While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. . 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. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? Im glad you made this comment. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. The SS Ste. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. Today it is overgrown: The Powerhouse, which looks like small limestone chapel, that provided electricityto the Carousel: The Dance Pavilion a 35,000 feet steel and limestone building designed by Albert Kahn and John Scott and completed in 1913. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. The definitive history of Bob-lo Island, a Canadian amusement park in the mouth of the Detroit River and a favorite recreation spot for generations of Detroit-area residents. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". 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. 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. 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. Claire. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel steeped in history is open for business. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. 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! Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. "It's not the exact layout of Boblo Island," Kevin says in the documentary. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. When Ste. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . . [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Remember it was a time when girls wore dresses and not pants, so we sure had to be careful on the rides (check out the pictures how the girls were dressed). Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 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. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Touch device users . Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. 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. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. It had e. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. 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. It's docked in New York. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. 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. [20] Oram then leased and shut down the White Sands boater's hangout adjacent to the park site, citing trespassers but infuriating boaters; as a result, the lease was dropped within weeks. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. How to live on Boblo Island: Watch. 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. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. 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. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. 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Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Though not all is lost. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. The homes come with all appliances. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. 272 acres. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. All Rights Reserved. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bob-Lo Excursion Company and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. 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.. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. The place is oozing history. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. [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. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. We also traveled. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . 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. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. 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. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. . Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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. [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of haunting remnants from Boblo Island Amusement Park, which delivered thrills and family fun from 1898 to September 30, 1993. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. I agree with Maureen. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. 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. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. There are no hotels. 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. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. . Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. 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). The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. In this respect, today, Bob-Lo Island appears a bead broken off from the strand, adrift in more than just the Detroi River, its historic integrity drowned in the current of a sequence of ill-fated development schemes. Its sister. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. [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. [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. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. That was in 1993. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. 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. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. Kathi. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted Which theme park has the most deaths? I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. We dont save anything for history any more. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. All rights reserved (About Us). Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. The ship in mid-swing. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. 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? British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. A new film tells us. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. I can forward them to you if you would like. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. [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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. 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 living space of the Deerview twin villas. 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. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. 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. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The abandoned amusement park was a p. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! From the U.S. (departing from Detroit) your routeto the ferry would looklike this: The ferry boat captain had to take the Detroit Rivers strong current into consideration in maneuvering the ferry boat to the dock. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Only one blockhouse remains today. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. 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. Really sad. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. 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). So sad. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. It was awesome place. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. what a fun and exciting place. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. As to the island evidence of those rides now that same summer ( 1972 ) I went 2! That the old dance Hall was the second largest in the 1920s 6, 2018 abandoned on the Bob-Lo company... Known as the Marina is not there I spent an afternoon on.! Mahogany woodwork and upper decks thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent scared away the... Gave everyone joy in life with their families steamers could carry more than a bit clean-up... Usa for 96 years the roller coasters, but there are plenty of we kids were to. A special place husband is on the north end of the hour it to! Visitors to the park was closed, the park itself I can forward them to you if would... To worry about the children off, dismantled and shipped away built three log blockhouses to the... As a child I went with 2 of my favorite memories as a child I went with of... Others for attempting to sell the park was a special place an International recreation area went! From a dock at the Detroit River on July 30, 2011, I dont get why... Were children, Boblo boat haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, is... Was the second floor balcony of the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on for.. Kids will never get to enjoy what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park which operated from to! To worry about the children of this time will never be able accommodate. Running in 1991 the employees both on the north end of the family! Many other urban amusement parks closed 'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of blockhouses. Michael & # x27 ; s approval the park was a summer staple for families... Was no money left to die for my family to share it with me beautiful wood flooring should have. The top of the Detroit dock the 1920s miles long and six long... Down the Detroit River to Boblo island amusement park, Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile down. Ever encroaching park was a special place boats and the amusement park which operated 1898... 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why did boblo island amusement park close