Vintage and Classic Street Meet - today in Clayton NY

The 13th annual Classic Car Meet took place today in Clayton, NY. Here are a few photos from this very popular event (growing every year). There appears to be hundreds of cars, running the entire length of the main business street and beyond.

International Clean Up Weekend - in Clayton NY

Did you know this weekend is International Clean Up The World Weekend?

Clayton, NY was awash today in divers dredging up junk from the bottom of the St. Lawrence River. Found were shopping carts, tires, and many other items including a park bench! There were at least 14 divers in the area and more located in Alexandria Bay. Below find yours truly, Bob Mondore, with Clayton's Mayor, Norma J. Zimmer, along with some of the amazing array of junk being pulled up. Note all of the attached zebra mussels to the items. Click on the photos to see them larger.

Landmark Society Visits Landmark...Singer Castle on Dark Island

On a recent breezy August morning, twenty-three intrepid members of the Thousand Island Park Landmark Society boarded two classic craft from the Antique Boat Museum (Clayton, NY) for a cruise from the town dock in Thousand Island Park down river to Singer Castle on Dark Island.

Seventeen passengers were aboard the “Zipper” a 1930s style 41’ Commuter that was captained by Frank Beadle and six were aboard the “Gadfly” an original 1931 Hutchinson Boat Works 33’ Sedan captained by David Dodge. The group’s arrival at the castle appeared much like a scene from the early 1900s. (See photo above, taken by the Castle's own caretaker, Scott Garris. Click on the photo to see it larger.)

Once on Dark Island, the Landmark Society members enjoyed a picnic lunch in Singer Castle’s historic Rose Garden where they listened to a talk by Kathleen Murphy, an expert in historic plantings, who designed and replanted the castle’s Rose Garden in 2006. Following lunch Judy Keeler, Singer Castle Historian, escorted them on a tour of the castle. They then braved the increasing waves to return to their own historic homes in Thousand Island Park.

News directly received from Dark Island's Jean Papke, Administrative Assistant to the President, Tom Weldon.

New York State Fair, Syracuse NY

1. 

Singer Sewing Machines spotted at the New York State Fair today, in the Agriculture Building. (Click on the photos to see them larger).

Lady Sandals yacht docked at Frink Park in Clayton, NY

The Lady Sandals yacht from the Cayman Islands was docked today (8/28/10) in Clayton, NY on the St. Lawrence River at Frink Park (after having been at Toronto). Customs agents were there to examine the ship. The Mayor and the Chief of Police were on hand to greet the guests.

Seen together before the ship in the second photo above are (from right to left) Bob Mondore and the Mayor of Clayton: Norma J. Zimmer, and the Chief of Police: Kevin Patenaude.

Check out that radar array on the top of that thing! (Click on the photos to see them larger).

As always, for the latest information on St. Lawrence River ships passing through, be sure to check out Michael Folsom's blog: The Ship Watcher.

Singer Castle and Plein Air Painters

Alexandria Bay-(August 11, 2010), Singer Castle and Plein Air Painters Thousand Islands Region (PAPTIR) will conduct an “en plein air” painting (French for open air) event on Wednesday September 1, rain date September 2^nd.  The event is open to all artists. A broader definition of the term includes painting from life or sight without the use of photographs. With this in mind a limited number of artists may set up inside to do interiors.  It provides the opportunity to showcase details of the grounds and Singer Castle from an up close perspective as well as enjoy a day at one of the Regions beautiful attractions.

To register and get more details contact Robert P.  Hedden at PAPTIR@gmail.com or 315-482-9352. Parking and a boat shuttle is available from the Schermerhorn Harbor and there is a boat shuttle from Alexandria Bay. The Schermerhorn shuttle takes about twenty minutes and departs 10:30AM to 3:30PM every hour on the half hour. Returns are on the hour with the last at 5:00PM. The fee is $15 for the shuttle which includes the round trip. The Castle entrance fee is waived for participating artists and no formal tour will be provided. Artists must agree to a group photo and photos of their work for publicity.

PAPTIR was formed in 2009 to foster painting in the outdoors as opposed to studio painting from photographs. Plein air artists complete their paintings on site, sometimes using the work along with photos and sketches to complete larger studio works. The group has over twenty artists on its register and typically around eight attend a scheduled paintout every second Wednesday from Spring to Fall.  Some who are year round St. Lawrence River residents paint outdoors all year long, weather permitting. There are no dues, meetings, officers, or directors, just “birds of a feather get together”. In addition to Plein Air Contests supported by local ARTS Organizations for organization and publicity and business sponsors for prize money, PAPTIR holds group Art Shows. The most recent show was August 6-7 at the Macsherry library. Another day show is planned for Saturday September 18th at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton NY. Interested artists can contact Robert P. Hedden at the above email address or phone number to be included on the event email distribution list.

(This dispatch and picture was received directly from Dark Island today. Be sure to click on the beautiful aerial picture of Singer Castle above to see it large).

Boats, Boats and More Boats at Singer Castle, Dark Island!

BOATS, BOATS AND MORE BOATS

On a warm summer evening the castle came alive with light and music. People could be seen moving about on the terrace and through the windows of the Drawing Room, Dining Room and Breakfast Room. Lights reflected off the waters of the St. Lawrence and boats rocked gently at all of the docks. Some were even moored to each other.

Island neighbors asked each other: Where had all the large boats come from? What was happening at the castle? Did you see all the lights? Isn’t it exciting! The island and castle must have looked much like this when the Bournes or the Thayers were in residence. Friends were invited to come over after a day of boat racing on the river and the voices of young people would echo over the surrounding water. Of course the boats were not the same.

The boats, most between 35’ and 50’ in length but as large as 65’, were at Singer Castle for Aquapalooza 2010 – A group cruise from Hurst Marina in Mantiock, Ontario near Ottawa with a stop at Singer Castle on Dark Island for the evening on their return trip to Ottawa. Twenty-two boats in all with 72 passengers tied up at the island’s docks so that they could experience the wonders of the Gilded Age Hunting Lodge built by Frederick Bourne, Commodore of the New York Yacht Club. The Singer Castle staff members greeted these guests much as the Bourne’s staff would have welcomed guests to Dark Island, assisted them in tying up, escorted them up the Bridle Path to the front doors and then through the Great Hall and up the broad staircase to the Drawing Room, Dining Room and Breakfast Room where dinner and entertainment awaited them.

This dispatch was received directly from Dark Island today. Photo and article by Jean Papke (Assistant to the President of Singer Castle, Tom Weldon). Photo was taken Aug. 1, 2010 (click on it to see it in large size).

We have a photo winner! The Ship Watcher blog has named the winner.

Mike Folsom's The Ship Watcher blog has announced his winner for the Singer Castle/Ship combination photo. The winner is Randall King of Avon, NY, and he will receive the all new book, Singer Castle Revisited, donated by yours truly at Gold-Mountain.com. Mike Folsom sponsored and hosted the contest on his stellar site aptly named TheShipWatcher.com. The contest, which ran all of last month, was for the best photo taken of a ship passing by Singer Castle on Dark Island. Be sure to click on the above photo to see it larger. It is a wonderful shot that looks very artistic. If you have any interest in ships, Mike's blog is the place to be! Congratulations to Randall King. Enjoy your prize! Singer Castle Revisited is published by Arcadia Publishing.

Clayton, NY's Antique Boat Museum ... a really great show!

As the boat above implies (click on it), the annual Antique Boat Show was real sweet this year!

Our new "Singer Castle Revisited" book, along with "Dark Island's Castle of Mysteries" DVD were among those featured at this year's local authors' table just inside the main entrance. Thanks to all of those who stopped by to chat and to those who supported the museum by purchasing our brand from them. Enjoy our works along with the many freebies that I unleased upon you. Thanks for coming and supporting your museum! (All photos taken on location by me while at the show today).

Clayton Antique Boat Museum show - Authors' table features Singer Castle Revisited

The gigantic antique boat show at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY will have an authors' table on Saturday, August 1, 2010 (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. only) which will include Robert and Patty Mondore and their all new sensational book, Singer Castle Revisited. As is his custom, Bob Mondore (this blog's author) will be giving away many random freebies to those just showing up while we are there. And if you make any purchase from the Museum with the name Mondore (as authors) on it, you will receive a free new 1 GB flash drive (also known as a thumb drive, and that is one full gigabyte). These offers are only good if you receive them from me while I am there. Come and get your surprise! Remember, this is only valid from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. this coming Saturday. Drop in to say hello and get your goodie!

To those unfamiliar with the famous sites in the Thousand Islands, here is a link to Singer Castle, Dark Island on the St. Lawrence River in northern New York right near Canada.

Fascinating Transportation methods used to arrive at Singer Castle, Dark Island

MANY FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION USED TO REACH DARK ISLAND

(Be sure to click on the photos to see them larger.)

Many forms of transportation have been used to reach the rocky shores of Dark Island in the St. Lawrence River.  When they used the island as a summer hunting and fishing ground, Native Americans came in their birch bark canoes.  Traces of their occupation such a granite grindstone can still be seen.  During the construction of Frederick Bourne's "small hunting lodge" in the early 1900s, workmen arrived by skiff, by scow, by barge, and in winter by sleigh and by foot across the ice.

Commodore Bourne and his family, all of whom were boating enthusiasts, reached the island in motor launches such as the 60' "Dark Island" and over the years family members owned a variety of boats in all sizes and types including a series of boats for racing in the Frontenac Gold Cup [upon further investigation, it was not the Gold Cup that she won -rjm*] and other races that were held yearly in the 1000 Islands.   Daughter Marjorie won the 1909 Gold Cup Race [*it was not the Gold Cup] in the "Moike" a 36' racing boat she received for her 16th birthday.  The "Moike" is now in the collection of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton.  Commodore Bourne even brought his larger yachts such as the 81' Artemis and later his 111' steam yacht named the "Sioux" to Dark Island.  The boats were stored in the island's two boathouses and skiff house.   The most unusual craft in the Bourne's collection was an electric gondola that was used to transport guests from the dock in Chippewa Bay to his castle.

In the present day, guests come to the island by boats large and small: canoes, personal watercraft, kayaks, motorboats, fishing boats, dive boats, antique boats, cigarette boats, cabin cruisers, shuttles, tour boats, cruise ships, and even tall ships come to the shores of  Dark Island.  Overnight guests to the castle have even arrived by helicopter and most recently a newlywed couple who had spent the night in the castle's Royal Suite departed from the island by seaplane.  The nine passenger single engine plane chartered from Carson Air in Toronto picked up the guests on the calm July morning and flew them to Ottawa, Canada for a flight to Los Angeles by private jet.  The conditions on the river were superb, no wind and total calm on the water allowed the plane to land and take off from Singer Castle's south dock with ease.

Singer Castle is open for guided tours daily through Labor Day and weekends and by appointment in the fall. Come to the island in whatever size boat you have available.  We will welcome you 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or come and spend the evening in our Royal Suite.  Call 1-877-327-5475 (Singer Castle) for more information. (This news dispatch was submitted directly from Dark Island by Jean Papke, assistant to the president of Singer Castle, Tom Weldon.)

Napoleon Bonaparte poses for the Singer Castle Blog

Napoleon Bonaparte and mademoiselle give a special pose for the Singer Castle Blog & More before the French Festival parade in Cape Vincent, NY today. Photo by Robert J. Mondore. The festival runs from July 10th to July 11th (Saturday and Sunday) this year 2010.

The ship Algobay off Dark Island is free!

The ship Algobay that ran aground near Singer Castle on Dark Island in the St. Lawrence River near Chippewa Bay NY is free as of this morning! The photos above, taken by the President of Singer Castle, Tom Weldon, show the tug boats and the ship. Click on the photos to see them larger. The ship ran aground several days ago on July 4th, and now is on its way to a Canadian port at Prescott, Ontario. For more details, check out my previous blogs and Michael Folsom's blog, The Shipwatcher.

Stunning shot of the Algobay at Singer Castle

Just in seconds ago. A stunning photo of the ship Algobay that ran aground on July 4th and is still not under motion near Singer Castle on Dark Island. Photo by Paul and Lillian Cooledge of 1000 Island Images. Be sure to click on the picture to see it larger; it is a fantastic shot.

This calls attention to The Ship Watcher blog (theshipwatcher.blogspot.com) that is running a contest for one free giveaway of the hot new book out: Singer Castle Revisited (by Robert and Patty Mondore). Merely email to Michael Folsom on his blog a photo that includes the two elements of a ship and Singer Castle. (No "photo-shopped" pictures, it must be the real thing). Contest runs for this month of July 2010, so get your entry in early. See details by clicking on his blog above.

Breaking News near Dark Island - Ship ran aground!

a I got the breaking news tip of the day direct from the President (Tom Weldon) of Singer Castle on Dark Island that a large ship ran aground just down river at Chippewa Bay, NY. The ship (named the Algobay) was hauling corn to Canada on the St. Lawrence River. Click on the picture to see it larger. There appears to be no danger of oil leaks or injuries. It is also outside of the shipping lane, so all is clear to the castle. The above photo courtesy of Paul and Lillian Cooledge of 1000 Island Images taken at the scene. They were lowering a lifeboat to assess the damage. I drove up Route 12 with Patty to spot the ship ourselves from the road. (Not recommended to do that, as it is hard to spot through the tree line, and you need to know exactly where to look.) As a bit of coincidental trivia, Corn Island, a Canadian island once owned also by Commodore Frederick G. Bourne along with Dark Island, is not very far from this corn laden vessel headed for a Canadian port.

7/5/10 Update: For the latest news on ships in the 1000 Islands, check out our friend, Mike Folsom, at The Ship Watcher (theshipwatcher.blogspot.com). Unsurpassed reporting on the vessels going through the St. Lawrence River.

Singer Castle, Dark Island autograph fun

Today (July 3, 2010) was a fun day of autographing books and giving away prizes at Singer Castle. Bob and Patty Mondore (pictured on the right) were guests at Dark Island courtesy of its president, Tom Weldon (pictured on the left with the white shirt and shorts). This group shot includes the great crew that staffs the castle and tours. Our thanks for the many courtesies they extended to us.

I was glad to see all of the happy faces of those on tour who received our random gifts which included the United States Constitution booklet, stars and stripes pencils to celebrate Independence Day, and even flash drives for those supporting our brand. The photo on top is of the book table which shows the featured book, Singer Castle Revistited. More pictures of Singer Castle from this event to follow. Be sure to click on the photos to see them larger and with greater detail.

Singer Castle, Dark Island book signing - July 3rd, 2010

As the Thousand Islands Sun newspaper reported in this last week's issue, Robert and Patty Mondore will be having an authors' autograph signing at Singer Castle located on Dark Island July 3rd, 2010 from Noon to 4:00 pm. The featured book will be the Thousand Islands' new sensation, Singer Castle Revisited. Published by the renown Arcadia Publishing Company, this book is not a mere upgrade from the Mondores' previous works, it has all new material and pictures. Just recently released, rave reviews are already pouring in, especially from Frederick G. Bourne's actual decendents, as well as others that have been directly involved with Dark Island, past and present.

Bonus surprises! I will be supplying random prizes and gifts to those visiting us at the book signing table (while supplies last, and they are plentiful!). Purchase more than one item with the Mondore name as authors and receive a free 1 gigabyte thumb drive. Yes, that is a full one gigabyte flash drive. There will also be free gratuities for commemorating Independence Day (4th of July), but remember, this is only at the July 3 book signing from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

Breaking Story! Mysterious H.D.B. identity discovered.

The sensational new book out, Singer Castle Revisited (page 124), exposed to world the mystery of the unknown "H.D.B." who wrote a history of "Dark Island" in the early 1920s for Marjorie Bourne (daughter of Commodore Frederick G. Bourne. F.G. Bourne had the castle built. She later owned the castle for many years and owned it when H.D.B.'s book was authored). The top picture above is of the printed inscription from this unknown author who only went by his initials. Who could it possibly be? No one knew; not the castle owners, nor even Bourne's descendants. The second photo is from the cover itself.

Hot off the press, it looks like the newer book has already inspired the discovery of this mystery person's identity. Kenneth Hard, grandson of F.G. Bourne, tells us that the super sleuth is his son, Gary S. Hard. In his research, Gary found a Dec. 4, 1926 New York Times article that reports about a "Henry D. Bradley of New York, who attended" Marjorie Bourne's marriage ceremony to Alexander D. Thayer in the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, "near Norristown" i.e., Gwynedd Valley PA.

As further evidence, Gary found a Dec. 16, 1973 New York Times article reporting the death of this H.D.B. It states: "Henry D. Bradley, president and retired publisher of the St. Joseph New Press and Gazette and a former director of the Associated Press died [Dec. 14, 1973] ... He was 80 years old." Included in an impressive list of credentials, the article states: "He was general manager of the Norristown (Pa.) Times Herald from 1924 to 1926".

This blog is the first outlet to reveal this exclusive breaking news to the world, which apparently has many afficiandos of the mysterious Dark Island lore in the Thousand Islands. Great work Gary!

Borders Bookstore book signing success!

Thanks to all of you folks who showed up at our book signing at Borders Bookstore today in the Salmon Run Mall, Watertown, NY. We had a lot of fun and good conversation. And many of you received some great surprise gifts from us (including 1 gigabyte thumb drives!). That's what happens when you support our brand; random gifts coming your way! The next book signing will be at the Singer Castle itself on Dark Island July 3rd. Details coming later.

And another special thanks to the crew at Borders Bookstore. They treated us like royalty. What a great bunch of people at the Salmon Run Mall!

Authors book signing at Borders in Watertown NY

I happened to be browsing in the Borders Bookstore in the Salmon Run Mall at Watertown NY a few days ago and saw the above notice on their corkboard.

Surprise, we (Robert and Patty Mondore) will be at the Salmon Run Mall Friday, June 18, 2010 from 4 p.m to 7 p.m autographing copies of the hot new book, Singer Castle Revisted. Mention that you saw this blog and you will receive a great gift from me with the purchase of this book!

The book is published by the famous historical press, the Arcadia Publishing Company. Super reviews are coming in from the initial readers. If you want to be inspired and have any interest in Singer Castle on Dark Island or the Thousand Islands, this book, chock-full of pictures, is a must-see.

Memorial Day - PFC Jack T. Sweet - Alexandria Bay

On Memorial Day (May 31) we remember our fallen warriors who protected our nation and freedoms. Above is a memorial located in Alexandria Bay, NY overlooking the St. Lawrence River and Boldt Castle on Heart Island. (Photos taken today on 5/29/10; click on the above photos to see them larger.) The memorial is a testament to PFC Jack T. Sweet, a soldier who gave his life on Feb. 8, 2008 in Iraq at the age of 19 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jack Sweet was from Alexandria Bay and his home base was Fort Drum in Watertown, NY (10th Mountain Division). It is a beautiful albeit very solemn memorial and setting. I recommend visiting it to pay your respects to him and to all of the fallen, as well as to their families whom we continue to pray for.

"Patty Mondore wins national award" - Thousand Islands Sun

Our own Patty Mondore won a very prestigious national writing award for an article published in the Thousand Islands Sun, as reported in the T.I. Sun on May 12, 2010. "Patty's work was up against 600 other entries entered in the Amy Foundation journalism competition." The T.I. Sun goes on to report that "Patty won an Outstanding Merit award and $1000 which she immediately donated to Hearts for Youth in Alexandria Bay and The Father's Heart Ministries in Syracuse."

Be sure to click on the above image to see it larger. Or you can read the full newspaper article here in PDF format.

Singer Castle & Boldt Castle open dates for 2010.

Here is a convenient listing for the new 2010 season open dates for the St. Lawrence River's famous castles in the Thousand Islands.

Singer Castle will open for the 2010 season on Saturday, May 15th and will be open Saturdays and Sundays thru June 19th. Weekday tours will be available by appointment. June 19th thru Labor Day the castle will be open daily. Labor Day thru October 11th the castle will be open Saturdays and Sundays.

Boldt Castle is open daily, starting May 8th to October 3rd, from the hours of 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. During July and August extended hours are from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, for the days of October 4th to the 11th from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and for 16th and 17th from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Note: Both castles are accessible only by boat (tour boat or personal boat). So be sure to check with tour boat lines in the area.

For your convenience, dates and times are gathered from the Castles' own websites. Be sure to check with the primary sources before making any plans. This blog is independent and is not affiliated with either castle nor with any tour boat line. Photo is courtesy of Ad Meskens, Wikipedia (click on photo to see it larger).

Thousand Islands Life / Singer Castle Revisited © book

Clearly the most impressive magazine related to the Thousand Islands is appropriately named: Thousand Islands life, and even more amazing is that you can view it for free....online! If you have not discovered it yet, it is released monthy on the web and it is filled with Thousand Islands topics and beautiful pictures.

The most recent issue has a picture packed, fascinating synopsis of our brand new Singer Castle Revisited © book, soon to be released (May 31, 2010). This information-rich article is by our own award-winning author, Patty Mondore. This is a must see article for 1000 Islands (St. Lawrence River) aficionados.

Singer Castle Revisited © is all new and contains not a single repeat picture from our first Singer Castle book (both books are from the renown Arcadia Publishing company). You can also find out more about the book and our other productions at our Gold-Mountain.com website. See my previous blog for the Thousand Islands Sun (Alexandria Bay, NY) newspaper account.

Thousand Islands Sun solves a Singer Castle Mystery.

Months ago this blog told of a "Mysterious Photo Shoot at Singer Castle" <-click on it. Now the Thousand Islands Sun (4/7/2010) has revealed what it is all about. Click on the article above to see it larger.

The newspaper reports:

"Gold-Mountain enters its ninth season of inspirational multi-media 1000 Islands products with the release of Singer Castle Revisited [by Robert and Patty Mondore], a new book in Arcadia Publishing Company's Images of America series. With a release date of May 31, Singer Castle Revisited is a sequel to the Mondores' first Arcadia book, Singer Castle, released in 2005. In the five years since its publication, the Mondores have acquired numerous never-before-published historical photos of the castle and have learned more about its 100-year history. In addition, they have highlighted some of the major renovations and restoration that its current owners have invested in this 1000 Islands historical landmark. The book will retail for $21.99 and will be available in stores throughout the 1000 Islands including the gift shop at Singer Castle. Those who wish to reserve a copy in advance may do so through the Gold-Mountain web site at www.gold-mountain.com. ..."

The newspaper (based in Alexandria Bay, NY) goes on to sum up some of the history and activities of Gold-Mountain.com. Full disclosure: This blog writer is the founder and owner of Gold-Mountain. Be sure to check back soon for more posts about this book release.

Boldt Castle on Bing, Microsoft's search site.

Bing.com, Microsoft's search site equivalent to Google, is using a beautiful picture of Boldt Castle on Heart Island (Alexandria Bay, NY) as their background picture today. As they will change pictures soon, I have saved it here for posterity. Click on the picture for a larger version.

Happy Easter / Passover. Castle services reminisced.

Pictured above is the Rev. Harvey Jones giving the Sunday Service at Singer Castle (then known as Jorstadt Castle) on Dark Island in what is now called the Breakfast Room. All boaters were welcomed without charge (free-will donations only) and a free tour of the castle always followed. It seems appropriate to release this picture given the Easter/Passover holidays coming up. (You can barely see the top of Patty Mondore's head at the piano. She was the castle's musician for many years.) Be sure to click on the picture above to see it enlarged (photographer: Bob Mondore).

During summer, this large room with huge glass windows (with a view of the river on three sides) often had overflowing crowds. Click here for a more recent picture of the wall above as it now looks. Definitely click here for a spectacular view of this multi-windowed room from the outside.

North Country St. Patrick's Day Special

In keeping with the St. Patrick's Day holiday, here is a video from WPBS-TV featuring these Irish Dancers. The goal of this Northern New York Irish Festival is to raise money to bring children from Ireland to Northern New York for four weeks in the Summer time. See their NNY Irish Festival website for details.

Text describing the above video says it is raw footage of dancers from the Johnston School of Irish Step Dancing who are visiting and performing during the WPBS Spring into March Membership drive being held March 6th through March 14th. The dancers are representing the celebration of the 25th North Country Goes Green Festival being held March 11th through March 14th at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, NY. The school holds classes in Syracuse, Fayetteville, Watertown, and Utica, NY.