dawn was small we would take her to the castle and yes, the gingerbread cake with whipped cream was the best. We continued to visit the castle time and time again watching it go into shambles. Being born in the fifties I grew up reading the many Fairy Tales depicted. It is now over thirty years later and we reside in Arizona, buying Christmas gifts with the Gingerbread theme and the the upcoming birth of a grandaughter had me reacalling memories of the castle. Hopefully one day it will be restored.

I worked at the Gingerbread Castle from 1966 to 1968 first as a guide and later behind the soda fountain. I was shocked when I last saw it in 2009.

I remember going there, with my mother and my friends. The Castle looked so large. Larger than life. I never saw the mill along side it that is now history and ruins. I remember the fairytales. Gingerbread Castle was renewed in the 1980's and I took my children there once and then it was closed. I saw it again yesterday and wished it was open for all young children to enjoy. It was a vast expanse for young children when I was a child. It is something that made me cherish old fairy tales. Young children need that now as there is little to remind them of old fairy tales and life that they never knew or learn about now in schools.It would be great to renovate this place and not let it linger in it's deserted state.

I am truly heartbroken to find out that I missed the chance to take my Children to Gingerbread Castle. It was a legendary place in our family stories and the pictures we share are all classic. When I met my husband and was collecting pictures for our wedding, I came across the same picture of him and his brother that I had with my cousin's in the storybook. It was always my dream to get the same picture with my own children......I cant tell you how sad I am that I will never get that chance. What a horrible thing to let such a beloved place fall to ruins.

My Grandparents would take me to visit the castle in the summer and we would stop at friends who had a drugstore with an apartment upstairs in the nearby town.
Seeing the Castle in disrepair is heartbreaking as my memories of those visits are so special. To think that generations of todays kids and kids to come will miss the fantasy and fun of such a remarkable creation is just too sad.

i visited the castle with my parents and grandparents probably about 1956 or 57. i remember it was a long ride to me and i remember being a little scared. i work at a supermarket in warren county and recently met a woman from hamburg and asked her if the castle was still there she said was but in disrepair. that propmpted me to look for this site. what a shame that real art and family fun seems to be replaced by great ACTION parks and places. i actually still have a book from there that was probably a souvenier purchase. sign me hopeful that someone cares. annie

My favorite place to visit as a child. Wish it was still open so I could take my grandson to see it.

I went on a school trip in 1st grade to The Gingerbread Castle. My parens took me there many times! I moved up to Franklin in the 1980's and took MY children to The Gingerbread Castle! I worked at The Haunted Castle for over 5 years, was head of security. Then I hosted Open Mic at Frank's for years. So memories? I have a LIFETIME of memories from when I was 5 years old until I was over 50 years old! The Castle always had some "magic", still has, always will and that "magic" will never let The Castle die or fade away. A miracle? Perhaps, but the Castle always seemed to survive somehow, even thoigh it's falling apart, it's still there!

Have faith, have hope, it isn't over yet!

I visiting GBC many, many times as a little girl with my parents. I had such fond memories being there and actually getting a cookie! My mom passed when I was a little girl and now being a first time mom I was looking to take my 18month old for his first visit only to find out about the Castle's demise. What a terrible, terrible thing. The township and the developers should be ashamed of themselves! I certainly hope that your children and grandchildren never look into it and find out what you have done.
I only wish I was a wealthy millionaire so I could save the Castle and bring it back to life for my child!

Yesterday, on the way home, my husband and I passed a sign for the Gingerbread Castle. I had taken my now 41 year old son there as a child...because MY parents had taken me, my elder sister and brother there many times as children.

To say I was flabberghasted at what I saw would be a huge understatement. I photographed as much as I could without endangering myself, and of course there is a cyclone fence and barbed wire there now. A youngster might foolishly try to get in via the old bridge, climbing, and a lot of foolhardiness...so I had to settle for what I could get of both the castle and the old mill.

Then I read the lengthy article about what has gone on in the town of Hamburg and with this developer.

I noticed the count of page hits being in the 35,000 area...imagine if each of those people had emailed, or better yet...snailmailed the officials of that town...or made comments on bulletin boards across the world wide web....imagine how dirty-faced and ashamed they would be.

There is now a housing development right behind the mill, divided by greenery...are these houses (poorly laid out and sitting one atop the other) all sitting on PCB's? Sure sounds like it! Is the town so corrupt they would allow this?

When pulling out of the little courtyard, armed with a few dozen photographs, a police car was right behind us. I wasn't worried. It wasn't as if two seniors were going to climb anywhere. Besides, all we had in the car were my cameras and computer. If they DID stop us, I'd not have worried anyway as my own child is a police officer.

It would be lovely to see this restored, but obviously this very good hearted Frank has been outmaneuvered by deep pockets and greedy agendas.

My husband had never been to the GC, he worked and on my day off I took my son/sons alone for the day. It is hard to explain to him what this once was. There are a few B&W photos left of my brother (now deceased), my sister and myself all at the castle...my sister has them. These would have been in the very early 50's. So as we stood there in the little, broken, shambled courtyard...I couldn't find the words to describe what it had once been. And how did that factory get there? As a child, all I could see was the GC, not the mill. As my husband never saw it himself...how to explain? There aren't enough good photos out there of its heyday.

The rape of the treasures that were once there is simply unforgivable. I wish I had permission to go into the GC, at least, and photograph...but it is far to dangerous in its current condition. I would not recommend that anyone try it.

From what was said in the article (if you haven't read it, go to the front door of this site and use the second window and scroll down...read the whole thing), it is in the air whether the town wants it for itself, or if the developer does. No matter what they do, if they want to claim Urban's art as what is there, they will have to act rather quickly, as it is deteriorating rapidly and the factory there? One could PUSH it over, it seems!

If they plan to knock it down completely, they will have to redesign everything...badges for cops, the whole thing.

What a sorry mess this is!

Frank and Lou (for the site) I wish you both success, not just for yourselves, but for the children who never had this particular flavor of magic...

I passed this the other day. It was sad to see the stuff from the restaurant and dinosaur park being sold. I guess it wouldn't be practical to run that place. I hope and pray that Mr. Mulvhill keeps his promise about turning the castle into a museum though a for profit museum would be nice. Even though he wouldn't profit, the tax money for Hamburg is good.

I visited the Gingerbread castle in 1952 and have kept the program from that trip. Two years ago I piled my grandchildren in the car because I was sure that it would still be the wonderful place I remembered.I was glad to see it but very dissapointed my grandchildren would not get to experiance what I had. After it being the 2nd place we drove to see that no longer existed my grandson said I was 0 for 3 .I get one more chance to show them a good time from my past or they pick where we go from now on.

I'm 68 years old and the first time I visited the Ginger Bread Castle was when I was 8. I had 7sisters and 4 other brothers and it was one of the most fantastic things to go to Hamburg, NJ and visit this marvelous place. I enjoyed going there even in my teen years. It is a real shame that the place has been allowed to decay and can no longer be an attraction for todays' children. All the rich people who dole out money for political gains should be ashamed of themselves for not contributing to a cause that really is worth while for all children both young and old. I love you Ginger Bread Castle and you will always be a part of my life.

I visited the Gingerbread Castle many times as a child with my family in the 1960's and 1970's. I'm appalled at it's current condition. Hamburg should be ashamed of itself for allowing "their" iconic image (they use it as their Borough emblem and the police department uses it on their badge) and an historic New Jersey landmark to decay into this condition. The Castle and Mill are worth preservation and most towns would love to have something of that nature as a claim to fame and tourist draw. What a shame Hamburg has allowed this landmark to fall on the edge of oblivion. I fear someday we will tell our children "This Walmart parking lot is where the Gingerbread Castle once stood."

Live in the Sparta area and was taking a ride and something possessed me to turn up the road to see the old Castle site. I visited it as a kid in the early 70s. I remember looking up at that castle and thinking it looked a million stories tall. I was so saddened to see the current state. Much of it is crumbling. How sad though I doubt the children of today would appreciate it like we did. I still have a small red dog with the words "Gingerbread Castle" on it that I got as a souvenir. Great memories!

I spent all of my summers in Sussex County from the time I was born until 1979. No summer would have been complete without several visits to the Gingerbread Castle. We always thought we could touch the "cookie" elephants fast enough before they turned to stone!
The gift shop was wonderful with all the different toys and souveniers, the mechanical rides, the train, the little pond with all the gold fish, the castle tour and the tempting aroma of baking gingerbread! I've never found a gingerbread man cookie to compare with those from the Castle...They were almost cake-like in texture-wonderful! We went back for a visit during the "revival" (1988??) and it warmed our hearts. I'm so sorry it sits in ruins. I swear, if I ever win Powerball, I'm buying it back and will restore it to all it's former glory!

my daughter loved going to the castle riding the train this was her favorite place to go wanted to take my grandchildren there but its gone no one can bring back all the fun we had there it seems like everything good is gone really no place to take children anymore

I loved the Gingerbread Castle when I was a child in the 60's. Mom would take us there in the summer and we would picnic at the tables by the train ride. The gift shop was the best! I also loved the gingerbread cake with whipped cream!

I remember going here as a little girl! My Mom would take us sometimes and then we'd always end up here on a class field trip. I was probably in first or second grade. I always found the place so creepy, especially having to go down the spiral staircase and throw a penny into the wishing well. It always felt like a place you'd never be allowed to leave. Other kids found it fun, I just found it creepy, but I do remember loving the train ride!! I always went by Ginger as a kid but after class trips and many a class teasings because of the name I switched to my formal name Virginia. I would love to see this place restored.

I was a contractor who worked at the GBC during the late '80s and '90s, before it, once again, ceased to be a child's dream land. At that time a wonderful couple, Joe and Alice DiFiglia, restored the Castle to its former glory, awakening the memories of our childhood and those of the Castle's thousands of visitors. I did not get to know the DiFiglia family well, but their deep and profound love of what they were doing (and for whom) was easily recognized; this made it a joy and a privilege to work with them. Joe and Alice gave me the opportunity to be a part of their efforts and shared a bit of their happiness. I hope this message board will allow this small expression of appreciation and remembrance of the DiFiglia family. Thank you and my prayers for Joe and Alice, (Todd and Kim).

I've been by the Gingerbread Castle a number of times and had spoke to Frank at his restaurant during his attempt at restoration. Like many others, I spent many days there as a kid with Mom & Dad. I am right now in a Hampton Inn and was motivated to reasearch what was happening after I saw on their TV that the Castle was part of ther Landmark Restoration Project.

After reading the "Will It Open" on the site, my heart goes out to Frank and all I can say is, if all this is true, maybe they should put a sign at the town limits stating: "Welcome To Asbury Park". Greed and corruption seem to be getting worse and will eventually be the downfall of this country if it is not stopped.

Both my husband and I were taken to the Gingerbread Castle as children during the summers in the 50's while we vacationed at Lake Wallkill in Sussex, NJ. What a magical place! Great peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the restaurant and the gingerbread cookies weren't bad either. Fortunately, we were able to bring our children there in the 70's to enjoy the magic imparted by Hansel and Gretel. Have several souvenirs that occupy a place of honor in our home. How sad that it has been allowed to deteriotate and all in the name of "greed".

Wow, I told my children and now my grandchildren about Gingerbread Castle. A saturday or sunday day trip with my mother and father & sisters. How I wish it were still open and restored to the "good old days". How I loved it.

I remember going to the Gingerbread Castle as a child. It was in the late 60's or early 70's I would guess. It was a simply enchanting place. I swear I remember licking a "candy" on the outer walls of the building and it tasted sweet!! Ah, the memories of childhood!! I think I still have a Ginbgerbread Castle souvenir flag as well. How sad that younger generations cannot enjoy this charming place!!

I remember my parents taking me to Gingerbread Castle in 1956 after I had my tonsils out. What a wonderful, magical place it was. I'm so sad to hear what's happened to it. I wanted to take my kids there in the late 70's but was told it was closed down. My favorite thing was climbing the castle and of course Humpty Dumpty on the wall. God bless Frank for all the work he's done trying to save it!

I still have the "Gingerbread Man" book my parents bought me as a souvenir in the '70's. This place was truly amazing and I hope that someone will find it in their heart to make sure it is restored back to it's original splendor. It was a magical place that I know I, and many other children, will never forget as long as they live.

Came to the castle around 1957, rode train, bought gifts, had hot cocoa, saw humpty dumpty and dumpty humpty and climbed castle. It was most enjoyable! Took my own two boys there in 70's and it was still the same! I hope it's restored for future generations!!

Hi, I have never been able to visit Gingerbread Castle. I am only 18. But my mom and I have been thinking. Would anyone know of a way to gain ownership of the land to restore it to its once glorious self? Please e-mail me at katiej0786111@yahoo.com with the title being restoring Gingerbread Castle. Thank you. I would love to see this place back in business.

I worked at the Gingerbread castle for 5 years.. I have some great memories from the castle days working as a Gretel . Worked there from 1969 to 1974. I remember wanda who was in charge, and taking those castle tours as soon as we had a group of 25 people to take. the tours lasted 20 minutes long. seemed like forever when your 14 and have to speak in front of the public but gave me great speaking skills.. no fear of an audience. good thing now , because i became an professional singer. It saddens me so to drive past the castle and see it in the shambles it is now in.. It is not only a landmark in the usa but the only one in the world now. only two ever existed and the other burned. sad.. I hope someday someone will have enough money to bring this wonderful landmark back to its original beauty..

this was a fun family visit when my sister and i were growing up, some 50+ years ago.
our mom and dad took us here several times to spend fun family time.............
i am sure it is in the memories of many children, and wil be in the future.
our hope is that it will always be there to be a memory maker...........

I remember goign there as a child in the 1950's having grown up in Northern New Jersey. It was a wonderful and magical place for a child. When my own son was around 4 years old I took him there with my own parents who had taken me there as a child. We all loved the place and I think my parents (who are now both deceased), have a wonderful time reliving thier own experience as parents with young children. My only hope is that someone can finance and bring this piece of history back to live for future generations to enjoy. I have a picture of my some and myself standing in the giant story book to treasure forever.

Gingerbread Castle! What fond memories of my childhood. I can still remember taking the train ride, taking the guided tour of how the witched turned everyone to stone, and certainly won't for get the smell of the fresh baked gingerbread man cookie...Magnificient times!

i remember going to the ginger bread castle on halloween when i was really little with my aunt and my cousin, we were being bad so she said the dinosaurs were going to eats us and i went into the haunted house and was crying. i always wanted to go back and visit. know i live by it and it's falling apart. it's horrible....

I grew up in Hamburg, NJ. I'm 20 years old, and unfortunately by the time I finally got around to walking the famous Gingerbread Castle was closed. I've always regretted missing the experience of the Gingerbread Castle. My brothers and sister all went there when they were young. I was so upset as a child because I thought it was so unfair that I couldn't visit there as well. I have never been to the Gingerbread Castle, although I've passed by it thousands of times in my short life. I would love to see The Castle restored. Hell, I would even VOLUNTEER to work on that place if it meant it would open again. I am praying for the Gingerbread Castle. Oh and by the way, for anyone thinking of breaking into the castle or Plastoids (the factory), good luck. You will most likely be arrested. The police here were not born yesterday and know that it a popular place not only to break into, but its also been vandalized many times. Personally I would never step foot in there in its current condition, although many of my friends have. If the jail doesn't scare you, maybe possible paralysis from falling through the rotting subfloors of floors 2 and 3 will. Don't do it, its highly dangerous and you'll probably just get caught anyway. You're better off buying the place and asking volunteers to help restore it. There would be so many people who would offer to help, because so many want to see it beautified!

Gingerbread Castle was a time and place for famlies to come and enjoy a day together. Look at the sweet fairytale characters,ride the train, take pictures,a time that has sadly passed. I have always hoped they would one day restore gingerbread castle to its full glory. I went to the castle with my family in the late 70's and my Grandmother came with us as well. We visted a few summers in a row. The memories I have riding the train with my Grandma are etched forever in my mind and the beautiful colorful castle that was a breathtaking joy to see as a young girl every time I entered the park! I will always cherish the memories I have of Gingerbread castle a time that has sadly passed. I would hope one day someone could bring back a nostalgic piece of time for new genarations to enjoy. Thank you gingerbread Castle!! Kindly, Laurie N.

Hello to all the believes and supporters of the mystical childhood Gingerbread Castle.
I too have the most fondest of memories of this place. Last yr.'08 I was in the area and found the castle. I was so dissapointed that it was shut down and seemed abandonded. I did however have much excitment being able to see it in person and recount my memories w/ my husband and children about the magic it evoked in my mind in the 60's. Many good thoughts and prayers to the owner for his tenacitiy to keep restore the wonderment. I will NEVER forget how that witch scared me! It was fun! Laura

I sell costume jewelry and happened upon a charm bracelet for Gingerbread Castle, there are charms with a bull fighter, a bull, a castle, a lady spanish dancer, a mule and cart and the charm that says "Gingerbread Castle Hamburg NJ" with the castle in the middle of the medallion. I wanted to research this since it looked so interesting and I had never heard of the Gingerbread Castle. I was so sorry to read the story behind what has gone on and that I will not be able to visit this magical place to see it for myself.
If you know when this bracelet was made (I would think in the 50's) please let me know.
Thanks,
Barbara

Hi there,

I stumbled upon this website after learning that my Grandpa was second Hansel - I don't know if that means he was the 2nd one after it opened but he was born in the 1910's. His name was Sanford Willcox. I wish I had known about this a long time ago - it sounded like it was every kids dream! Just wanted to share this piece of history of the Gingerbread Castle.

Sharon M.

Gingerbread Castle was, by far, my most favorite place. I used to BEG to go...didn't want to go anywhere else. That was a long time ago but if it were still open I'd still beg to go and not want to go anywhere else...even though I'm 45 years old now. :-)

i love to explore, abandoned sites, I was wondering if there anyway into the Ginger bread castle? My fiance has told me the property is for sale? Im not trying to be a jerk, im truly asking a real question.

i remember my parents & grandparents took us to gingerbread castle in the 70s several times
i have so much memories at gingerbread castle i hope one day it be restored
for R kids can have the memories we did when we was young i pass there from time to time with my child and the stories i tell her about this place i do hope it reopen what fun it will be for r kids 7 24 09

My parents took me to the Gingerbread Castle several times in the late 40's and very early 50's. I always loved our trips there (from Brooklyn) but I never knew exactly where it was until today when I was going through some old photos I came across a brochure we must have saved from one of our visits and I found it was located in NJ. (Thank heavens for Google to find this website). It would be so nice to hear that it'll be restored and saved so that other little kids can have such neat memories.

as a child, in the 50's my grandparents would take me to the gingerbread castle. as an adult,being transplanted to arizona, i would ask people who would visit us from new jersey if they know where the castle was....no one did. finally, one night(tonight in fact) i was talking to a friend of my sister in law and asked her about it. she didn't know but my sister in law remembered going there is a child. she said "i got a giant pencil"...so did i!!!
anyway, fond memories. i'm glad somebody knew about you or remembered you and i am very sorry that you are no longer.........

I am so sad to see that Gingerbread Castle is no longer operating...It was truly the Walt Disney World of NJ. I had visited through out the 80's as a child, it was so magical! We also had FairyTale Forest, but it was no comparison. Walking over the bridge, looking out for the troll, the twisty stairs to the top of the witches castle, the candy buttons from the gift shop before leaving...I was lucky enough to visit in 92 or 93 on a fieldtrip with pre-schoolers & the magic was still there! Loved it & will greatly miss not having the opportunity to share this wonderful place with my children =(

Omg, the memories I had of the Gingerbread Castle when I was a kid. I was 8 and my brother was 4. He even sort of remembers the fun we had when our parents brought us there. Just last year my g/f and I took a ride to see it with her Grand Daughter who is 3 now. She would have loved it. I was so shocked to see it wasn't up and running. It made me sad. I will never forget the memories I had though. God Bless everyone who made my dreams come true when I was a child. I loved the Gingerbread Castle. If only i could hit the mega millions, there would be a restored Castle.

so i guess i am correct in saying that the gingerbread castles is no longer open. it really is a shame. i never got to go there when it was open, but my daddy took me there when i was about 9. and it was closed but we still got to walk around a little bit. i do remember when i was in like thrid or fourth grade our writing assignmet was to write a book. i wrote mine about the gingerbread castle and how my sister and i ran away to there and we lived there for years. so funny. i would be nice to see it reopen again. fairy tales are a beautiful thing and shoudl be enjoyed by all children and to have a place where they come alove would be great.

Darby Harrison

I cant believe that that town did all of that to you. I live in Hamburg. Its always been a joke in the family that if any of us won the lottery we would spend it on reopening Gingerbread Castle. Its such a shame that it sits there lifeless... I would be exstatic if it reopened... It just pisses me off that i didnt know about any of this til now. I just want to thank you for your effort!!!

Oh how I loved the Gingerbread Castle!!!!!! I have pictures of my sister and me outside of the castle standing in the large black couldrons!!! I wanted to go there this weekend and now I find "THIS"!!!!!!!!!! I am so sad............... You are forever in my memories.............
Sharon

Dear GBC, What fun i had there when i was a child, I could let my imagination run wild. and because we lived close by we would visit a lot. Now I am an Internatinally known Artist, and I would like to paint your portrait for all to remember.

I was watching a tv show tonight where the family, who live in Pennsylvania, were reminiscing about places they had taken their children to visit. They had mentioned a place called Dutch Wonderland. This reminded me of when I was young and lived in Pennsylvania and my mother had taken me to Gingerbread Castle and The Land of Make Believe. It was around 1972-1975 and I was somewhere around 6 or 7 years old. I don't remember much about it so I decided to see what I could find online. I was surprised to find this website. It is too bad that the park no longer exists, but unfortunately today's children are not brought up on the classic nursery rhymes of our day. It is nice to know that someone was trying to restore it though his efforts fell short. Long live our memories of Gingerbread Castle.

Michelle Brower
North Carolina
2/24/2009

I have wonderful memories of going to the Gingerbread Castle as a kid. I had hoped that it would re-open so that I could take my children there. It is a shame that places such as this, and other places like Fairy Tale Forest, have been forgotten by many. These places hold some of my best childhood memories. Our children are missing out by not having these wonderful, family oriented places to go to. Gingerbread Castle - you are missed.

Dearest Ginger Wolford,
God Bless You!!!!! Thank you for your beautiful comment. I am sorry to say, that unfortunately, Frank lost the Gingerbread Castle in foreclosure to a local developer. This happened early 2007. So the fate of the GIngerbread Castle is...well, no one really knows...so keep it in your prayers.... The sole reason we did this site, is to keep the Gingerbread Castle, its intended purpose and beautiful memories ALIVE. We truly believe Frank's purpose and intentions were not in vain.

I am on my way to visit my sister in Matamoras and was hoping to give my 5 children the experience that my father and mother gave me of the Gingerbread Castle. I began to search and read e-mails that were posted about new owners, and the instability of the intentions. When I read it had become a nightclub I outwardly gasped. As I read on and realized someone had a heart to bring it back to the purity that was intended, I was thrilled, until I found this and realized it is at this point, no longer. Many 'wish I had' feeling come up re: finances, etc. because it was such a great memory for me. I am blessed to know that the current owner refuses to corrupt the purity and history of the place, but only wish that the restoration could have gone through. I remember closing my eyes and pretending I was in the fairy tale myself! How precious and simple those days were! Thank you, Frank, whoever you are!

I stumbled across your lovely Gingerbread Castle. I thought, if it weren't too far away, I would love to take my son to see it. I found you through Hampton Landmarks page. Your Castle is beautiful and I hope, if it isn't open, that it opens soon. Please keep me informed.

My parents used to take myself and my sister here alllll the time as children. Although unfortunately, my most predominant memory of this place is that I fell out of the giant storybook when I was about 4....

Thanks for the memories, Gingerbread Castle! :D