BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! 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. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. The place is oozing history. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. Before I rode on it on the Island I had gone to a local fair and 3 other girls and I rode together on it and we laughed and really enjoyed it. Author: Michael R Stoller Jr CC BY-ND 2.0 Though not all is lost. The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. A shack which held dynamite used for dredging the near-by channel was fired into by a group of boys out hunting or fishing. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Ray was removed from the boat because she was not white, enforced according to a Bob-Lo company policy "excluding so-called 'zoot-suiters', the rowdyish, the rough, and the boisterous, and it also adopted the policy of excluding colored. About Boblo Island: In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. . Smudged by the past, we nevertheless feel a redemptive twinge in the final aerial shot as Dr. Kattoo hoists the flag over Claire's mended hull. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. And a Fairyland park on the ocean in OR, etc. The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. 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. . Can you go over to the island any time? Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. I agree with Maureen. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. 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. - LJ. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. What I remember about Bob-Lo Island specifically, the entrance coming off of the boat, one of the last times I went the Simpsons were the mascots and I met Bart and Homer. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Rule 2 does not apply when replying to this stickied comment.. Rule 2 does apply throughout the rest of this thread.. What this means: Please keep any "meta" discussion directed at specific users, mods, or r/conspiracy in general in this comment chain only.. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. How to get to Boblo Island: You know what I think, I have never been over there. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. 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. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. why did boblo island close; william monroe high school why did boblo island close. Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. Im glad you made this comment. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. It is sad, Cheryl. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. how much was bitcoin in 2010. pets4homes boost advert 9, Juin, 2022. smugglers inn steak soup recipe; He's been with WDIV since 2013. I can forward them to you if you would like. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. Boblo Island is preparing to greet more than 200 new residents with construction soon to begin and new roads in the south end of the island recently completed . The island is about 2.5 miles long, 0.5 mile wide and 272 acres in size. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. View TODAY's New Listings by beds, baths, lot size, listing status, days on market, & more! I am only 12. Claire and the SS Columbia? This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. It was like a little cruise. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. airbnb sarasota downtown; payday 2 infinite equipment mod; conduct unbecoming a police officer examples; randomforestclassifier' object has no attribute estimators_ Why did Boblo Island close? Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The place just went completely downhill. I dont think it is sad at all! 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. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. One island. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. 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. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. 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. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. A tri-plex home. Boblo Island today: Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. Thank you again for the information. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". [2] Hard to believe, but for the first time in 124 years, there is no such place as Boblo Island. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. This was particularly true during the Great Depression and the World War II era, when finances were tight and the world seemed to exist in a perpetual state of anxiety. 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.. . Clair and the SS Columbia. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. We dont save anything for history any more. The homes come with all appliances. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. The 16mm film is from around 1960. Purchasing a home on Boblo Island? With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. You can take a tour of the model homes on Boblo Island on Saturdays and Sundays with an island specialist by calling 519-736-1111. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. You do it for other people. The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. - Bonnie, Oh! 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 Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in. Neither will my grandchildren. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . All Rights Reserved. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Huntington. When did Boblo boat stop running? DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. The operations ended in 1993. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. 2,000. We also traveled from. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. 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. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. (LogOut/ Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. The island is now a residential community. Barely visible remains of the park. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. 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? In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. why did boblo island closeconservation international ceo. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. The Bob-Lo boats, once looked upon as part of the attraction of going on a trip to Bob-Lo were later being looked at as time wasted that could have been spent at the park. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. 0 Comments Comments But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. The name of the island was changed to Boblo in 1929 when visitors had problems correctly pronouncing the original French name. why did boblo island close. Claire, seen in 2016. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. An old silent family home movie of a trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park, no longer existing. 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. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! 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. Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. The ships ferried people to the Boblo Island amusement park on the Detroit River for 89 years until they ceased operation in 1991. In 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. More waterfront dining. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. 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. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. The bike rental shop was closed, but you can check your weight for free. 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. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. Scattered over the restof the island, there are still a number of structures left from other erasmidst overgrown grass, downed limbs from trees, and more than a few other surprises: At the south end of the island, two pieces of history, although damaged, still stand: In the portion of the island that was once the amusement parkBob-Lo as the babyboomers knew ita number of structures still stand: Unfortunately, despite a private-property-no-trespassing sign .