We usually don’t plan adventures or sightseeing when we are traveling to another campground - somehow the adventure of the road is enough. But, yesterday Solomon’s Castle was closed, today it’s right on the way to our next campground and, let’s stop. But first we had to get out of this campground which wasn’t as easy as it sounds. We hitched up, headed around the campground to the exit but found this in our way:
Right in the middle of the road. Obviously, he didn’t turn sharp enough and now thinks he can’t make it around the corner without unhitching. Not only did he unhitch, he also put his tow bar cover on and packed the rest neatly in one of his compartments - to the tune of 16 minutes. - while 3 RV’s and 2 trucks waited. They they turned the corner and headed down the next aisle, the only road out of the campground. Then they stopped, right in the middle so they could examine a campsite that they might park in - to the tune of 11 minutes. Check this picture - do you think he could have moved to one side or the other so that others could pass?
The didn’t like that one and headed on out of the campground just so they could head back in to find another suitable campsite. I’m not sure why we moved along quickly this morning to get an early start. We lost it all behind this jerk.
Luckily we scouted out the parking situation yesterday on our way to Myakka SP and we drove in and parked in an RV/bus parking lot he had cleared out. Gary managed to circle so we’re facing out, in case anyone else comes into this spot. The castle glistening in the sun as we approached. Others had arrived ahead of us (thanks to you know who) but we bought our ticket and walked around admiring the castle from the outside.
But, how in the world did a 10,000 sq. ft. castle get into the middle of Florida anyway? Ah, there’s the story. Seems that Howard Solomon had bought some land in Florida and this was fine - in the dry season. But, when the rainy season came, he noted that he had bought a swamp. Thus, rather than building out, he decided to build up and that if he was going to go up, he might as well pick a style’ and in 1972 he began building his very own castle. Now, Howard is not your usual builder, he is an artist and a builder and his medium is found and recycled objects. He was actually once called the ‘The DaVinci of Debris’.
The sidewalk leading up to the castle door is a beautiful walk made out of brick - oh, I stand corrected, it’s cement with bricks painted on it. Howard used a broom stick and a sponge dipped in white paint.
Found and recycled objects like the recycled printing press plates that cover the outside of the castle. (You can sit inside and read old news.)
Glimmering in the sun, 2 stories tall with towers and turrets, it’s a stunning statement in the middle of the Florida countryside. We drove up, circled the RV and parked. When we got to the castle, we noticed that we were not the only one who had trekked out here, there were at least 30 or 40 ahead of us and many were already on the tour inside the castle. While we were waiting and looking around, this skinny little fellow with a big hat walked by, into the gift shop and behind the counter. Now, we had seen pictures of Howard Solomon and were sure it was he but, when the ticket taker called him, Howard, we were absolutely certain. We’re not Sherlock Holmes but we can read clues like these. What fun to meet the man himself. By the way, the flooring ‘bricks’ in the entry room here were painted just like the brick walkway outside.
Finally, our tour was called and we walked through his castle. Essentially, the castle serves as an exhibition gallery for several hundred pieces of Solomon sculpture; "The ones that didn't sell," he explains. Howard takes as much fun in naming his pieces of art as he does making them. The tour was filled with puns and jokes related to the materials and the naming of his pieces of art. I learned later that this is the exact script he used when he used to show his castle and art to passers-by. Here is the Lion’s Club
No one wants a plain wall in a house but Howard made exactly that: a plane wall.
And, what do you think ‘Gnome on the Range’ might be?
And, on and on. I thought that the patter with all the puns detracted from the beauty and imagination of the art itself, which, is really quite stunning. I particularly like some wooded pieces he did resembling art in museum. Like this Modigliani,
and this piece. True to the original but in his own vision.
Most of his castle is essentially an opportunity to showcase his art. However, we did get to tour through his own living quarters which must make him feel as if his house was for sale every day - and ya gotta keep it clean. Here he had some of the most beautiful pieces in stained glass. These two pieces are on either side of the back door.
His art is mostly folk art and he uses anything he can find. We saw his workshop later and one of my earlier questions, does he keep things around waiting for inspiration?, was answered. Yes, he keeps lots of things he has found over the years in a shed and workshop in back waiting for their place in his scheme of things.
He keeps adding on to his collection and recently added the ‘Alamo’ to the back lot after he had visited the original Alamo in San Antonio - at least that’s what our tour guide said. Note the cannon balls - bowling balls in any other setting.
However, one of his best additions was the ‘Boat in the Moat.’ which his daughter (I believe) has turned into a delicious restaurant.
The aromas from this restaurant waft over the castle grounds as we toured and we just had to stop for lunch - as did many others. We then walked around his castle only to find this lovely meandering stream.
The news is all about the big storm innundating the New England states today. I sent an e-mail to some friends of ours to commiserate and got an e-mail back saying that they were supposed to leave Boston today and head to Florida. Now they can’t get out for 4 days.
Here’s our home in the woods - a bit different than Mr. Solomon’s.
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