FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2006 "Bourne’s Great Granddaughter Comes to Singer Castle"

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Vicki Phillips, Great Granddaughter of Frederick Gilbert Bourne and Granddaughter of Arthur K. Bourne, the eldest son of Frederick Gilbert Bourne, came for a two-day stay at Singer Castle. After stopping briefly at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton to see the Moike a 36’ 1904 Race boat owned by the Bourne children, Ms. Phillips traveled from Blind Bay to Dark Island by shuttle with Captain Bryan Gedbaw. Ms. Phillips, who grew up in Los Angeles, California and who currently lives in the Washington, DC area was unaware of the existence of the castle until two years ago. At that time, during a visit to her Uncle John Bourne, they were looking at old family photographs and came across a picture of the castle. She inquired as to where the picture was taken and her Uncle responded that it was taken at her Great Grandfather’s castle in the 1000 Islands. Ms. Phillips did some Internet research, purchased Robert and Patty Mondore’s book about Singer Castle and based on what she had learned decided to take a trip to Singer Castle. Ms. Phillips shared stories of her family with castle staff and when asked of her impressions of the castle responded that she felt the overwhelming honor of being linked to her Great Grandfather. How he had improved the world for women [with the introduction of the time payment plan for purchasing sewing machines allowing them to be self-employed] and with the magnificence of the castle. She had thought that she would find the castle cold, spooky and distant like her grandfather’s home on the west coast. Instead, as soon as she entered the front door, Ms. Phillips felt warmth and hominess and she could envision Frederick and Emma Bourne with a lot of happy children running about. She plans to return many times and to bring her mother and uncle for a visit.