Palace of Depression
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The Palace of Depression was located in Vineland, New Jersey. Built by the eccentric and mustached George Daynor, a former Alaska gold miner who lost his fortune in the Wall Street Crash of 1929, this amusement was known as "The Strangest House in the World" or the "Home of Junk." and was built as a testament of willpower against the effects of The Great Depression.[1]
George Daynor claims that he was guided to New Jersey by an angel, who provided the design for the palace. Completed on Christmas Day 1932, the palace was built on four acres which cost him four dollars. Daynor quotes that his palace was "the greatest piece of originality ever brought about in the history of Man.". He would charge 25 cents for a tour.[1]
Daynor was a publicity hog and claimed to be "the most photographed man in the world." After a baby was kidnapped in the 1950s, Daynor called the FBI and falsely reported that the kidnappers had visited the palace. The FBI followed the false claim and Daynor was imprisoned for a year.[1]
Daynor died a pauper in 1964 at a reported 104 years old. After Daynor's death, a fire destroyed the Palace of Depression and Vineland razed it in 1969.
A city restoration project to rebuild the Palace of Depression is in progress. Local companies and individuals are encouraged to volunteer materials and labor. Kevin Kirchner has been leading the restoration effort.[1]
George Daynor made a film about his park in a 1938 film entitled The Fantastic Palace
