Exploring the Thousand Islands with Searchlight Tours

By Susan G Mathis

The Thousand Islands, a picturesque archipelago along the Saint Lawrence River, has long been a magnet for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Amidst the myriad of ways to experience this scenic wonderland, Searchlight Tours emerge as a unique and captivating way to explore the beauty of the islands. Offering a distinctive blend of history, mystery, and natural splendor, these tours cast a spotlight on the enchanting landscapes that have made the Thousand Islands a cherished destination.

Searchlight Tours were conceived as a novel way to showcase the Thousand Islands' beauty after the sun sets. As the daylight fades, the archipelago transforms into a magical realm bathed in moonlight and the soft glow of stars. The founders of Searchlight Tours recognized the potential to create a memorable and immersive experience by harnessing the enchanting ambiance of the islands after dark.

One of the unique features of Searchlight Tours is their focus on the rich history and legends that permeate the Thousand Islands. Expert guides lead participants on a journey through time, regaling them with tales of early explorers, indigenous cultures, and the opulent Gilded Age estates that dot the landscape.

The Thousand Islands are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, and Searchlight Tours take full advantage of this under the cover of night. As the searchlights pierce through the darkness, they illuminate the silhouettes of islands, revealing their unique contours and lush landscapes.

The tour routes are carefully curated to showcase the most scenic and awe-inspiring vistas, creating a surreal atmosphere as the moonlight dances on the rippling waters. Participants are treated to a front-row seat to witness the islands' transformation into a nocturnal paradise.

Searchlight Tours in the Thousand Islands offer a unique and enchanting perspective on this natural wonder. Combining history, legends, and the breathtaking beauty of the islands after dark, these tours provide an unforgettable experience for those seeking a touch of magic in their exploration. As the searchlights play across the landscape, they unveil the hidden stories and captivating landscapes that make the Thousand Islands a timeless and mystical destination.

Have you ever been on a searchlight tour? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post.

ABOUT A SUMMER AT THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE:

Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children, so she nannies at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy. But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

President William Howard Taft visits the Thousand Islands

By Susan G Mathis

Lots of famous people from all over came to the New Frontenac Hotel during their summers. In 1904, William Howard Taft sought respite in the tranquil beauty of the Thousand Islands on Round Island. The scenic archipelago, nestled along the Saint Lawrence River on the border of the United States and Canada, provided the perfect backdrop for the president to unwind and rejuvenate. President Taft, known for his larger-than-life personality and robust stature, had a keen appreciation for leisure and relaxation. The Thousand Islands, with its lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and countless islets, promised a peaceful escape from the pressures of the Oval Office.

Taft and his family embarked on a voyage to the Thousand Islands, taking advantage of the region's reputation as a premier vacation destination. The president's decision to visit the islands not only highlighted the area's natural beauty but also brought attention to the growing popularity of the Thousand Islands as a haven for the well-to-do seeking solace. The president and his family enjoyed boat rides along the winding channels, exploring the myriad of islands that make up the region.

Fishing excursions were a favorite pastime, with the president's robust enthusiasm for the sport. The abundance of fish in the Saint Lawrence River provided ample opportunities for Taft to indulge in his love for angling while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

In Rachel’s Reunion, Rachel meets William Howard Taft, Secretary of War in Teddy Roosevelt’s Administration at the time, the Maharaja and Maharani of Baroda, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and Alva Belmont, the Russian Prince and Princess Engalitcheff, and a famous photographer, Chester Armstrong. These people, and others, really did come and stay at the resort.

What makes a great president? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post.

ABOUT RACHEL’S REUNION

It’s 1904, and Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed. Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

 

Etiquette at the Gilded Age Ball

by Susan G Mathis

Balls were a big part of Gilded Age social life—and filled with strict social etiquette. Besides private balls, there were public charity balls, costume balls, and other balls organized by associations and societies. And there were debutant balls for women to be presented to society.

But there were intricate, important, and very strict rules for what to wear, what to bring, who to dance with, what to talk about. There was even a manual written in 1880.

The manual stressed what to wear to a ball: "For the ladies, an exquisite, light-colored gown with a décolleté revealing the shoulders and arms, very long gloves and light pumps. They must carry in one hand a fan made from ivory or mother-of-pearl and also have their dance card. Many ladies prefer, as do I, a bodice in a shallow square-cut or heart-shape to a very décolleté gown. The men should wear a black suit or tailcoat, white tie, black trousers and polished shoes. White gloves are by far preferable; if however one wishes to wear gloves dyed a cream or pearl-grey colour, one must be careful that the warmth of the hands does not cause the dye to bleed onto the bodice of the dance partner."

Can you imagine? 

Furthermore, young ladies were to dress modestly; only married women could have flamboyant gowns, hairdos and accessories. A fan was a must—closed, open, or fluttering communicated refusal, interest, or excitement.

Dancing held a whole other set of rules. A young lady’s dances could be reserved on a dance card, and a man could ask any lady to dance. The lady was always chaperoned, usually by her mother, who would ensure the rules were followed. A man could dance only once with the same woman, and if a lady refused a dance, he mustn’t argue. And at private balls, men were to ensure that every lady had at least one dance. Needless to say, one growing up in such ball-centric social circles had a lot to learn!

About Rachel’s Reunion:

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

About Susan:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including Peyton’s Promise. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.

The New Frontenac Hotel

During the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, dozens of resorts popped up to serve the wealthy clientele from New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. The New Frontenac Hotel was just one, but it became a world-famous resort for over a decade. 

Daniel and Jane Porter of Clayton purchased Round Island in 1878 for $9,000. They built the Round Island Hotel, but it wasn’t too successful. They leased it, renovated it, added wings that included a bowling and billiards wing, and renamed it the Hotel Frontenac.

Calumet Island’s Charles G Emery had a big plan when the Round Island Company assumed control of it in 1898. He contracted a huge remodel with the intent of making the New Frontenac a world class hotel, and the best hotel in the Thousand Islands. He added a brick kitchen and firewall to prevent a kitchen fire to spread, a new wing with a ball room and dining room, and a separate building, called The Annex.

The New Frontenac Hotel became a luxury resort hotel where the rich and famous, including William Howard Taft, Secretary of War in Teddy Roosevelt’s Administration and later President Taft. So did the Maharaja and Maharani of Baroda who was said to have more money than Rockefeller. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and Alva Belmont, of Belmont Stakes fame, spent a month there. So did Prince and Princess Engalitcheff, a Russian prince who came to America penniless with his mother.

The Frontenac had an orchestra that gave regular dances, hops, and balls. Other entertainment included fishing, boating, bowling, archery, golf, and tennis, just to name a few. There were special events weekly, and its wealthy patrons touted its wonders for years.

The New Frontenac hotel was said to have the best fire protection. On the top story of the building, there were great iron tanks holding 23,000 gallons of water. Throughout the buildings were firehoses as well as many hand fire extinguishers. Unfortunately, the Frontenac Hotel burned to the ground in 1911.

About Rachel’s Reunion:

Summer 1904

Rachel Kelly serves the most elite patrons at the famed New Frontenac Hotel on Round Island. She has wondered about her old beau, Mitch, for nearly two years, ever since he toyed with her affections while on Calumet Island, then left for the high seas and taken her heart with him. Now he’s back, opening the wound she thought was healed.

Mitch O’Keefe returns to claim his bride but finds it more difficult than he thought. Returning to work at the very place he hated, he becomes captain of a New Frontenac Hotel touring yacht, just to be near Rachel. But his attempts to win her back are thwarted, especially when a wealthy patron seeks her attention. Who will Rachel choose?

About Susan:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has nine in her fiction line including Peyton’s Promise. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.