Hamburg, New Jersey - Gingerbread Castle

I visited Gingerbread Castle as a child in Hamburg, NJ. I remember the horse with the knight, witches at the top of the castle, and Humpty Dumpty. We revisited several years ago, and wish that all children could have had the neat experience that my brother and I had as small children. [Kathie Greene, 08/23/2008]

According to a news article in the paper for that area, the castle was first on EBay for $649,000 and did not sell. What a summer house that could have been! A local developer bought it about a year and a half ago and promised to restore it.

As a child I had gone several times with family, plus on a class trip in the first grade. Small children are not raised on those nursery rhyme characters any longer as prior generations were, so they don't connect as we did. I think with any sort of restoration promise fulfilled, small kids today would still find it exciting, not to mention the parents. [Bill Woodier, 07/24/2008]

My husband and I just visited this area, and we found that no renovations have been made to the Gingerbread Castle or to the house next to it. The factories are also in disrepair. However, we found something very interesting. We had been out earlier taking photos of different things and animals, but when we took the digital photo of the Gingerbread Castle...we found a very large amount of Orbs covering the photo. We checked every other photo, all 208 that we had taken that day and none had come up with what we caught. [Beverly Vriesema, 07/15/2008]

[RA: Those damnable orbs!]

The Gingerbread Castle and fairy tale land in Hamburg, New Jersey are being put up for sale by their owner, Frank Hinger. He's asking for $636,0000 and is hoping to sell it to someone who will restore it, so if you have ever wanted to own a classic roadside attraction, now is your chance. [Dominic Ryan, 04/06/2006]

[RA: Yow... we'd heard from Frank a few years back about his efforts to raise money, but apparently the restoration costs were too high. He's also selling the Castle Grill restaurant/bar.]

Gingerbread Castle has a new owner who desires to restore the castle and surrounding property. The following information is quoted from his site. I am not affiliated with Gingerbread Castle in any way. I recall visiting the Castle as a boy and was delighted with the attraction. I am pleased and delighted that Mr. Hinger is attempting to preserve and reopen a beautiful attraction.

"Hi folks, my name is Frank Hinger. I am the new owner of The Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg, NJ. My dream is to restore and expand The Gingerbread Castle. To bring you back to one of your fondest childhood memories. Not only you, but to create a place for new memories for you, your children and grandchildren. This is my dream. Unfortunately, the cost of this kind of restoration and maintenance is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Gingerbread Castle was built in 1928 by the world famous architect, artist and stage designer Joseph Urban -- at the cost of $250,000. So you can just imagine in [today] how costly this job is going to be."

"The building across the street which was the original reception area for The Gingerbread Castle has been renovated and is now operating as a family restaurant and entertainment center. I am making every effort to make this a success. I know in time the dream will come true. I'm asking for your help. For you and I to work together to bring this dream forth. I am currently accepting donations for the complete restoration and maintenance of The Gingerbread Castle. So generations to come can enjoy what you once enjoyed as a child. If you feel inspired to help, feel free to contact me.

By Mail:Frank's Castle Grille/ Gingerbread Castle, P.O. Box 175, Hamburg, N.J. 07419. By e-mail : frankscastlegrille @ earthlink.net . [Clint, 06/06/2004]