Singer Castle on Dark Island
Singer Castle, built between 1902 and 1904 on Dark Island in the St. Lawrence River off the coast of Chippewa Bay, offers an amazing view back to the Guilded Age. Frederic Gilbert Bourne, then president of Singer Sewing Machine Company, commissioned Ernest Flagg, one of the premier architects of the time, to build a hunting retreat for his family. The result was a castle inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s novel about Woodstock Castle in Scotland.
Tours of the castle are offered seasonally during the late spring through September. The castle includes a four-story clock tower, 28 rooms, three boat houses, an internal intercom system, wine cellar, and secret passages throughout. Bourne and his contemporary, George Boldt, who owned a castle about an hour and half up river, used to race their speed boats between the two structures. Bourne having served as commodore of the New York City Yacht Club had a fine collection of boats.
To learn more about this wonderful attraction or special events at Singer Castle visit their website (www.singercastle.com)
Morrisania Tours
Call 315-375-8213 for reservations.
- $27.50/adult, $25/seniors (50+), $16/children (6-14)
