30 July 2012
After our visit to Fort Stanwix we decided to drive to Alexandria Bay in order to visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island. It is a short 10 minute boat ride from the harbor at the end of James St.
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View of Yacht House on Wellesley Island |
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Alexandria Bay |
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View of Boldt Castle from Boat |
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Boldt Castle was to be the testimony of George Boldt's love for his wife Louise. The finest of artisans, craftsmen and materials were to be used.
Unfortunately during construction, Louise suddenly died and work was ordered stopped. Sculptures, tapestries and fine furniture never were placed inside. I believe the furnishings today are part of the restoration project. Most of the floors and rooms have never been completed and most likely never will be due to the huge expense involved. The castle sat vacant from 1904 until 1977 when The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took ownership.
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Grand Staircase |
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Reception Room |
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George Boldt's Bedroom |
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Another View |
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Mrs Boldt's Bedroom |
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Bathroom |
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Guestroom |
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Sitting Area |
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Dome |
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Dining Room |
The yacht house on Wellesley island just across from the castle housed the family's 3 yachts and houseboat. They also had a home on the island as well as a farm.
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Yacht House |
The Power House was built with the intention of electrifying the island.
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Power House |
The Alster Tower or Play House was perhaps designed after the old defense tower on the Alster River in Hamburg. The Tower served as an occasional residents for the family during the building of the castle.
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Alster Tower |
The Castle is modeled after 16th buildings and rises 6 stories from the foundation consisting of 127 rooms.
http://www.boldtcastle.com
Worth the trip over.