Boldt Castle!

Today we headed to Heart Island where we toured the incredible Boldt Castle!  Boldt Castle is in US waters so we first had to pull up to the customs dock and go through customs once again.  This time the US customs officer wanted to see all the people on the boat so both Ken and I answered the questions and we were cleared to come back into the US!  We then moved the boat over to the dock reserved for castle visitors.

George Boldt was a hotel magnate, managing the Waldorf-Astoria and the Bellevue-Stratford in Philadelphia.  He bought Heart Island in 1895.  Boldt Castle was to be the testimony of the unsurpassed love of a man for his wife!  The magnificence of the structure was to be equaled only by George’s adoration for his wife Louise.  The first structures that were built were the Alster Tower (Play House) where the family would stay while the castle was being constructed.  The Arch was also built to welcome guests to the island.  In 1900 construction of the main castle building began but tragedy struck in 1904 when Louise died suddenly at the age of 42.  Mr. Boldt sent a telegram ordering all work to stop which it did immediately and the castle sat exposed to the elements and vandals for over 70 years.  Ownership was assumed by the Thousand Island Bridge Authority in 1977 and immediately they began a rehabilitation program.  It is today being enjoyed by millions of visitors who support its preservation and restoration.

This is the Power House that was to electrify the house by steam generators.  The Power House also has a three side illuminated clock tower.

The main staircase going up five floors.

The front room.

The stained glass dome - note the hearts in the stain glass.

The power panel.

Original ceramic tile packed in sawdust filled barrels shipped to the property and never used.

Graffiti that covered all the walls before restoration.  Some rooms will be left to show the graffiti as it is a big part of the history of the castle.

The gardens and landscaping on the property were spectacular!

 Look at the detail and the repeated “heart design”!

It is so hard to imagine anyone living in such a magnificent structure and to think it was the late 1800’s when construction began.

What a great stop!

Tonight we are in Cape Vincent, New York where Randy and Dawn from the Cruiser’s Yachts forum keep their beautiful 520 Express Cruiser.  Definitely 20BUCK$ on steroids!  They met us at the docks and helped us into our slip.  We joined them for lunch at Captain Jack’s just down the street and had a great visit!  Thank you Randy and Dawn for your wonderful hospitality! 

We will stay here again tomorrow before heading to Trenton, Ontario, the start of the Trent Severn Waterway. 

That’s all for now!   Pat