[4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. How to get to Boblo Island: The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. why did boblo island close. . You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - The name 'Boblo' came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. Built in the early 1900s, the SS Columbia and SS Ste. [2] After Michigan found Bob-Lo guilty and fined the company, Bob-Lo filed a lawsuit against the state, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948). - LJ. how much was bitcoin in 2010. pets4homes boost advert 9, Juin, 2022. smugglers inn steak soup recipe; When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Bois Blanc Island, French for White Woods Island, was named on account of its numerous white-barked birch and beech trees, and is today commonly known as Boblo Island, an English corruption of the original name. Im glad you made this comment. The ship in mid-swing. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Each held about 2,500 passengers. You can find the Boblo Island Beach House restaurant on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina Also the Boblo Island Marina: https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina You may be able to get the information you need by writing to: BOBLOMARINA@BOBLO.CA You may want to mention youre coming from the States; I dont know the protocol for private boats crossing the international border in the river to dock. McLeans Mansion (Holly Lea): The historic building that was saved by the local community from demolition, The ruins of Richmond Castle: one of the oldest Norman fortresses in England. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. Officially, Bob-Lo Island is now billed as a Marina Resort Community, but Bob-Lo currently exhibits the most profound split personality of any islandperhaps any placeIve ever been. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. We dont save anything for history any more. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. The steamers, the Ste. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. . The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. Here are some we found on various blogs and forums: I was one of the last generations of people who were able to enjoy Bob-Lo island amusement park. If anyone has Meade Gougeon's cell number, seriously, call him. It closed for good in 1993, 25 years ago. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. Ironically, after Canada abolished slavery in 1793, the island became a rest stop for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. On the south side of the road leading from the ferry dock is a five-story condominium: Between the river and the condominium is a trail which heads south along the islands perimeter and allows a walker orbicyclist to view a number of historical structures, including the Sailors Monument, which still graces the eastern shore of the island: The commemorative plaque affixed to the Sailors Monument reads: Dedicated to 134 years of American-Canadian friendship across 4500 miles of unfortified border, protected only by the mutual respect and understanding one nation holds for the other. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. . Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. If the boat looks familiar, it is not your imagination. There are no hotels. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Huntington. Save. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. In my days they were very comparable although I think Cedar Point was a little larger. Over the years, the crowds going to Bob-Lo on the boat would were increasingly loud and rude and some people avoided going to Bob-Lo to avoid the noise. The Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in. Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . An incident in 1902 caused a man-made mini earthquake on the island. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. Between my concerns for the submerged rocks of the river and the mortar of history I was climbing over, I thought, what a wonderful place this island would be to explore if you were a kid or teenager and what a nightmare it poses for parents or grandparents of those explorers! In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. And a Fairyland park on the ocean in OR, etc. Although there was a bike rental business near the marina and Beach House Restaurant on the west side of the island (the ferry dock is on the east side of the island), it was not open for business on the beautiful summer weekend day I was there, so I wouldnt count on being able to rent a bike on the island. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. Ex-MSU dean sues interim president for leading alleged plot to remove him. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. Claire, seen in 2016. Did you work on both the SS Ste. Thank you again for the information. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. Very little remains, physically, of the amusement park attractions, but what we did find is fascinating, as you'll see in the link below. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. What Occupation Did The Boblo Boat Workers Have? [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. It may be under different management than when I had a pretty tasty perch sandwich there, but you can find out more, including their hours at: http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, Thank you very much for info. in subculturing, when do you use the inoculating loop cactus allergy symptoms The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. The folks from the residential areas use golf carts toget to the community pool in the center of the island, just a stones throw from the almost hundred-year-old, still standing Dance Pavilion: And here is where things get interesting. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. I mean Harbour House is nice, but would be nice to have a better view of the water (other than the marina) where you can watch the big ships go by. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Although Boblo Island Beach House is pretty good. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. I vaguely remember going to Boblo Island Amusement Park as a kid and recently found myself wondering what happened to the place. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. So when we went to the Island, we took a cab to the downtown docks to catch the first boat out and then we would return on the last boat. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. The place is oozing history. Please dont judge us without knowing us! Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. You do it for other people. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. View TODAY's New Listings by beds, baths, lot size, listing status, days on market, & more! Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. See All Homes for Sale in Amherstburg. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Posted . You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. Parts of that tower still stand. Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin is located on the western shore of Boblo Island, and is open for residents and visitors from Thursday through Sunday. The SS Ste. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. Though not all is lost. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. My husband is from [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Boblo Island, originally names Bois Blanc (White Woods in French) opened as a Park in 1898. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. The name 'Boblo' came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. It was on a small island in the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake Erie. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. The ferrys were known as "Bob-Lo Boats" and held about 2,500 passengers each. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. Everyone has a memory to tell. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. 0 Comments Comments There are just two ways in and out of the island. How to rent hobbit-type MUSHROOM HOUSES in Northern Michigan, Haunting insides of the abandoned NORTHVILLE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, See Michigan's only ALPINE MOUNTAIN SLIDE, 1,700 feet of fun, Inside Michigan's OLDEST OPERATING INN built in 1835, This may be the MOST PICTURESQUE spot in Michigan, Inside the SMITHSONIAN OF MAGIC, located in Michigan, We explored WARREN DUNES, the Sleeping Bear of Southwest MI, GoPro video riding MICHIGAN'S LONGEST ZIPLINE, Exploring Michigan's abandoned, haunted ELOISE ASYLUM, Country's LARGEST AUTO MUSEUM is in the middle of nowhere, Michigan. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. See all (4) What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Claire and the SS Columbia? The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. At the end of the turbulent 75 minutes, Boblo Boats brings us up-to-date on restoration efforts for both ferries while simultaneously summoning an unanticipated moral force. Well, it went out of business a long time ago, but we found a few videos of what it looks like today -- check them out here. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. You can also visit Boblo.ca. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. There are two total bedrooms in this home. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. The island is now a residential community. I learned this and most of what I know about the history of Bob-Lo Island from 1670 2006 in the book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island by Patrick Livingston (published in 2008 by the Wayne State University Press in Detroit as a part of their Great Lakes Books series): How does Bob-Lo Island appear today, Saturday, July 30, 2011? The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. In the ride's final incarnation, the train itself was a scale recreation of Central Pacific Railroad's 19 th century C.P. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. I agree. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. The price is around $500k. when was the last day of this park operated (i mean the last summur )when it was open for public for the last and until what day was the ferry or the steamer making trip, and can you visit it now. 11 Properties from $2,300. The ships ferried people to the Boblo Island amusement park on the Detroit River for 89 years until they ceased operation in 1991. Can you go over to the island any time? [2] Boblo Boats Documentary Hitting Select Theatres in Detroit This Fall [VIDEO], Metallicas 72 Seasons Global Premiere Where You Can Watch in Michigan, Detroit Chef Named Chopped Champ Donates $10K Prize, Tri-County Ninja & Collectibles in Fenton Approved for Liquor License, Compete in Cedar Point Trivia from the Comfort of Your Michigan Home, Michigan Has Enforced the Death Penalty a Remarkably Low Number of Times, Celebrate 21 Years Of The Machine Shop In March, 13 Suggestions to Fill Flints Empty Sears in Genesee Valley Mall. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. Both doors are were chain locked. It was awesome place. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. The Ste. Only one blockhouse remains today. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Windsor-Essex City of Windsor declares state of emergency, Devonshire and Tecumseh malls to close Boblo Island residential development plan moving forward. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. One step on the old dock, and I saw an old run-down white platform, no life, no care in worldlike everyone was evacuated and told not to come back. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. Boblo Island was very special. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. In fact, one of those . The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. Boblo officially closed in 1993. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. Answer (1 of 2): I have barely recallable memories of POP. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? I worked on the Boats in 1980. On that visit, the very air between the Wild Mouse and the Whip was fraught with hormones dancing to a Top Ten soundtrack which included Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Grazing in the Grass.. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. . Founded in 2017, K.K.Dhandapani World School, Deevanur is a part of the Dharani Educational institutions group. How to live on Boblo Island: Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. Boblo Island (correct name: Bois Blanc) is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg, Ontario. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. Author: Michael R Stoller Jr CC BY-ND 2.0 Though not all is lost. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. Boblo's miniature railroad was perfect for those interested in something more leisurely than the island's rollercoaster. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/ (Sorry, you may need to copy and paste the website addresses above; my link feature is not successfully linking at the moment. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. 'Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale' is a new documentary, created by Aaron Shillinger, that tell the tale of Dr. Ron Kattoo, who is on a mission to restore the SS. Or not. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. It had e. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. As I have written to the owner of the company that bought the island: You have no idea how much Boblo Island Amusement Park was to our society. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. St. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed.
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