In August 1967, the Society became the beneficiary of what has been called the “largest collection of souvenir and ornamental spoons in the world.”  This dazzling assembly of spoons, fashioned from silver and other base metals by old world craftsmen, was bequeathed to the Society by Bertha Schaefer-Koempel (1882-1966), a generous and warm-hearted lady who lived in Paterson, New Jersey as a young girl.

At the time of her death, Mrs. Koempel had amassed over 5400 spoons from every state in the union and many foreign nations.  Mrs. Koempel desired that her collection of a lifetime must remain intact and be placed on display, so all people could derive pleasure and aesthetic satisfaction in viewing these often unique specimens of craftsmanship.

The Society’s Board of Trustees have now embarked upon an ambitious project to reinstall the collection in its own room.  At the Trustee’s January 20, 2010 meeting, they approved the process of raising the necessary funds for reinstalling the spoon collection.  The collection will be accommodated in what is known as Catholina Lambert’s second floor bedroom.  This room has a commanding vista of Paterson and the skyscrapers of New York and is a fitting location for Mrs. Koempel’s treasured collection. 

The spoon reinstallation project was suggested by E.A. Smyk, honorary life trustee and chair of the Society’s Collections Management Committee. (Smyk has also been Passaic County Historian for nearly 35 years.)  “I was present at the dedication of the collection in December 1968,” Smyk said. “The beauty of the spoons, as well as the tenacity Mrs. Koempel possessed in order to build the collection, left a lasting impression on me.” 

Mr. Smyk had discussed the need for giving the collection a more appropriate setting with Maryjane Proctor, the Society’s former president and current treasurer.  Mrs. Proctor initiated and developed the Society’s spring antique show and sale, now an annual event.  Proctor and her assistants have worked diligently to raise funds for the Society and thought the dollars raised from the upcoming 2010 antique show could be used for partially underwriting the cost of reinstalling Mrs. Koempel’s splendid collection in the second floor Lambert bedroom.  Proctor said, “The thought of raising money for a project like this captivates my interest.  It will give us the opportunity of achieving a tangible result, and I will derive personal satisfaction when visitors to Lambert Castle leave the museum and say they’ve seen something unique in these beautiful spoons.”

The reinstallation project will be under the supervision of the Society’s Collections Management Committee.  The Society’s Director, Alison K. Faubert, has pledged her support and assistance in helping the committee reach its worthwhile goal.  “The spoons have always interested museum patrons, but I think the reinstalled collection, in its new jewel-like setting, will be a magnet for those who collect spoons as a pastime and others who have a more scholarly interest in this type of endeavor,” Faubert said. 

Since 2005, a portion of Mrs. Koempel’s collection has been exhibited in the corridor which connects the Castle’s foyer with the building’s rear passageway.  This exhibit was designed by then Curator Rebecca Petropoulos who devoted nearly a year of thought and effort in finishing the exhibit.  Trustee Smyk further remarked, “Our museum visitors should have the pleasure of viewing this magnificent collection in its own room with museum grade lighting.”  From time to time, Smyk and the Collections Management Committee will issue periodic updates on the evolution of this ambitious project.