Chateau LaRoche - A Homemade Castle in Ohio
Historic Loveland, Ohio Castle Day is June 17, 2013 - Built in 51 Years by One Man!
Growing up in Ohio, I lived in the country. I was from South Central Ohio and I enjoyed the outdoors. Unlike living in the city, there were a lot of historical sites and very few amusement parks.
We didn't have water parks and we didn't have an amusement park, Kings Island, until I was almost 12 years old. Cedar Point was far North in Ohio and there was little to no chance my Father would take time to travel there with us.
This left little to do unless it was listening to sports on the radio or visiting historical sites. One of the discoveries made was Chateau LaRoche in Loveland Ohio. I had no idea there was a castle in the United States, much less the State that I lived in.
This is a historical and photographic journey of Chateau Laroche, including some fun and a little paranormal activity ! WHOOOOOOO!
As a reminder, the Historic Loveland Castle Day is June 17, 2012 and the activities include garden walks, crafts and other entertainment.
Have fun and please participate, I would also love to hear from you in the Guestbook below.
Thanks for visiting!
Castle Music for Your Enjoyment and Sountrack While Your Browse - Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 - Get the MP3 from Amazon!
Harry D. Andrews (1890-1981) and the Story of Chateau Laroche
Harry D. Andrews was a normal man born in New York in 1890. Little is known of his life until his enlistment into the US Army during World War I.
Harry became quite a legend in medical science, even prior to his architectural dream. In 1917, Harry was assigned to Camp Dix in New Jersey. I can relate to this part of the story as I was stationed there myself for basic training, prior to my assignments at other locations.
At Camp Dix, there was huge bacterial meningitis outbreak and of 7,000 soldiers infected, only two survived, one being Harry. Doctors actually thought Harry had also died of the meningitis. He was laying on the slab in the morgue and they used part of the upper section of his mouth for a bacterial culture. Doctors decided to try a new adrenalin injection on Harry. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, if you have ever seen "Pulp Fiction," you will be aware of what an adrenalin injection to the heart is like. It is not for the squeamish. Harry was revived with the injection and became a hero of sorts, as his blood was used to save many others infected with meningitis.
After Harry's time at Camp Dix, he was shipped to the Chateau De La Roche in France, which was being used as an Army hospital. Harry described this tour as "Hell."
Harry returned him and planned his architectural dream. He bought land along the Little Miami River in Ohio and started making the castle that exists today. He hand-carried rocks from the river and also made cement bricks using one quart milk containers.
When Harry died in 1981, the castle was over 90% complete. He willed the castle over to his Boy Scout Troop, the Knights of the Golden Trail (KOGT), who finished the castle and runs it today. It is $3.00 to visit and that tour includes a short video about Harry. Some call him "Sir" Harry because he built a castle, but he was never knighted.
Photo is in personal collection of tvyps - Author of this Website - Public Domain Photo
Chateau De La Roche in France - This is where Harry Andrews spent time during World War I
Official Website of Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio
Chateau Laroche is available for tours at only $3.00 per person. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. You can schedule a photoshoot and if you are planning to be married, you can also have your wedding there!
- Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio
Click the link above to take you to the Chateau Laroche!
Side View of Chateau Laroche in Loveland Ohio
Beautiful Castles Photo Book
River View of Chateau Laroche
1970's View of Chateau Laroche
Ghost Stories and the Paranormal at Chateau Laroche
- Actual Ghost Stories From Chateau Laroche
Ghostly sightings from the Castle from Sir Harry himself and other workers at the Castle. - A Paranormal Investivation in 2011
In June of 2011, the North Ohio Paranormal Scientific Society did an investigation of paranormal activity at the castle with some interesting findings. Photos are included!
In Search of Britain's Haunted Castles
Rear View of Chateau Laroche
Side View or Chateau Laroche
A Video Montage of Chateau La Roche Photos
1970's Overhead View of Chateau Laroche - Today, many of these areas are now completed
