Volunteers Needed at Vineland's Palace of Depression

A group of volunteers continues work on restoring a unique, some might say quirky, monument in Vineland. And it hasn't been easy bringing back the "Palace of Depression".

KYW's David Madden reports it's been a decade long labor of love for Kevin Kirchner, Vineland's L&I boss, who with others spends his off hours using junk -- anything they can find to recreate the three-story structure of the late George Daynor.

This onetime tourist spot was razed by the city more than 40 years ago. Kirchner hopes to bring it back but there have been problems along the way like bureaucratic permits, cleaning up a swamp and several acts of vandalism:

"We're into this thing ten years but, in reality between the vandalism and the loss of time, we've really only worked on it now three years, physically."

They're still at it most weekends and could use volunteers, not to mention donations to complete the project. But enough work is done so partial tours are offered when a caretaker is on site.

If the vandals can be held in check, Kirchner hopes to finish the work in another two years.

For more information on the "Palace of Depression", go to www.ourhero.biz.

Construction work is done on Saturdays and Mondays and anyone can show up to the site along Mill Road south of Landis Avenue. Experience is not necessary.

Donations to the non-profit group can be sent to:

The Palace of Depression Restoration Association
c/o Vineland Department of Licenses and Inspections
640 East Wood Street
Vineland, NJ 08360

(Photo from ourherobiz.com)