A Testament of Love

I know I am still talking about vacation, but when we went to NY we went to the St. Lawrence River, bordering Canada and NY. It is home to the Thousand Islands and it is beautiful.

One of the highlights of the Thousand Islands is Heart Island, home of Boldt Castle.

Boldt Castle is a true testament of love. In 1900 George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City wanted to build a castle as a display of his love for his wife, Louise.

Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four glorious summers on the island in the Alster Tower while 300 workers designed and built the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a draw bridge, and a dove cote.

In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction." Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without her. George Boldt never did again return to the island.

From then on, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, for the sum of $1.00 (yes, one dollar) it became a tourist attraction with all revenue helping to refurbish the castle.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the Heart Island structures. Here are some pictures of this amazing show of love...