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!
Guestbook
Share Your Memories...Comments or Future Hopes for The Gingerbread Castle...
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(Posted on 2010-07-03 02:58:00 by )
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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!
(Posted on 2010-06-22 20:59:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2010-06-11 17:26:00 by ) -
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!
(Posted on 2010-06-02 14:14:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2010-05-26 17:11:00 by ) -
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).
(Posted on 2010-05-24 09:09:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2010-05-09 15:11:00 by ) -
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".
(Posted on 2010-05-05 16:58:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2010-04-23 21:56:00 by ) -
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!!
(Posted on 2010-04-18 14:53:00 by ) -
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!
(Posted on 2010-03-31 20:21:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-12-23 16:01:00 by ) -
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!!
(Posted on 2009-12-19 12:30:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-12-13 04:03:00 by ) -
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..
(Posted on 2009-11-22 23:34:00 by ) -
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...........
(Posted on 2009-10-12 02:10:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-09-25 19:17:00 by ) -
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!
(Posted on 2009-09-25 01:22:00 by ) -
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....
(Posted on 2009-09-07 17:41:00 by ) -
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!
(Posted on 2009-08-30 01:48:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-08-16 05:13:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-08-11 14:47:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-08-01 01:01:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-07-30 02:59:00 by ) -
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. :-)
(Posted on 2009-07-28 14:42:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-07-25 22:13:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-07-25 12:03:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-06-30 19:17:00 by ) -
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.........
(Posted on 2009-06-15 05:33:00 by ) -
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 =(
(Posted on 2009-06-01 23:13:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-05-25 03:24:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-05-04 12:49:00 by ) -
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!!!
(Posted on 2009-04-24 15:20:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-04-20 19:06:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-03-16 12:58:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2009-02-24 07:02:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-02-18 22:46:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-01-30 16:58:00 by ) -
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!
(Posted on 2009-01-23 13:37:00 by ) -
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.
(Posted on 2009-01-14 01:33:00 by ) -
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
(Posted on 2008-12-17 03:48:00 by )
Thank You for taking time out to remember The GBC! Please take a moment now and say a little Prayer for our Troops and our Leadership here in the USA ...God Bless
The Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg, New Jersey
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."