Building the lighthouse on the island instead of the shoal presented several advantages: a shorter tower could be used due to the . 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. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. 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. Please dont judge us without knowing us! Answer: 90% of the time, it's because the parks don't have enough money and/or business to keep up with running costs, and the parks simply close and are left to rot. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. 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. In fact, one of those . Parts of that tower still stand. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. The Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. - Bonnie, Oh! British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). A tri-plex home. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. 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 . See all (4) [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. 582 gold coast drive boblo island ontario windsor essex ontario mls 22015670 video tour available at https wwwdangemuscom listings welcome to the awesome lifestyle on bois blanc also known as boblo. One island. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. why did boblo island close. The island has quite an interesting history. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. Although Boblo Island Beach House is pretty good. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. Boblo Boats Documentary Hitting Select Theatres in Detroit This Fall [VIDEO], Metallicas 72 Seasons Global Premiere Where You Can Watch in Michigan, Detroit Chef Named Chopped Champ Donates $10K Prize, Tri-County Ninja & Collectibles in Fenton Approved for Liquor License, Compete in Cedar Point Trivia from the Comfort of Your Michigan Home, Michigan Has Enforced the Death Penalty a Remarkably Low Number of Times, Celebrate 21 Years Of The Machine Shop In March, 13 Suggestions to Fill Flints Empty Sears in Genesee Valley Mall. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Clair and the SS Columbia. Although the name will seem new to most of us, it's actually the original historic name of the island that was home to the historic . Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. 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. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. 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. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? I am only 12. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. For those who lived it firsthand, though, Boblo Island was an accessible and affordable paradise right in Detroit's backyard. All rights reserved (About Us). (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. 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. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. Nessel calls on DTE, Consumers to issue automatic power outage credits after storm. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I vaguely remember going to Boblo Island Amusement Park as a kid and recently found myself wondering what happened to the place. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. 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. It is a story told in a new movie that premiered last week in Detroit called "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale". People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. 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. 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. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. 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. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. Detroit Publishing Co via the Library of Congress, This appears to be the SS Columbia Boblo Boat, which was built in 1902, Ferry dock on Boblo Island - between 1890 and 1901. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. That is what the park was supposed to be about. Huntington. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The operations ended in 1993. - LJ. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. My husband is from There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. Change). 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. 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. Share. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. Over the years, the crowds going to Bob-Lo on the boat would were increasingly loud and rude and some people avoided going to Bob-Lo to avoid the noise. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of 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. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. Or not. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. For 81 years, she ferried generations of families as they experienced a Windsor-Detroit right of passage: an island getaway to the beloved Boblo Island amusement park. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. 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. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. I agree. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. 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. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. If anyone has Meade Gougeon's cell number, seriously, call him. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Did you work on both the SS Ste. And a Fairyland park on the ocean in OR, etc. 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. 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. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. Check out the tracker on the SE side of Boblo! St. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. The Detroit-Wayne County Port Authority found a way to end a 100-year agreement that gave the Moroun-owned Ambassador Port Co. sweeping control, but questions remain about the speed at which the deal gained approval of the public authority's board, transparency about the deal and what it means for the port going forward. No one was injured, and there is no word as to what punishment the boys received. 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. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Author: Michael R Stoller Jr CC BY-ND 2.0 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. The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Update: A couple of them were partially restored and used during the filming ofTransformers 4. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. How to get to Boblo Island: The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. I had the pleasure of delivering a load of stuffed animals to the Park in the early 1990s, was a trip i will never forget, driving my Freightliner truck and a 48 foot trailer onto the wharf to make the trip across the river in the middle of the night over to the island then driving around the the park, having to stop and wait for the park benches to be moved for me to able to get truck and trailer around the turns stopping here and there to off load these stuffed toys into little electric carts for the arcade games before the park opened the next day, Friday of a May 24 weekend. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Competition came in, e.g., Sea World. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. why did boblo island close. What Occupation Did The Boblo Boat Workers Have? . [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. caliyah mcnabb photos; singapore new first class; grilled chicken with marinated tomatoes and onions; common entry level jobs for aerospace engineering; sims 4 reshade presets 2021; why did boblo island close. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. The name 'Boblo' came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". This is private property and the doors are chain locked. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. mopar 727 transmission casting numbers. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. 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. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. The island is about 2.5 miles long, 0.5 mile wide and 272 acres in size. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. 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. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take whenone departedon the other side of the border. 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. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. 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. Claire and the SS Columbia? 3 F 1 1/2. why did boblo island close; william monroe high school why did boblo island close. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. mike smithson tutor perini; ford f 350 ignition switch replacement. [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. 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. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin is located on the western shore of Boblo Island, and is open for residents and visitors from Thursday through Sunday. Neither will my grandchildren. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". Hard to believe, but for the first time in 124 years, there is no such place as Boblo Island. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. To the north of the road leading from the ferry dock is a subdivision ofmini-mansions and duplexes, with an emphasis on stone and heavy on Victorian-style turrets. We dont save anything for history any more. [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. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. Kathleen Saylors. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Purchasing a home on Boblo Island? 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. 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. Kathi. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. 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. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. Boblo's miniature railroad was perfect for those interested in something more leisurely than the island's rollercoaster. 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 . The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. Claire, built in 1910. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. Ironically, after Canada abolished slavery in 1793, the island became a rest stop for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. Posted . [2] 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.. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. The island is now a residential community. 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. (LogOut/ Well I would say as a resident (who by the way is not a mega millionaire), that we dont mind having company on the island and share it with those who want to come out. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. The Ste. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK) - The name 'Boblo' came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. Can you go over to the island any time? [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). You can also visit Boblo.ca. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. Barely visible remains of the park.
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