After being a gathering place for Burgenlaenders for over 75 years, Castle Harbour Casino closed its doors for good in the fall of 2005.  By far, it was the most popular place for dances and “Hochzeiten” for many of the Burgenlaenders who lived in the NYC Metropolitan Area.  Countless German songs were sung and beer glasses lifted over the years at this Austrian landmark in The Bronx.

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As a child, I could remember walking over to the Casino from my house for one of the summer picnics, and noticing the steady stream of people getting off the subway and walking up Castle Hill Avenue to the Casino.  There was always a big brass band playing outside and a smaller combo inside during the daytime.  The children were treated to free ice cream after marching in a parade, there were games of chance and a two-lane bowling alley, and cold beer flowed from the barrels that were set up at each of the picnic tables outside.  It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The Casino had a series of owners over the years. However, Steve Deutsch (Glasing) and his brother-in-law, Hans Schanter (Radling) were the proprietors for the longest stretch of time (1961 to the mid 1990’s).  During that period, the establishment thrived.  Not only were functions held on weekends, but on weekdays the restaurant operation was bustling.  The food was great with Rosie Schanter, Steve’s sister, in the kitchen.  The place was always filled to capacity.

However, nothing stays the same forever.  As the neighborhood changed and the old-timers began passing on, the clientele dwindled.  It happened gradually, and the changes were indistinguishable for many years.  All of a sudden you turned around and realized the extent of the changes, and that things would never be the same.

Anyone looking at the history and longevity of the Casino would say “it had a nice run”.  It was a haven for Burgenlaenders for so many years, and was the place to gather with friends and share good times.  As Bob Hope would say at the end of all his performances:  “Thanks for the memories.”