Hours of Operation
May - September
Singer Castle On Dark Island
(Click Image To Enlarge)
A HUNTING LODGE
In 1903, Frederick G. Bourne, Commodore and Singer Sewing Machine
Company President, began building Singer Castle for a hunting lodge.
American beaux-arts architect Ernest Flagg designed the 28 room granite
castle based on Sir Walter Scott’s descriptions of “The Towers” in his
novel Woodstock. The castle, originally called The Towers, and many of
the island’s other buildings, were completed in 1905.
DARK ISLAND
Granite was quarried from Oak Island and transported to the castle over
water and ice. Italian and local stonemasons shaped the granite into the
ornately detailed main castle, grand boathouses, pergola, ice house, and
other island structures.
YOU CAN TOUR DARK ISLAND AND SINGER CASTLE
During summer months private boat dockage is available and tour boats
land on the island. Visitors can view the castle and grounds on guided
tours. Admission is charged. Located on the St Lawrence River Just NW of
Chippewa Bay, NY.
GPS Coordinates: 44°27.156 N Latitude, 75°48.689 W Longitude
FREDERICK G. BOURNE 1851-1919
Frederick Bourne was born into a home of modest means, he began working
for the Singer Sewing Machine Company as a young man, and worked his way
up the corporate ladder to become president of the company. Under his
leadership the business prospered and he became one or the wealthiest
men in the country.
PERGOLA – A picnic pavilion with views of the St. Lawrence River
currently used for outdoor weddings and other events.
NORTH BOAT HOUSE – Encloses an 18’ by 125’ boat slip with screw jacks to
raise a 100’ yacht for winter storage. Upstairs servants’ quarters are
connected by a tunnel to the castle.
ROYAL SUITE – Can be rented for overnight stay.
SQUASH COURT – Added by Marjorie Bourne Thayer in 1928.
SINGER CASTLE – Five-story castle-like building with towers, turrets,
secret passageways, a dungeon, and an underground tunnel.
INDIAN WALK – Trail previously used by local Indian tribes.
The 7 acre island itself is too small for hunting, it was used as a
family summer retreat and as an elaborate base camp for hunting and
fishing in the north country.
CLOCK TOWER – Five-story granite tower has four clock faces and
electrically wound clock works with Westminster Chimes.
SOUTH BOAT HOUSE – Sheltered visiting boats and could be converted to a
dance hall, now houses the castle gift shop.
Singer Castle
SINGER CASTLE on Dark Island
Box 59
Chippewa Bay , NY 13623
Toll Free: 1-877-327-5475
Tel.: (315) 324-3275
Website: Click Here
