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A few facts about the home of the photographer’s great-grandparents, Cord and Bernhardine Asendorf, known as “The Gingerbread House”.

My great-grandfather, Cord Asendorf, arrived in Savannah in September, 1872, at age 14.  He began working for a cousin in the grocery business.  A few years later, he opened his own grocery store and saloon on the northwest corner of East Broad and Liberty Streets (the original building is still standing).  He was quite successful, and in addition to his business he began purchasing a number of houses in the downtown area.

In February, 1890, he married my great-grandmother, Bernhardine Hagen, and they lived over the store.  After the birth of five children, he wanted a larger home for his growing family, and purchased the property at Bull and 36th Streets.  He designed the home, and contracted Hawley Construction Company to build it.  The family moved into their new home in 1899.  He retired shortly thereafter maintaining his investment properties.  Five more children were born there (my grandmother, Meta, was the last child born there in 1907), three daughters were married there, and my mother, their youngest granddaughter, was the last family member to be married there in 1962.  My great-grandparents also passed away there.

The house was home to our family for 75 wonderful years, and will always be remembered for the wonderful parties the family hosted, especially on Christmas Eve, and will continue to provide cherished memories for all members of the Asendorf family.

Laura S. Green