Lucy Welles
liw002@marietta.edu
Just north of Marietta, the Grizer Castle sits atop one of the highest points in the town of Whipple, on a sprawling 80 acres of grounds. There could not be a better location for a castle than historic Washington County. Upon completion of construction, it will join the ranks of the area’s notable museums, bridges, and sites.
Envisioned and created by Bill Grizer, a local businessman, the castle’s first block was laid on Aug. 8, 2014, with the first two footers leveled at water level. The castle’s construction is inspired by a classic and unique construction method used 4,000 years ago. The castle, which is expected to be completed in 2017, will contain 18 guest rooms, a dining hall, kitchen, living room, and library. The castle will also play host to community festivals.
Realizing his childhood dream of living in a castle, Bill Grizer built the first Grizer Castle in the early 2000s. Working alongside his wife Barbara, Grizer designed the inside of the castle with magnificent 15th century inspired decorations and furniture, coats of armor, swords, stained glass windows, a secret passageway hidden in a bookcase, and arched top doors.
The castle then became the Grizers’ home and received growing local recognition for its unique style reminiscent of medieval times. Grizer’s brilliant creation became so renowned in the region that he decided to build a bigger castle to accommodate guests and host parties and events; a place where everyone can experience the enchanted medieval ages.
“The Grizer Castle will be the perfect place for people of all ages to experience medieval times and celebrate events like birthday, high school prom, wedding, college graduation, fraternity and sorority parties and more,” Grizer told The Marcolian.
Now, with approximately three-quarters of the new castle built, the Grizers invite the community to come together to support the construction. With a $20 contribution to the Buy-a-Block Campaign, you can join the ongoing effort to build this fantastic attraction in Whipple and have your name written in the Castle’s “Lords and Ladies Book” for time and eternity.
To be a part of the Grizer Castle history, call Bill Grizer at 740-525-3586 or visit www.grizercastle.com to learn more.
