Last summer (2015), my husband, Ted, and I went for a drive up to Wellesley Island in the Thousand Islands to visit the Thousand Island Park. To get to the Thousand Island Park you have to cross the Thousand Islands (toll) Bridge at Alexandria Bay. Wellesley Island is part of the US so if you are a US citizen you do not need a passport. But if you are coming from Canada you will need a passport to visit this Island.
The Thousand Island Park is a small community of summer cottages on Wellesley Island. It was founded in 1875 as a Methodist Campground. People originally tented in the area and a large Tabernacle was built and is still standing today. It is a historic district and has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Thousand Island Park Library |
By the early 1900's several hundred cottages were built in the Thousand Island Park. But in 1912 a fire destroyed quite a few of the businesses and cottages. Presently, there are about 325 cottages.
The cottages reflect various styles of Victorian architecture. Some still have gingerbread trim while others were updated to current styles and trends.
The cottages have public water but only from about the middle of May to the middle of October. The water is shut off for the winter months due to freezing temperatures which could burst the waterlines.
The TI Landmark Society offers a Garden & House tour every other year in mid-July and the next one will be scheduled for 2017. While we missed their Garden & House tour, we did our own walking tour of the area. We parked our car near the hotel and walked and photographed the beautiful cottages, boats, and views of the St. Lawrence River.
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| Replica doll house of one of the cottages |
The Community has a governing body called the Thousand Island Park Corporation which is a private entity with shareholders. The Corporation owns all the land and commercial buildings within the Thousand Island Park. Residents own their cottages but have a 99-year lease on their lots. Residents have an extensive manual called the "Green Book" for rules and regulations for vehicles, construction/repairs to buildings, and other related items.
The Island also has golf courses which overlook the St. Lawrence River, and several marinas. Wellesley Island also has a State Park which offers camping for tents, trailers, and cabins to rent. Website: Wellesley Island State Park
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| Detail of cottage pictured above |
Websites
Thousand Island Park Landmark Society
Thousand Island Park: TIParkCorp
Thousand Islands Community: 1000 Islands Life
Local Garden Tour sponsored by Gardening Friends: Pulaski, NY
July 9, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm. The tour begins at the Pulaski Wesleyan Church 4591 US Rt 11. Tickets $10 each (children under 12 free)
Hope you enjoyed your tour of Thousand Islands Park. Thanks for stopping by!
Feel free to comment below~
Lovely info and pics as always. Thanks for giving me a 10 minute break from everything. Hope to see you soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks LuLu. Looking forward to getting together with you, too!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photos and homes. I love Victorian homes and would love to visit there some day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann. These places are so amazing that's it's hard to believe that they are summer homes.
DeleteThe architecture is beautiful and historic. I could live in that library, what a cute structure.
ReplyDeleteIt really is and the homes are so well taken care of. We were there on a Sunday so the public buildings were closed.
DeleteI really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. Long Island Parks
ReplyDeleteThank so much, and thank you for commenting.
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