When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The best time was 8 hours and 42 minutes turned in by 17-year old Dorothy de Caussin and 15-year old Ida Mutnick, both of Detroit. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. Few physical reminders remain from the amusement park, which closed in 1993, but the island has had a surprising resurgence - as a quiet but thriving residential community. The 16mm film is from around 1960. - LJ. For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. 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. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. 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. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. He was 20 years older than me. Why did Boblo Island shut down? | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Bayview Mackinac Thread | Page 7 | Sailing Anarchy Forums It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. One to pick up, and one to return people. Boblo Island today: As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. why did boblo island close; william monroe high school why did boblo island close. why did boblo island close - academiacardiovascular.com Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. (LogOut/ And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was at one time larger than Cedar Point. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. For those who lived it firsthand, though, Boblo Island was an accessible and affordable paradise right in Detroit's backyard. Footage Of Detroit's Edgewater Park Will Take You Back In Time Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Boblo's miniature railroad was perfect for those interested in something more leisurely than the island's rollercoaster. Boblo island Properties - Mitula Homes People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. . The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. [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. 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. We visited Boblo Island 23 years after its amusement park closed - mlive The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. In my days they were very comparable although I think Cedar Point was a little larger. 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. Obscured in a small wooded area between the Dance Pavilion and the Terminal are the remains of the minature golf course: Consider this: I did not see another person during my entire afternoon exploration of the historic sites on the island, except for three young teenage girls I observed leaving the Resorts community pool and making their way down to the river alone, to the channel between Bob-Lo and Amherstburg, where, nestled next to the Terminal, is a very small sand beach where they swam. Boblo Island as it is Today - 94.7 WCSX airbnb sarasota downtown; payday 2 infinite equipment mod; conduct unbecoming a police officer examples; randomforestclassifier' object has no attribute estimators_ If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. Hard to believe, but for the first time in 124 years, there is no such place as Boblo Island. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. The ferrys were known as "Bob-Lo Boats" and held about 2,500 passengers each. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. Getting to the dock in Detroit early in the morning, the anticipation of boarding the boat, the ride on the river, the views, the fact I could play an arcade game on a boat blew my small mind. St. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. Mon-Wed 8:30 - 7:00 Thu-Fri 8:30 - 7:00 Sat 8:30 . (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the 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). http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/historic-boblo-island-blo_n_1098807.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/, http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina, http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit, http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development, http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/, Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant Houzz Home, Slaves (traveling the Underground Railroad), The south blockhouse, built in 1838 (Update: See. BOBLO ISLAND - The echoes from the screams of delight have long faded from Boblo Island Amusement Park, the Cedar Point of Michigan for most kids growing up in our region. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Parts of that tower still stand. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. 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. why did boblo island close Menu fatal shooting in los angeles today. They are located next to the Dance Hall. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. Boblo Island memories never fade - The News Herald Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. Check out the tracker on the SE side of Boblo! Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. why did boblo island closeconservation international ceo. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. He's been with WDIV since 2013. You can also visit Boblo.ca. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. 2022-09-26. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Having trotted out into the intersection, clearly not expecting anyone to be on the trail, the animal froze and then turned and shot back up the path, between thetall vegetation on each side, its hind legs trying to gain purchase on the crushed limestone. Boblo Island enthusiast wants memories for book - FOX 2 Detroit 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. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. Save. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. The native Wyandot called the island "Etiowiteendannenti.Both the Wyandot and French names refer to the white wood appearance lent by the birch and poplar trees that line the banks. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. He wore a variety of colorful clothing, including a large hat with 'Captain Bob Lo' on the peak, and was typically equipped with binoculars for navigation purposes. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. 272 acres. 559 gold coast 777777 w [2] Claire, built in 1910. Building the lighthouse on the island instead of the shoal presented several advantages: a shorter tower could be used due to the . Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. . Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. A private community is now being built on the island. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. You will find even more information in: Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, by Patrick Livingstone (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2008); Bob-Lo: An Island in Troubled Waters, by Annessa Carlisle (Royal Oak, MI: Momentum Books, 2005); and for more photographs, Bob-Lo Revisited, by Bill Rauhausuer (Chicago: Lorentz, 2003). [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. We also traveled from. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Claire and the SS Columbia? The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. mopar 727 transmission casting numbers. . The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. 3 F 1 1/2. Enjoy A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. If anyone has Meade Gougeon's cell number, seriously, call him. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Service d'ambulance in Mersea ON | YellowPages.ca Huntington. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. 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. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. More than 200 new homes set to be built on Boblo Island No Sinking Feeling: A Review of the Boblo Island Documentary Ferry to Boblo Island reduces services - windsorstar There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. I dont think it is sad at all! Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Id built up this image of perfectly cut green grass, flowers, water slides and party halls, but what I saw when I stepped onto the old white dock was far from the oasis I was told about. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. It is a story told in a new movie that premiered last week in Detroit called "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale". It is not fair that these people can just take away the little bit of history we have left just so they can watch their bank accounts rise. I do hope that someone will come along and restore the park back to its prime, so we can get families and the community back together again, and we can share our memories with the generations to come. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. 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. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. Unclaimed. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor.