Archaeologists Study Wreck Of Gillette Yacht

EAST HADDAM (AP) –– William Gillette, the actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and his eccentric castle overlooking the Connecticut River, also had a colorful nautical history.

Archaeologists and historians are trying to piece together that history, by studying the wreckage of a yacht Gillette once owned.

The boat, called the Aunt Polly, sank after a fire in December 1932 at its mooring, near Gillette Castle.

Gillette’s yacht and the wreckage of Light Vessel 51 off the coast of Old Saybrook have been named underwater archaeological preserves by the Connecticut Historical Commission. The designation provides statutory protection for the wrecks and will lead to public education about them.

A $25,000 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection is helping fund the study of Gillette’s wreck. The research team hopes to mount a plaque and publish a booklet about the Aunt Polly for visitors to see.

“There are some historical wrecks that need to be protected and preserved so they can be enjoyed and appreciated by everybody,” said David A. Poirier, Connecticut Historical Commission archaeologist.

Gillette, who died in 1937, launched the yacht sometime around 1900. Guests aboard the yacht were rumored to have included Albert Einstein.

During one sail along the Connecticut River, Gillette spied the site along the banks that would become home to Gillette Castle.

At the time, the yacht was 100 feet long. Gillette had the yacht cut in half and lengthened by 44 feet, so it could serve as a houseboat. He lived on the Aunt Polly during the five-year construction of the castle.

The cause of the fire that sank the boat is unknown.

Some of the wreckage is still visible along the banks of the river. Much of the wreck remains in good condition, although the water and weather has eroded some of the wood.