On our way down the river from Clayton to Boldt's Castle we pass some of the "little" homes that occupy their own island, or islands. This one on two islands.
Before Boldt's Castle on Heart Island, we pass under the 1,000 Island bridge that connects the United States and Canada. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority is responsible for the restoration of Boldt's Castle. See: www.boldtcastle.com
Once under the bridge we have Alexandria Bay, New York on our starboard and Boldt's Castle on our port. This is the Boldt Castle Power House. It was to supply DC voltage to the residence. George C. Boldt was from Prussia. Tried cattle ranching in Texas and lost, tried other adventures and finally settled in New York City to become the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. In 1900 he began work on Hart, he renamed it Heart Island, to build his hunting lodge for his love, his wife, Louise. 300 workers, stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six story, 120 room castle with tunnels, powerhouse, gardens, boathouse, and a drawbridge. Four years later tragedy struck, Louise died. Boldt, with a broken heart, telegrammed the island to stop work . . . the workers laid down their tools and Boldt never returned to the island. For 73 years the castle was vacant and left to the mercy of wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. In 1977 the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority decided to preserve Boldt's legacy and has since spent millions in the rehabilitation of the structures.
The Power House from the shore side of the island.
Pier space alongside the front of the Castle, the top of Heart Island, for our dockage and visit.
The boathouse across from Heart Island. Note the high doors . . . so that the mast of the vessels could go inside the boat house.
One of the older outboard engines used on the boats stored in the boat house. Someone else can tell us the make and model . . . this one is a little before my time.
SONATA alongside the dock, waiting while we tour the Castle.
Front entrance to Boldt Castle.
The center stairway of the Castle.
The upstairs, 2nd and 3rd floors still show the 70+ years of neglect and await repair.
This sign indicates who was present in the area during the period of Boldt's development.
The East side of the Castle.
Boldt used the "Heart" throughout the castle to show his devotion to his wife.
South side of the castle.
SONATA alongside the Boathouse, then we were off to Alexandria Bay.
The Municipal Dock at Alexandria Bay, New York. No services.
No comments:
Post a Comment