We start off camping at a really nice beach site in Hammonassett Beach, Connecticut. We enjoyed the lack of evil bugs and the pretty New England beach setting. The ocean is bloody cold this north and needless to say we did not go swimming this go around.
Birds abound in this campground and we saw a big momma swan with her little swan-lings following.
Our loop of the campground. We’ve never before seen so many kids on bikes and skateboardy things.
Essex, Ct was a cute little town we drove through to get to our next destination and we learned that here was one of the oldest shipyards in Colonial America and the first warship “Oliver Cromwell” was built here. The Starbucks outside of the historic district was a happening place and some old fella kept harassing us so we left after we posted a previous blog.
Hurray, another Ferry! We are getting to be pros now. TURN HEADLIGHTS OFF. This ferry took us to Gilette Castle.
Gillette Castle was built in the 1930s by a playwright-mogul who made his millions by playing the role of Sir Arthur Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes adapted to the stage. He master this role for over 30 years and its thanks to Mr. Gillette that Holmes has remained fairly popular in the last century and his portrayal was said to be so vivid that many thought Sherlock Holmes was an actual person.
The structure of the building is composed of steel “I” beams thus the stone walls are merely aesthetic though still impressive. The inside was full of really neat features like the secret grand entrance door that Minnie is displaying with much gusto. All the stone work and wood work was done by hand by all local craftsmen. This palace would cost about $13 million our dollar. The state parks bought it in the 1950s for $39,000. What a deal!
This mirror reflects to a second mirror which can be seen from Gillette’s bedroom. He used this to see who was in the entrance way…kind of like caller ID.
Still don’t think that Mr. Gillette was a baller? Well the man had his own railway and train…
The Gillette castle turned out to be a great surprise and we definitely recommend it to anybody visiting New England. It was quirky but had a nice story and was a sight to see. Next up will be western Mass. and Vermont. Until then…
Chrissy and I are really enjoying your posts. Have a great time!
ReplyDelete