First snow on Dark Island for 2017
Photos of Singer Castle on Dark Islands by Jean Papke.
As 2017 comes to a close, we would like to share the latest
news from Singer Castle. In spite of a
very rainy beginning to our season, over 23,000 visitors came to Dark Island
either for a tour, a stay in our Royal Suite or to attend a wedding or party. Film crews from French, German, and Chinese
travel channels visited and in July the Travel Channel filmed at the castle as
part of a program they called “Haunted Hospitality". The October airing of the
show resulted in several reservations.
At the beginning of the season, the South Boathouse was
flooded with over a foot of water and the south docks were partially under
water. Castle staff quickly made adjustments. Floating docks were repositioned
from the north side of the island, ramps and bridges were put in place over the
hard dock areas covered by high water, and a temporary Gift Shop erected so
that all who wanted to were able to access the castle.
The condition of the dock area and boathouse was assessed
when the St. Lawrence River began to return to normal levels in late July. While the dock area required some repair, the
decision was made to totally renovate the interior of the boathouse. Castle staff started removing damaged walls
and decking and in November contractors began the reconstruction. The interior has been redesigned, moving the
location of the office, video room, and access to the rest rooms. The project is on schedule and should be
completed in time for the beginning of the 2018 season in May when we look
forward to welcome all to Dark Island. --- by Jean Papke, Assistant to the president of Singer Castle.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year
From
Tom, Scott, Jean, Judy, Chris
and the Castle Staff
