Wellesley resident gives State House the gingerbread treatment

On a quiet afternoon at the Wellesley Free Library, a sweet delivery was being made to the only place in the building where food is allowed—the first-floor Commons area. There was just one catch—although edible and, frankly, mighty tempting, this goody came with a “do not touch” mandate. 

As the candy-encrusted gingerbread structure, a replica of the Massachusetts State House in Boston, gold dome and all, was eased onto a display table by Grant Brown and his son, wide-eyed tots stared in amazement. Brown has built up a reputation in town over the years as an artist with a passion for architecture, whose chosen medium happens to be cookies and candy. The State House is one in a long string of his ambitious holiday-time projects that over the years have included replicas of the Wellesley Town Hall, as well as the high school, middle school, and Sprague Elementary School.

Brown, a Wellesley Historical Commission board member, said in an email that he began on the house in early November. “I try not to count the actual hours, knowing this might dissuade me from future projects,” he said.

First Brown made the gingerbread portion of the State House, trying to get the scale accurate. “The satellite images of the roof via Google Earth really help,” he said.

From there, Brown meticulously sketched plans and created templates for each gingerbread piece. He carefully measured and cut each wall, roof panel, and intricate detail, ensuring that the replica would be as accurate as possible. As the days passed, the gingerbread State House took shape in his kitchen. The walls rose, adorned with windows made from Hershey chocolates, and a roof crafted from Black Jack licorice chewing gum, “…which happens to be the first flavored gum in the U.S., and also the first stick gum.” (These factoids come out when you’re immersed in a project like this.) Edible gold balls represented the dome, and each window was meticulously placed, totaling 332 in all.

From 20 years’ experience doing this as a holiday tradition, Brown knew that a project of this magnitude required teamwork, so he invited 80 friends and family members over on a Saturday night to help with the decoration. Together, they all transformed the gingerbread structure into a festive masterpiece. Round peppermints serve as the sidewalk leading to the the State House’s grand entryway. Chocolate snowmen stand sentry. And white frosting blankets the ground with “snow.” 

Those present on delivery day marveled at the intricate details and the sheer amount of candy used in its construction. And should some of that candy go missing (these things happen), Brown came prepared. “While I’m not encouraging patrons to steal the candy, I left the library with a stock of each candy type and extra frosting to apply the candy and fill any future gaps.”

WFL Information Services Supervisor Greg Peverill-Conti says the library plans to display the gingerbread house on the first floor “At least until the New Year. And then we’ll see.”

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