Month: June 2023

Boat Ride to Boldt Castle

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Upon leaving Singer Castle enjoyed more beautiful island homes.

Skull and Cross Bone Society Island and lodge.

And then Boldt Castle appears.

Boldt Castle was the brain child of George Boldt, an immigrant who raised himself up through the ranks of the hotel industry from nothing to hotel magnate. He and his wife Louise loved 1000 Islands, and George developed a grand plan for a 127 room mansion for over 100 guests on Heart Island in 1000 Islands. Tirelessly, workers worked 4 years, and upon completion of the outer stone structure, Louise died, and George telegrammed that all work was to stop on the Castle.

For decades the stone structure sat until the 1000 Island Bridge Authority took the charge, and began renovation of the Castle. Thus far $50 million has been invested in the structure and it has become one of the largest tourist attractions in the State. Individuals come from all parts of the world to see the Castle as does those who have their weddings on the grounds.

Here are some of the results of their phenomenal efforts.

The Exterior Buildings

There is also a boathouse across from the Castle where for a nominal fee one can see some of George’s boats as well as the housing of the individuals who ran the boat house. During his day George had over 60 boats.

George had two children – a daughter and son. His daughter was known to be an astute business woman and lover of boats. His son had strength in customer service and a hearing disability. Upon Louise’s death George continued to immerse himself in his work and became involved with his children and grandchildren.

The Boat Keeper’s Dwellings

Next: The Castle

Singer Castle

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This Castle was the summer home of the Singer Sewing Machine president, Frederick Moore. Built in 1902, it took 2 years to build. It holds a long and interesting story of ownership and is currently owned by a German who in 2002 purchased it for $8 million, and renovated it. Currently, it is up for sale for $16 million, however, the German has a caveat with the property, he wishes it to remain open to the public.

The Entry -the architect based the construction on the book Woodstock, by Sir Walter Scott.

One can stay over at the Castle for roughly $1000./night which includes breakfast and dinner, with transport back and forth to the Castle as well as full roaming of the estate.

The Wine Cellar and one of the secret passage ways. The Castle has secret passage ways running throughout the entire house. Some were discovered after the latest castle purchase.

All that said – a picture is worth a 1000 words.. so let’s get those pictures going.

The Dining Room

The Breakfast Room off the Dining Room

The Bedrooms where one can stay over.

The Health Room

Frederick Moore had 8 children and at the time of his death only only child wished to have the Castle. She was married to a doctor and had no children so that is why the Castle passed through a variety of owners.

The Sunroom

The Library with another secret passage.

The exterior of the Castle

Much has been done since my visit 10 years ago. The tour guide was amazing, and if only I had an extra thousand dollars to burn.

Bucket list.

1000 Island Boat Ride: Singer and Boldt Castle

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Took a combination 1000 Island Boat Ride with stops at Singer and Boldt Castle. Recommend this venture should you visit. Cost: $60., however, it is an all day event and includes admission to both castles and the boat ride. It will give you a far reaching view and much information on the area.

Started the journey at 9 from Alexandria Bay navigating the waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Here are some of the islands we passed..

This is a shoal – a land mass to small to be considered an island.

The famous or infamous Skull and Crossbones Society of Yale University has an island dedicated to their members. This is a secret society of well connected, wealthy men who meet annually to discuss ways to change the world. Members include John Kerry, and George Bush. The society has been around since the 1900’s, and each year a certain number of Yalies are invited into the fold. Of recent date a fire occurred on their island and a priceless Bible was destroyed. While I have heard of these folks before, one wonders their intent and if it is nefarious.

Also, the 1000 Islands has been in the news as Clarence Thomas vacations here with his Texan “friend” who has a collection of Nazi memorabilia. While I asked the tour guide where this home was he stated he was unaware of what I was discussing. However, I believe we passed the home on our boat ride.

On to Singer Castle..

The Remington Museum Continues

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Sally James Farnham

Frederic Remington mentored a local artist who came to sculpture fame, SJ Farnham. She is famously known for her statute of Simon Bolivar in Central Park New York, and at the direction of Frederic’s wife, Ava, completed some of his sculptures posthumous. Some of Sally’s works.

Across the street from the Museum, behind the library, is also another massive work done by Farnham. It is amazing but pictures do not do it justice.

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Sally was married to a Tiffany designer and when she became ill, and hospitalized he brought her modeling clay to occupy her days. This spurred her interest in sculpture, and she like Frederic was self taught. Upon their divorce she found herself a mother with 3 children to support and her skills as a savvy business woman/entrepreneur rose to finance her life. She had a studio on 57 West 57th Street in NYC.

Other Interesting Museum Items

Take time to visit the upstairs rooms of the Museum where a local car dealership owner, and his wife collected fine glassware, and other items of value. They are in cabinetry and scattered throughout the rooms.

And last tid bit of note and scandal… read of Ameriga Vespucci, a women who was the paramour of many men, and who came to live in the home after being won in a card game between the home’s owner and a former president’s gambling son. Sad story for women and what a beautiful woman. She eventually returned to her homeland of Italy.

Leaving Ogdensburg you will find a small lighthouse on the right of the road. Worth a stop and take a peek.

You never know what you’ll find when you travel!

The Frederic Remington Museum Ogdensburg, N.Y.

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Have always been a fan of this man’s work, and thoroughly enjoyed this Museum. Also, the docents provided much insight. If in the area make time to see this amazing collection, and those of others who he mentored. It was a fascinating exhibit. The home where the Museum is housed is also of particular interest and beauty with its richly carved woodwork and fireplaces. While Remington never lived here it was donated by this industrialist owner as a Museum.

The house also held Tiffany lamps, windows, and a Grandfather Clock. Was unaware Tiffany made clocks.

Hand Carved Fireplace

Then the Museum

Remington’s sculptures always had a variation. This is seen in the 2 sculptures below where the horses’ tail varied, as did the rider’s stance, his saddle, the hooves of the horse, etc…

My favorite – The Stampede.. If anyone wants to give me a gift – ha! ha! However, I did take a raffle ticket for a sculpture that the Museum was raffling – fingers crossed..

The Remington Camp on 1000 Islands

Remington drew much of his inspiration from nature and summered on 1000 Islands at his camp.

He was also a hunter and several of his trophies were on display at the Museum.

Then there is the art work. He was a self taught master colorist and drawer.

First Draft Sketch..

Final Draft..

Frederic was the son of a newspaper man. As a child he was always drawing, and knew he wanted to work in the arts. He was self taught and lived his adult life in New Rochelle, N.Y. and Ridgefield, Ct.

His family lived in Ogdensburg when he was 10-11 years of age, (this was the beginning of the Civil War), and from there he attended Yale for 3 semesters. As an adult he continued to summer in the 1000 Island area, and was known to love people and be an avid hunter. He traveled constantly, and worked feverishly. As I travel I find his work worldwide. Befriending Teddy Roosevelt in his travels he even illustrated a book for him.

Though he was married he and his wife Eva had no children. Frederic died at 48, of a ruptured appendix and Eva 3 years later. She lived the last 3 years of her life in what is currently the Museum at the generosity of the home’s owner.

Next: More Museum

The Antique Boat Museum of Clayton, N.Y.

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Though not a boater received this ticket free when visiting the Remington Museum (later blog). Did find the Museum interesting, and if not a boater worth a visit. Let’s take a look..

Was unaware of this sport and how fast these beauties travel using an airplane motor.

The Motors

The Powerboats

Some Antique Boats From the Collection

The George Boldt Houseboat

But perhaps the most interesting part of the Museum was the La Duchesse. This houseboat was owned by George Boldt of Boldt Castle. It sunk, and then was raised, and renovated by the owner of the Rand-McNally Map Corporation and fortune. Little is known as to the cost of the renovation but here are pictures of the final renovation. It is on permanent display at the boat museum and several times a day a volunteer docent gives tours. Sign up when purchasing your ticket as it is a rare event to see such a houseboat.

Many parties and occasions occurred on this deck. The Steinway Piano pictured below was also renovated, and played during these events. This piano is a one of a kind as it has less keys than a normal piano, and only a few remain in the world.

Family Dining Room and Kitchen or is it Galley?

Some of the bedrooms and a bath..

The Owner’s Office

The owner had a flair for fashion and one of his party slacks were on display, note the flags and canoes painted on the slacks. Understand he held quite a sense of humor and my wasn’t he slim.

The Living Room

And a stained glass dome..

Will close with a picture of a monster ship, which passed by while touring. Ships pass often through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Seaway carries ships from the Atlantic Ocean to as far inland as Duluth, Minnesota.

Next: The Remington Museum

Cornwall Museum

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Thousand Islands has a fascinating history and knew little of it so followed my nose when I saw this sign.

Here at this free museum learned much of the area – its role in the War of 1812, the Gilded Age Hotels, their role in the boating industry. All this was contained in a former Alexandria Bay Store, Cornwall Brothers. Built in 1866, this building was the main commerce center of the area providing for fisherman, and tourists.

The original telephone is viewed below, and also stop to see The Cornwall Workhorse, an elevator which began as a rope pull device, and electrified by Otis Elevator in 1902

There was much information on the boating industry which flourished in the area during the early 1900’s.

And a fascinating exhibit on the Golden Age Era. Much to read but worth the read.

If in the area this is a must see..

Next Visit -1000 Islands New York -EV Concerns

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Every 10 years like to visit this area as it is beyond words in its beauty and people. Was unsure if Clemmie, the EV, would make it but found a charger at a Pulaski car dealership on route – a slow one, but it worked, and another, a fast one, in Watertown, New York. This helped.

Also what helped was this fast charging station at the 1000 Island Welcome Center..

While charging at this Welcome Center one can sit, be cool or warm depending on the season, and wait the hour while the car is fast charging. Open 24/7 it also is situated near a park to walk about, or one can even walk across one of the 1000 Island Bridges, (I was told this but didn’t do it). More areas need to incorporate these points into their charging areas.

Nice touch 1000 Islands!

Don’t know if I’ll be up again as getting up there in age, but glad to see you are on the way with EV charging.

Canadaigua, New York

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This town is located on the fourth largest Finger Lake approximately 30 miles south of Rochester, New York. It is one of the most beautiful small towns I have ever visited and a jewel. Take a look at the pictures, make your decision, and if in the area stop by.

Relax on a bench overlooking the Lake.

Grab an ice cream near the Park. The line moves fast.

Many beautiful hotels overlook the Lake are in the area – and this one even has an EV charger!

There are a variety of restaurants – even one with cooking classes and wine tasting.

The grounds of this restaurant prepared for a wedding.

Another picture…

Makes you almost want to marry — on second thought, no, but nice to appreciate.

What a lovely visit – there also is a steam boat cruise on the Lake – contact Auntie Google for particulars as it looks like much fun.

Granger Homestead

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The Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum was another fascinating site to see in Canandaigua.

It was the home to 4 generations of Granger’s. The 1816 Federal style mansion is in pristine condition with a carriage house containing almost 100 antique carriages and sleighs.

The grounds also provide a perfect spot for a picnic and will be enjoyed as a family event with children learning much of the area’s history.

The Law Office on the grounds

The Gardens

Enjoy!