Friday, May 25

Sailing canoes - Antique Boat Museum

Chris-Craft with fins - Antique Boat Museum

Lake home - Thousand Islands

Playhouse - Heart Island

Where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario is the cruising area known as The Thousand Islands.
Actually numbering 1800, they fill an area 15-miles wide at the Lake Ontario end, tapering to 5-miles over a downstream distance of about 50 miles.  These islands were once mountain peaks, with water depths between them changing  abruptly from more than 50-ft. to nothing.  Many of the smaller islands are privately owned, while others are very large and well developed. The real estate varies from modest cottages to large vacation estates.  Mother nature has blessed this entire region and once again we were in awe of the beautiful surroundings.  Several Canadians recommended that we take the time to tour two properties in The Thousand Islands - very different and equally interesting.

1.    The most famous of the palatial summer homes built in The Thousand Islands is the never- finished Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  It actually consists of seven structures the castle, entrance arch, the playhouse, the power house, the gazebo - all on Heart Island - and the yacht house on Wellesley Island.  Conceived by George Boldt (the premiere hotelier of the Guilded Age - owner of the Waldorf-Astoria & more), the castle on Heart Island was built as a gift to his wife, Louise, the love of his life. Sadly, four years into the construction of the castle,  she unexpectedly died at the age of 42.  George ordered all work  to immediately stop and he never returned.  The grounds and unfinished buildings feel into disrepair until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority came to its rescue in 1977.  It continues to be a work in progress.  The property is magnificent and the views of the river are gorgeous - a living tribute to this romantic couple.

Boldt Castle

2.   In Clayton, New York, overlooking the St. Lawrence River is the Antique Boat Museum.  It displays the largest collection of antique and classic fresh water boats in North America.  Anyone who likes boats would love this place.  Showcased was an impressive collection of wooden speed boats (6 Hackercrafts), a silver Chris-Craft with fins (c. 1956-7),  mahogany cruisers from the 20s and 30s, skiffs, sailing canoes and a turn of the century house boat (105 ft. built by the aforementioned George Boldt).