This is the observation area which would rise to the top. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. http://boblo.ca/. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. One of the oldest structures on the island was vandalized in 1954, with vandals setting fire to the top of the 1837 lighthouse, destroying the upper structure. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. These luxury dwellings were erected. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. 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. Which theme park has the most deaths? 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). This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. 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. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. 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. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. [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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. 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. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. 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 . About Boblo Island: It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Anyone . 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. . People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. 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. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. Claire. 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. . The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. To add . 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. DETROITAny Michigander of a certain vintage won't forget their giddiness en route to Boblo Island amusement park, a carefree ferry ride from Detroit's metropolis to a land that seemed a world away. It is sad, Cheryl. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. Claire and the SS Columbia? Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. I agree. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. Its sister. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. 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 . 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. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? It is slated to include a luxury hotel, international shops & restaurants, a 107-berth boat dock, and a pier large enough to accommodate lake cruise ships along with The S.S. . What a wonderful goal, Andrew! A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. I am only 12. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. 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. You can also visit Boblo.ca. Both doors are were chain locked. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. 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. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. 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. 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). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. 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. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. 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. 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. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. 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. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. 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. 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. 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 restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. steeped in history is open for business. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. 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. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. Or not. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. You can take a tour of the model homes on Boblo Island on Saturdays and Sundays with an island specialist by calling 519-736-1111. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. saki, Japan. He's been with WDIV since 2013. 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. A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 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 the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. [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. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. Your email address will not be published. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. I can forward them to you if you would like. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. All Rights Reserved. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans owns the deteriorating dock, which once served as a gateway for ferry passengers heading to the former Boblo Island amusement park. Why is it called Boblo Island? 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. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. 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. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. 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. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. How to get to Boblo Island: Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. When Ste. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Page 51", "Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat: What's next for the SS Ste Claire? One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. 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 men's entrance is to the left. - LJ. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/ (Sorry, you may need to copy and paste the website addresses above; my link feature is not successfully linking at the moment. Claire, former Boblo Boat", Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bois_Blanc_Island_(Ontario)&oldid=1136092735, All Wikipedia articles written in Canadian English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 January 2023, at 18:24. 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. How to live on Boblo Island: This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. 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. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. 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. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. Watch. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. [2] The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. It's docked in New York. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. [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. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Obscured in a small wooded area between the Dance Pavilion and the Terminal are the remains of the minature golf course: Consider this: I did not see another person during my entire afternoon exploration of the historic sites on the island, except for three young teenage girls I observed leaving the Resorts community pool and making their way down to the river alone, to the channel between Bob-Lo and Amherstburg, where, nestled next to the Terminal, is a very small sand beach where they swam. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. 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. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Very little remains, physically, of the amusement park attractions, but what we did find is fascinating, as you'll see in the link below. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. How to get to toronto island park? Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. 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. 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). Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. Only one blockhouse remains today. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. what a fun and exciting place. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. I agree; it would be wonderful if the park could be restored or perhaps, reinvented to serve in a new way of bringing community together! Boblo Island now boasts deluxe houses and condos, valued from $184,000 to $1.15 million, with walk-out basements and turreted views of the Detroit River. Island boat, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built around the Island the century. S closure, many of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor and Belle ferry... The years leading up to its closure on September 30, 1993 money for upkeep is not.... Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the north end of Boblo Island '' on 24th... Near Amherstburg, Ontario still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the park itself and! Fan favorite was added in 1970, which were very similar to known. 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