The Castle

While we were in the 1000 Islands, we took a trip over to Boldt Castle on Heart Island. George C. Boldt was the millionaire proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC and built the castle in the early 1900's for his wife Louise. Unfortunately, Louise died before it was completed and George stopped all construction in 1904. For 73 years the island was left to the elements, although tours were given at one point (I remember my family toured it and it was in rough shape). In 1977 The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and has done an amazing job of restoring it. 

The grounds are gorgeous and we also toured the powerhouse with the generator and batteries on display.

This is the Alster Tower, also known as the children's playhouse, complete with small bowling alley.

In the main castle there is a grand staircase and Dave got a shot of us in one of the ornate mirrors.

There is a huge stained-glass dome above the main foyer, and we went up to the second and third floors to get a view of it from eye level (it reminded me of the Titanic).

On these upper floors there are still many rooms left as they were from when it was abandoned, with lots of graffiti, some dating back to the 1930s. This is one of the main things that I remember from back when I toured as a child.

Across a lagoon on Wellsley Island (where the Boldts originally owned a home and farm) is the Boldt Yacht House. One of George's boats is on display, but there are also boats on display from Clayton's Antique Boat Museum.

What a great way to spend the afternoon, and although we have been here a few times before, it is always nice to see the progress and changes being made.