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Lambert Castle History
Lambert Castle was constructed in 1892 as the home and show place of silk that was manufactured by Catholina Lambert. The 53 acre estate originally included a mansion, gatehouse, carriage-green house complex and the formal Italianate gardens. In 1896 Lambert added an observation tower and art gallery.
The story of Catholina Lambert is as follows. He was born to working class parents in 1834 and at the age of 17 he immigrated to America. He settled in the Boston area and was hired as a book keeper for a silk firm known as Tilt and Dexter. Tilt soon withdrew from the firm and Lambert became partner. The new firm now called Dexter-Lambert relocated to Paterson. Paterson was emerging as a world class silk manufacturing center this was 1867.
This business thrived from 1875 to 1890. Lambert decided to build a new home befitting his station as one of Paterson’s leading industrialists. Known as “Belle Vista” this was constructed of sandstone which was quarried from Garret Mountain. This construction took one year to complete and was estimated to cost between $200,000 and $500,000. The interior was organized around a 3 story open atrium known as the court. In the atrium is where he displayed his collection of prized European and American paintings.
In 1914 Lambert was forced to mortgage his estate and art collection. Hundreds of items were auctioned off at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Lambert died in 1923 just shy of his 89th birthday. The Castle was then inherited by his son who sold it to the City of Paterson for $ 125,000.
Time Line:
1928- The Castle was purchased by the Passaic County Park Commission.
1934- The Passaic County Historical Society established its museum and library in the Castle.
2000- The Castle was rededicated in September and is open for visitation.
To contact Abandoned But Not Forgotten please e-mail us at abnfco@gmail.com with any questions or submissions you may want to contribute to the site.
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