Singer Castle is very nice. Used to house the family of the Singer sewing machine manufacturers, More like a family mansion than a showplace. I never knew how many models of sewing machines existed, but there is one model in each room. Less changed than Bolt that was cannibalized during war times, but resurrected in a somewhat more modern manner. Beautiful castle and history.
Was this one of the places Isaac Singer lived with his several wives and all the children? I know he had one such place in England. By the time his bigamy was known, the board of directors had ousted his control, but he still had a big share and a great fortune, which he needed with his 20 kids.
retirenow14
Nov 16, 2016
I was quite aghast at your question, as I never heard anything like that either time I toured the castle. The person who commissioned the building of the castle was Frederick Bourne who I believe was president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company in the early 1900's. Wikipedia tells the story and has a nice picture, also. Uncle Sam's Boat Tours has wonderful transportation to both Bolt and Singer castles, as well as tours of the St. Laurence Seaway. Their tales of the history of the area really make the trip special.
Coravee
Nov 17, 2016
Yes, I think Frederick was the guy who replaced Singer as the head of the company, and was very well thought of. Singer's business practices weren't completely blameless, and the business was saved and went on to even greater heights with Bourne in charge. If I ever get that way, I will be sure to tour this, as I love and repair antique Singers.
retirenow14
Nov 17, 2016
This was my favorite castle that I have toured, as it seemed to be more of a family home. There is another castle in Connecticut that is quite nice, but I cannot remember the name. Maybe starts with w. A search will solve the mystery.
tomandray
Jan 9, 2017
Hi retirenow14, The Connecticut castle that you are referring to, is it Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT? Built by William Gillette, stage actor, playwright, director, producer and inventor. I have visited this castle, it is quite interesting with all the carved wood and quite beautiful.
CatLadyOKC
Jan 9, 2017
Interesting info...did not know we have that many castles, the only one I'd heard of was Bolt...have never gotten to see any of them.
tomandray
Jan 9, 2017
Hi CatLadyOKC...How are you doing? Have not done e-mail, just been feeling "yucky" of late. Will write to you.....Regarding castles, that was one of my loves as a teen & 20 y.o. Used to visit lots of castles. When I lived in CT, went to Gillette many times with relatives from Europe. It's not just the castle to visit, also have a beautiful park, well maintained and many paths to follow. It's right near the Connecticut River and near Goodspeed Opera House. The castle has Fabulous views of the river and the rolling hills all around. When I visited the relatives in Europe, they took me to all the local castles and some down in France, Germany & England. Hope you and family are well. Hugs all around & Special caress to the Crickett. >^-^<
CatLadyOKC
Jan 10, 2017
Do when you feel like it....Cast is off & don't think I am going to need p/t getting along real well. My computer is acting up son will be home some time over the weekend so I'll have him check it.
Crickett sends meow's & purrs....
retirenow14
Jan 11, 2017
Yes, Tomandray, it was Gillette Castle in Conn. Very beautiful and had some amazingly distinctive woodwork, etc. There is another castle that has not really been restored. The caretaker takes your money on the first floor and guides you through the areas open to the public. It may be in Vermont. Does anyone know where this one is?
tomandray
Jan 11, 2017
Hi retirenow14, Well, the only castle I know of in Vermont is The Wilson Castle in Proctor; it's haunted. I have not been there since age 14...1967. We were staying nearby at friends. Their house was haunted. I slept up stairs with a family friend, we both heard the footsteps in the bedroom, we heard creaking and we heard someone moving around, but there was no one there! We threw the covers over our heads and did not move for the entire night. We never went back! :( Creepy experience. :(
The different texture created by having some blocks stick out from the general surface is a nice relief to walls that might otherwise seem austere. The other round tower must be hidden as the one with the red/yellow flag is octagonal.
Wishing you trips of the imagination to your castle in Spain.
Crickett sends meow's & purrs....
Wishing you trips of the imagination to your castle in Spain.