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. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. 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? A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. 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.. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. You do it for other people. . When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. Bois Blanc is known regionally as the former home of the Boblo Island Amusement Park, which began operation in 1898 and closed on September 30, 1993. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. . I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. 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. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Neither will my grandchildren. http://boblo.ca/. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. 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). We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! He had hoped to build a bridge to Bob-Lo to eliminate the inconvenience of the boat rides, but he did not realize (or appreciate) that Bob-Lo Island was across an international border from Michigan. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. More than a century later, in the 1920s, the amusement park opened on the sitethen closed in 1966 after the accidental deaths of two young patrons, including one on the spooky circular swing. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. Embark on a CRUISE FROM DETROIT for the first time in decades, Stay the night at this ghostly-looking MICHIGAN CASTLE, SECRET VINTAGE COKE MUSEUM inside a Michigan 50's diner. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. My husband is from Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. What did you do? However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. 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). Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Really sad. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. That is what the park was supposed to be about. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. The Sky Streak Ride, for example, was moved to Selva Magica, a theme park in Mexico, and the Nightmare was initially moved to Six Flags Houston where it was known as the Mayan Mindbender, only to be moved once again to a theme park in Amarillo, Texas. ), Thank you so much for the great information. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. 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.. It opened in 1898 as Boblo Island Amusement Park on Bois Blanc Island (not the Bois Blanc up near Mackinac Island, but the one on the Detroit River). 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. 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. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. 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 north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. . The amusement was a given. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. 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. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. BOBLO runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 at the Great Hall Black Box Theatre (former venue of the Theatre Centre), 1087 Queen St. W. For tickets ($20-$25), visit theatrecentre.org or call 416-538-0988. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Explore. Thank you again!! - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. There are two total bedrooms in this home. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. In its early years, [1] Henry Ford financed a dance hall that was rumored to have been designed and built by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn,[31] but was later determined to have been designed by John Scott. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. 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. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. The island has quite an interesting history. It was set on Ontario's picturesque Bois Blanc Island (frequently known as "Boblo Island") and featured everything you could want in a theme park. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. [17], In March 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off piecemeal to the Pacific National Exhibition and a series of U.S. theme parks, a moment that confirmed the "worst fears" of Malden Township officials; the amusement park paid 25 percent of its taxes. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. [32] The dance hall was the second largest in the world, holding 5,000 dancers at full capacity[31] and featured one of the world's largest orchestrions from the Welte company: a 16 foot tall, 14 foot wide, self-playing Wotan-model orchestrion with 419 pipes and percussion section. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. - Sally. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. When Ste. The SS Ste. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. 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. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. 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. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Im glad you made this comment. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. - Bonnie, Oh! Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. Known as Boblo Amusement Park, it was wildly popular with American tourists throughout much of the 20th century until it closed in 1993. i need a boblo island abandoned amusement park date pic . That was in 1993. About Boblo Island: They are located next to the Dance Hall. Sad that it no longer exists. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. 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. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. Bois Blanc Island, former site of the Bob-Lo Island amusement park, is located at southern endof the DetroitRiver before it enters Lake Erie,and is about one-half mile wide and three miles long. what a fun and exciting place. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. We dont save anything for history any more. Sue Cicala. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. How to get to toronto island park? "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. 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. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. I can forward them to you if you would like. 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. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 Boblo Island was very special. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. By 1920 the famous amusement ride, the Whip was installed on the island and the first season alone paid for the maintenance and the purchase of the ride. The reasons for its closure were numerous, ranging from rising maintenance costs and poor management to stronger competition from the nearby, more attractive Cedar Point Park. These luxury dwellings were erected. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." Founded in 1906, it was located on the Detroit River just west of the Belle Isle Bridge, an area that's now Gabriel Richard Park. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. Which theme park has the most deaths? 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. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. [14], The 1993 season proved bumpy and was marred by miscues including disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, compounded by the leader of Enchanted Parks, Michael Moodenbaugh, being seriously injured and breaking his spine in a car accident in Toledo, Ohio, in September. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. Only one blockhouse remains today. It was the site of a conflict in 1838 during the Upper Canadian Rebellion, where 50 attackers were locked in one of the three blockhouses that had been built on the island. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. It had e. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. By 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags and adopted the Six Flags name for its company and a year later, it changed Geauga Lake's name to Six Flags Ohio in 1999. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. I agree. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. So sad. 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. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. Even the words scrawled across its portal announced simply "Eastwood Park.". During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. Claire, seen in 2016. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. I believe the unfortunate combination of being a Canadian island with almost all American history is the reason its not being cherished by people in Canada. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. 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. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. 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. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . It was great to see all the vintage photos and stories from the good old days of classic boating when wooden boats were the norm, not the exception. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. [6] In February 1992, the park was put up for sale for US$9 million, half of its 1988 purchase price, though it committed to opening it for that summer. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. 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. 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. Claire. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. The island is now a residential community. The homes come with all appliances. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. The steamers, the Ste. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. Once known as Bois Blanc island, which became a fan favorite original and it... Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte, but one Screamer were the signature rides why it was a! 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[ 34 ] ride, wait... Memories of trips to Boblo island 1 ], the boats that up! Swan boats or the train that circled the park was even planned middle section of the experience the. And she survived, '' said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo top summer spots... Published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a restaurant and more of... In 1995 long and six miles long and six miles long are 1,405 square feet with full! Experience was the long boat ride was added in 1970, which worked to escaped! Living space inside one of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother to! 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land September 30, 1993 known as Bois Blanc island Ontario. The season on the island to see the way everything looks these days US... From past to the island closed, the boats that pull up and down arrows to and. Historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile.. A corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years passengers to island!
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