Aunt Colony Summer Migration
June 16, 2007
Boldt Castle
The highlight of the 1000 Islands tour was Boldt Castle. At one time the 1000 Islands did not have much value other than for hunting and fishing. In 1822 a zig zag boundary line was drawn through the islands between Canada and the US to avoid any island being in both countries.
In the early 1890's, George Boldt, the famous german New York City hotelier, visited the islands and decided to build a summer home here. It was to be a monument to his love for his wife Louise. He bought Hart Island from E.K. Hart and romantically changed the name to Heart Island. He even changed the shape of the island to a heart by adding Swan Pond and a small boat lagoon.
Tragically Mrs Boldt died and the castle was never completed. Over the years the castle fell to ruins but efforts are now underway to restore the castle to the state it was left in as construction was halted.
Approaching Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands
The very elaborate pump house.
the boat house
You're not allowed to take a picture of the US Customs shack. (!)
The Boldt Yacht House across the water on Wellesley Island is one of many projects Mr. Boldt had going on at the same time.
View up to the castle from the docks.
Samantha wants to offer us a tour by golf cart.
No, we don't look like tourists at all!
Did the Canadian geese check in with US Customs also?
It's called Swan Pond, but we could only find geese.
Grandpa and Samantha enjoy the flowers on Heart Island.
Samantha tries out being the lady of the house.
Rubby and Samantha take a turn on the dance floor.
A beautiful stain glass roof dome.
The Boldt family crest we presume...?
Is this a stranded reindeer left over from Christmas?
This house is too big for Samantha... all those rooms and stairs are tiring!
Yay! A bench to rest on... from here we can see all those Neville tourists milling about.
Alster Tower, more commonly referred to as the "Children's Playhouse" is entering its third phase of rehabilitation. Among other things, it houses the bowling alley.
The 'kids' head to the playhouse.
looking for someone to get married to?!
The grounds are beautiful but the view to the American side is probably not as nice as it used to be.
Hey, how do we get out of here?!
Samantha liked the big spinning wheel on the boat.
Samantha is much happier on the boat than walking through the castle!
Is there an island under that house somewhere?!
One last look at Alster Tower.
The Canadians are on their way back home.
Bye, bye castle!
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