"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."
So besides the tragedy of the death in the family the castle was abandoned. The house was 3/4 finished, the linens, furniture and glassware was even delivered and ready to be put up. It was grossly destroyed on the inside, vandalized, the furniture was either stolen or burned for bonfires and it was left in ruins. People didn't just write their names on the walls...they etched them into the walls. I mean serious destruction in there.
The Bridge Authority acquired the property and is now planning a full restoration to bring the property to what it was once designed to be. The first floor is nearly finished and they've started on the second floor. There is a lot of work to do but it is really coming along.
When touring, you really can get lost in the splendor of what it is and imagine yourself attending a ball there - in grand style!
The story of this house makes me so sad. I am so happy to see some life coming back into it. They hold weddings now on the property and have fabulous picnic grounds. A descendant (great great grandson) is getting married there next year.
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