You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Enormous Spoon Collection In New Jersey

In his lifetime, the manor was visited by President William McKinley. After his death, the property was sold to the city of Paterson, and eventually ended up in the hands of Passaic County. The castle was originally used as office space, but grew into an incredible museum over time. By the 1990s, all four floors were open to the public.

You'll find a variety of exhibits including period rooms and furnishings, art galleries (including a great falls gallery), and history galleries. Most of the museum is self guided, though tours of the first floor are offered every half hour, as interest permits. One of their more unique exhibits features a collection of art made with human hair.

There are over 5,400 spoons in total, commemorating special events and a variety of places. 250 spoons are on display at any given time - the selection rotates. The collection was once owned by spoon enthusiast Bertha Schaefer Koempel, who gathered the spoons between 1882 and 1966. By the end of her life, her collection had become so well-known, that it was a question on the TV game show, Jeopardy. Many spoons were gifted to her by family and friends, and represent a wide array of areas and interests.

The spoons on display are sorted into categories which have included subjects such as nautical, religious, Scandinavian, enameled figures, novelties, Middle Eastern, North African, and spoons made from natural materials. There is a spoon from Holland that has a windmill with blades that turn and you'll find spoons from the Middle East that contain lockets. It's all very intricate and interesting.

Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children. The observation tower is free to visit. The views are breathtaking!