WARREN - The new owners of Gelston Castle opened their arms and doors over the weekend and, with the help of the Herkimer County Historical Society, invited the community to see and learn about the property's history and previous owners.
The property, in the past, was owned by the Henderson and Robinson families, which had family ties to U.S. presidents James Monroe, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt. The property was later bought by world-famous Russian musician Mstislav Rostropovich in 1979.
The event, A Weekend at Gelston Castle, served as a fund-raiser for the historical society and cars lined the property's winding road to see what exactly is behind the its metal gate. The society estimated 1,300 people visited the property on Saturday and Sunday
Visitors had a chance to listen to historical presentations and tour the property's seven working buildings.
Bill Tiel, a surveyor from Ilion, surveyed the property in the 1960s and came back to see what has changed.
It's changed since then, the castle hadn't fallen in yet, said Tiel of the castle, which has deteriorated in past years.
Olivia Gibbins came from Toronto to visit the property.
It's very interesting to learn about Rostropovich and why he came over, said Gibbins. It's very unusual.
Both said they wouldn't like to see the castle restored.
It's not worth rebuilding, said Gibbins.
I wouldn't like it rebuilt, it would be bloody expensive, added Tiel.
The property, also known as the Henderson House, was recently purchased by Safflyn Herkimer LLC, which is a subsidiary the Safflyn Corp., an environmental development company, which operates in Rosedale, N.Y.
Safflyn Corp. CEO Jason Safford and President Sylvin Douglas Lyn became interested in the property after learning about it while being involved in wind power projects.
The society set up tellers in various locations to inform visitors of the property's history.
(The event) went really well, people are very interested about Rostropovich, said Historical Society member Caryl Hopson. We had to draw a picture of what the house looked like when Rostropovich was here.
Hopson was very pleased with the turnout and got to meet some people who had worked for the Robinson family.
It is exciting to talk to people who lived there who could share things with us, added Hopson.