Brief History. . . At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf
Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size rhineland castle in
Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be 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 including stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six
story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge,
and a dove cote. Not a single detail or expense was spared.

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 his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving
behind the structure as a monument of his love.

For 73 years, 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, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle
operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving
the Heart Island structures.

We were there for this shoot with Audrey and Caro .... Unfortunately, there were so many poeple
inside of the Castle, an interior shoot was impossible...

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