Photographs Of Boldt Castle

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By peace | March 20, 2007

Boldt Castle Power House would hold a steam-powered generator for power and lights. The Yacht House would shelter the family houseboat and boats from visitors. But the crowning jewel would be a 120-room home modeled after a Rhineland castle and furnished with paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and tapestries from around the world.

Boldt Castle Entry Arch, patterned after the Arch d’Triumph, was intended to provide a formal grand entry for launches that would deliver guests from large yachts anchored in deep water, or from other islands and the mainland. The arch was to be a welcoming point for guests, and symbolized Boldt’s triumph over poverty. Stones were cut and delivered for double rows of columns which would enclose a covered walkway, extending from each side of the arch. A drawbridge within the opening was to provide a promenade on the embankment of the Swan Pond. Unfortunately, this ambitious project was far from complete when work was ceased at the death of Louise Boldt.

The arch between the Alster Tower and the Swan Pond. The deer on top (AKA harts) were placed in the last couple years. They were never placed there by Boldt or his workers or those who owned Boldt Castle after that. They were in the plans Boldt had for the arch though.

Alster Tower, the Boldt’s playhouse, was the first structure Boldt erected on Heart Island. Its design suggests a defense tower similar to those on the Alster River in Germany. But this curious mini-castle probably was not pre-designed, since it would have been nearly impossible to describe its eccentric and irregular forms on paper. It was likely improvised by Boldt himself in a highly personal manner, and evolving as it rose. This building was intended for the entertainment of guests and the Boldt children. The ornate “Shell Room” was to be used for dancing, and was so named because of the shape of the roof. The basement housed a bowling alley, and the upper floors were to include a billiard room, library, bedrooms, cafe, grill and kitchen. Unlike the main residence, which was never completed, this whimsical “play house” was completed and occupied by the Boldt family during the four years when the Castle was being erected. After extensive renovations to repair the deterioration of the edifice, Alster Tower is now open to visitors.

The gazebo near The Alster Tower

The Boldt Yacht House, located on nearby Wellesley Island can be seen from Heart Island’s north side, was built to house the family’s three yachts and houseboat. The main space rises 64 feet to accomodate tall masts and rigging of their yacht in slips 128 feet long, with doors so huge and heavy that an engine was required to open and close them. The yacht house included a shop to build racing launches as well as living quarters for the crew and maintenance staff. The Yacht House was opened to the public for the first time in the summer of 1996, after undergoing extensive repairs. It now serves as a museum where you can see some of the boats actually used by the Boldt family.

The Power House and Clock Tower, designed after the fashion of a Medieval Tower, and located on the eastern end of Heart Island. This facility was intended to house coal fired steam generators to provide electricity to the island. An arched, stone bridge connects the Power House to the island, and the highest tower provided river traffic with illuminated clock faces and the music of chimes. Inside you’ll find displays and photographs depicting the lifestyle of a by-gone era in the Thousand Islands at the turn of the century. You’ll also find its steam engine generator, typical of the type that would have been used to provide power and illumination for the island estate.