Who built Gillette Castle?

The actor William Gillette designed it and had it built between 1914 and 1919 as his home, on a hilltop above the Connecticut River.

What is the ornament made of, and how is it packaged?

A three-inch round of faceted crystal glass with a red ribbon. The line-drawn art is printed so the open areas let the crystal show through. It comes in a white or gold gift box, is made to order in the USA and ships free in the U.S.

Is this ornament an official East Haddam souvenir?

No. It is original art by Merlin Classics, an independent shop, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any town office, museum or organization.

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East Haddam Connecticut Holiday Ornament - Gillette Castle

$28.00 USD

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Shape Circle + White Gift Packaging Circle + Gold Gift Packaging

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Gillette Castle, the fieldstone castle above the Connecticut River, drawn for the tree.

An actor made rich by playing Sherlock Holmes built himself a castle of rough fieldstone on a hilltop above the Connecticut River. It looks like nothing else in the state.

For the river-valley family, the castle climber, the one who took the ferry across to see it. It is a three-inch round of faceted crystal glass on a red ribbon, printed so the open areas of the drawing let the light through, in your choice of a white or gold gift box. Hung in a window it works all winter, long after the tree comes down.

Quick Facts — Gillette Castle Ornament

› Subject: Gillette Castle, the fieldstone castle William Gillette built between 1914 and 1919 above the Connecticut River, in the state park at East Haddam, Connecticut

› Town: East Haddam, Connecticut

› Size: 3 in (76 mm) round, faceted edge, red ribbon

› Material: crystal glass, line-drawn art printed to let the crystal show through

› Packaging: white or gold gift box

› Made to order in the USA

› Ships free in the U.S.

William Gillette began the house in 1914 and finished it in 1919. He designed it himself, down to the carved wooden door latches, and gave it twenty-four rooms.

Gillette died in 1937. The State of Connecticut bought the property in 1943 and opened it to the public the following year as a state park.

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Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Every item is made to order, so please check the size chart on this page before you buy. Women's fitted tees run small; size up for a looser fit. Caps are one size with an adjustable strap.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item to order using premium blanks, embroidery and soft-hand prints. Production takes 2-5 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), then 4-10 days in transit via USPS, UPS or FedEx to U.S. addresses; most orders arrive within 6-15 business days. You'll get a tracking link the moment it ships. Any current shipping offer is shown in the bar at the top of every page and applies automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I send a gift?

Enter the recipient's address as the shipping address and your own as the billing address at checkout. Nothing ships with a price; the package includes a plain packing slip. Tracking goes to your email, not theirs. For birthdays and holidays, order two weeks ahead to be safe.

What's the return policy?

Made-to-order items can't be returned or exchanged for size or color, so please use the size chart and photos before ordering. If anything arrives defective, misprinted or damaged, send a photo and your order number within 30 days and we'll replace it or refund you.

How do I care for my item?

Apparel: wash cold, inside out, with like colors; no bleach; tumble dry low or hang dry. Embroidered pieces: iron inside out to protect the stitching. Caps: spot clean. Printed glasses and water bottles: hand wash only, no dishwasher, so the artwork lasts. Mugs and engraved glasses are dishwasher safe. Any item-specific care notes are in the description above.

Who makes this?

Merlin Classics is a small Connecticut brand making original retro designs for the towns people love. Every piece is printed, embroidered or engraved to order in the USA, and the business supports hunger relief in the communities our collections celebrate.