lambert castle

Believe it or not, I visited Mr. Catholina Lambert's 'modest home' more than 50 years before I ever set foot inside. As a five year old and later as a teenager I enjoyed many family picnics on Garret's Mountain, the huge County Park that is home to Lambert's Castle. I think The Castle is a definite must-see if you have any level of enthusiasm for history. While the contents are very interesting I found the structure itself most intriguing. I guess one could say Lambert's home, Belle Vista, was his castle. It is huge, built of local stone, and is perched on the side of Garret's Mountain with an imposing view of the City of Paterson and his factory. But that which continues to draw me back is my attempt to form a better understanding of the man, his home, and their positions at the time that Paterson was breaking in to the 20th century.Lambert was a textile manufacturing mogul who moved to the U.S. from the U.K. as young man in his late teens. Armed with a keen mind, crafty intellect, and an irrepressible desire to work hard to achieve his objectives he turned his modest pocket change into a formidable textile fortune.Sadly, he had forgotten his 'roots,' as they say, and held his production labor in contempt. He relished power and commented once that he 'enjoyed' knowing that he could walk through the rooms of his factories and fire any one he wanted, when he wanted.So, he became that 'Industrial Success' that he wanted to be. He worked 16 hours each day, 6 days each week, bought factories in the U.S. and Europe, maintained a residence in Manhattan, built his castle in New Jersey, and filled them with many expensive trinkets [many of which are on display]. But, he had misfortunes as well. Seven of his eight children died very, very young: three from scarlet fever, one from typhoid pneumonia, one from cholera, one from nephritis, and one shortly after birth. Then his wife, Isabella, died in 1901 just eight years after having moved into The Castle.He married again -- his late wife's sister, Harriet. Unfortunately, she was to die in 1916.Around 1910, he succumbed to the ever-tightening stranglehold his creditors had on his assets. In the attempt to meet his liabilities he was forced to have his collections of art auctioned off at a lavish hotel in New York City. The sale brought in far less than the value of the paintings, china, furniture, and objets d'art. He lost his manufacturing assets in 1914 presumably when his creditors knocked on his door for the last time.He managed to keep his castle where he lived until his death in the early 1920s.I think you will have an enjoyable visit as Lambert's Castle has had a dedicated staff of knowledgeable volunteers who should make your visit most interesting.

I like it alot. Really nice. Right now it has christmas decorations. I took really nice pictures inside. I would come back with the rest of my family

Inetesting looking building in crummy area. Has some good views. Items on display could have come from a garage sale.Needs rehab ASAP. Only worth a drive by. (But only with your windows rolled up.)

Recently revisited Lambert mainly for pictures around the grounds. Getting there is pretty easy. It's on Valley Road off Rt 19 (which is not far from 80, 46 & the GSP). Lambert Castle is part of the Garret Mountain Reservation. It's a popular spot for wedding photo shoots. I've been up here on several occasions & seen wedding parties on the grounds getting pictures taken. Lambert Castle itself is both a museum & library. The hours opened however is only a small window. The Library itself is only open from 1-4pm Fridays & every second & fourth Saturday of the month. So unless you have an off day, makes for a challenge to check out. Regular museum hours run Wed through Sun 1-4pm from early Sept through late May. Summer hours are an hour longer from late May to Early Sept Wed through Sun 12-4pm. The Passaic County Historical Society also runs fundraiser events at Lambert. From Nov 8th to Nov 30th (2014 from 10am to 8pm Wed-Fri & 10am-5pm Sat & Sun) a Holiday Boutique is in progress. The boutique is something the society has been doing for the past 25yrs. It has from what I understand an assortment of festive holiday gifts, jewelry, seasonal decorations, crafts, collectibles and gourmet foods in the historic atmosphere of Lambert Castle. Since I had other commitments & couldn't stick around until it opened, I hopefully will be able to catch it before it ends & attach pictures. Aside from that event the PCHS has other events planned at Lambert for the remainder of the year. While as others previously mentioned, if the doors are closed to the museum & no event is happening, it's something you can do in under an hour. The Garret Mountain Reservation (in which Lambert is apart of) is minutes away from the castle in Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson). Both worth checking out

This is something the harkens back to the days when America had few museums. It is an historic home that has what amount to local curios. Still it is worth a look. The building has been refurbished/restored and the details are intriguing. but.. it is only worth maybe 30 minutes. Opened Wed-Sun.

We love visiting historic homes, and Lambert Castle didn't disappoint. Fascinating family history; beautifully restored rooms; interesting displays of artifacts from another time. I especially appreciate how we are able to view the exhibits at our leisure---no tour required. Exploring places such as Lambert Castle is the best way to learn and experience history.

From the tower - Panoramic views of Paterson (Passaic and Bergen Counties also) as you look toward the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The tower is beautifully restored and the top floor observation area is accessible by clean, very well maintained platforms and staircases inside. Lower on the mountain is Lambert Castle. Take a walk around the grounds. For a small fee visit the museum. We did not do so, but I believe it is worth a visit.

Charming castle with an endearing history on Garret Mountain. Catholina Lambert, a prominent silk mill owner, built this architectural gem in 1892. The stained glass windows and the dining room are beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous, and it is a worthwhile hour if you are nearby.

It's a CASTLE, in PATERSON, New Jersey. It has old stuff, dishes, clothes and the like. It's a fun hour, or so, for kds and adults alike

My family (parents, myself, my 11 yr-old son, my twenty-something brother) and I visited Lambert Castle during the winter holiday season. At Christmastime, the staff of Lambert Castle decorates the castle's interior with holiday decorations (most are for sale). Every room has a beautiful tree and features different themed items for sale (decorations, foodstuffs, furniture, knick-knacks, etc.) During this sales time, we were disappointed to discover that, while we still had to pay the full admission price, most rooms were off-limits. The building is beautiful (don't miss the stained-class window going from the 1st to 2nd floor above one stairway landing). There is a nice photo spot on the castle grounds where there is a large fountain. Basement holds a library with history of neighborhood. Nearly all the staff was extremely rude to my group, speaking to us in condescending tones and ignoring us when we tried inquiring about the building and also about some merchandise pricing. We will NOT be returning because they made it an extremely frustrating visit.

Lambert Castle is the beautiful home of C Lambert who made a fortune in the silk industry. It is located on Garrett Mountain and has lovely grounds and beautiful views. Built in 1892 it was modeled after an English estate The home contains interesting collections of art and folk art. The docents were great story tellers.

This castle is fascinating with history. It tells the story of when silk industry was in Paterson. It's named after Lambert who was the founder of the silk business. The castle itself is amazing with its architect . And everything else you find in a castle. The views from the castle is awesome!

Its a great location for wonderful views of the region. Plus when you go through the museum, you get a true feel for the history of our area. A nice find

Great grounds Great view! A piece of history. Definite worth seeing. Gotta hike up to the old tower.

What a find, right in the heart of Paterson. Beautiful architecture, stained glass windows and lighting, carved wood, ironwork, marble all over, centuries-old parquet floors. On the second floor, the history of the silk business in NJ and its founder, Lambert, as well as the major strike that wiped out the industry in NJ. Oh, the Guiness record-winning largest spoon collection is owned by the County, and 300 unusual and beautiful spoons are on display from around the world. $5 for adults, worth much more.Almost next door, be sure to take in the Great Passaic Falls (free). Unbelievably large, gorgeous falls. Try to see after a rain like we did, huge!