why did boblo island close why did boblo island close

The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. I agree. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. - 585. steeped in history is open for business. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. An incident in 1902 caused a man-made mini earthquake on the island. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. Did you work on both the SS Ste. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. It is a story told in a new movie that premiered last week in Detroit called "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale". Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Why did Boblo Island close? To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Claire and the SS Columbia? Well, it went out of business a long time ago, but we found a few videos of what it looks like today -- check them out here. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. When did Boblo boat stop running? (LogOut/ 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. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. Thank you again for the information. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was at one time larger than Cedar Point. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. 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. independence high school football; fadi sattouf vivant; what animal is like a flying squirrel; james justin injury news; cynthia davis obituary cooley high; throggs neck st patrick's parade 2021; [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. [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. The men's entrance is to the left. I vaguely remember going to Boblo Island Amusement Park as a kid and recently found myself wondering what happened to the place. [Meta] Sticky Comment. Each historical society serves as a bead on a rosary linking current and future generations to the past, acts as a tool to support prayers of keeping the memories alive, keeps a link to the human roots of a distinctive place that has meant many things to many people over the years. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. why did boblo island closeconservation international ceo. 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. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. For more than a century, Bob-Lo Island had belonged to Ontario Province. Boblo's miniature railroad was perfect for those interested in something more leisurely than the island's rollercoaster. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. . It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. 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. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. 6 reviews #1 of 2 Restaurants in Pointe Aux Pins American Pub. 0 Comments Comments Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. 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. In 1991, the two Boblo boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, MI., to the island, as well as to and from Amherstburg, Ontario. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. It disappeared for the same reasons like Marineland of the Pacific, and the park in Long Beach. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. 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. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. What did you do? The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. You will find even more information in: Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, by Patrick Livingstone (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2008); Bob-Lo: An Island in Troubled Waters, by Annessa Carlisle (Royal Oak, MI: Momentum Books, 2005); and for more photographs, Bob-Lo Revisited, by Bill Rauhausuer (Chicago: Lorentz, 2003). | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. So sad. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Enjoy You know what I think, I have never been over there. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. The place is oozing history. Claire provided . 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! It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. The ships ferried people to the Boblo Island amusement park on the Detroit River for 89 years until they ceased operation in 1991. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. . Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. [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. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. 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. Nessel calls on DTE, Consumers to issue automatic power outage credits after storm. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. . I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. 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 . There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. The 16mm film is from around 1960. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. why did boblo island close. 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. 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. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. No one was injured, and there is no word as to what punishment the boys received. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. [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. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Mon-Wed 8:30 - 7:00 Thu-Fri 8:30 - 7:00 Sat 8:30 . I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. It was on a small island in the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake Erie. Visiters to the marina can visit the small gallery of photographs and paintings of water scenes or rent bikes to explore the island (although what appeared to be the bike rental building was closed on this July Saturday, so perhaps not). It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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. (LogOut/ Find the best offers for your search boblo island. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. 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. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. If the boat looks familiar, it is not your imagination. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Ex-MSU dean sues interim president for leading alleged plot to remove him. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. 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. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. 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. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). 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. . They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. The steamers, the Ste. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. 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 closed for good in September 1993. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. 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 tennis court sits next to a home on the island. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. A tri-plex home. BOBLO ISLAND - The echoes from the screams of delight have long faded from Boblo Island Amusement Park, the Cedar Point of Michigan for most kids growing up in our region. [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. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. It was awesome place. How to get to Boblo Island: Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. The homes come with all appliances. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. St. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Im glad you made this comment. The SS Ste. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. I agree with Maureen. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Windsor-Essex City of Windsor declares state of emergency, Devonshire and Tecumseh malls to close Boblo Island residential development plan moving forward. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. . The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. 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. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. Please dont judge us without knowing us! Share. On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. 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. Boblo Island today: (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. My husband is from It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Locate and compare Service d'ambulance in Mersea ON, Yellow Pages Local Listings. Update: A couple of them were partially restored and used during the filming ofTransformers 4. - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. 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. There are just two ways in and out of the island. I dont think it is sad at all! 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. 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. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. It is the remnant of a place where river boats took passengers to an amusement park on a Canadian island just to the south western end of the Detroit River. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. The island has quite an interesting history. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. [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. 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. How to live on Boblo Island: 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. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. 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. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. Kathi. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. The park, which. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. 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. Competition came in, e.g., Sea World. Answer (1 of 2): I have barely recallable memories of POP. It had e. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. 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. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. 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). Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. 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. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. 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.