Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . 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. Ray was removed from the boat because she was not white, enforced according to a Bob-Lo company policy "excluding so-called 'zoot-suiters', the rowdyish, the rough, and the boisterous, and it also adopted the policy of excluding colored. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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; Boblo Island closed 25 years ago: Here's what it looks like now . Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . 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. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. You can also visit Boblo.ca. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? Ken Cooney - Off-Ice Official / Substitute - Alternate - GOJHL Jr B [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. CEC: Closed Canadian Parks - Boblo Island Park - Chebucto Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. Clair and the SS Columbia. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. My husband is from It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. boblo photos on Flickr | Flickr 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. What are some facilities/amenities/services/establishments you wish Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. 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. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. [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. - Bonnie, Oh! We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Claire provided . It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. 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. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. It was awesome place. 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 . [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 remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Built in the early 1900s, the SS Columbia and SS Ste. Bois Blanc Island, French for White Woods Island, was named on account of its numerous white-barked birch and beech trees, and is today commonly known as Boblo Island, an English corruption of the original name. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. They are located next to the Dance Hall. Favorite Boblo Island Rides | Detroit Historical Society Very little remains, physically, of the amusement park attractions, but what we did find is fascinating, as you'll see in the link below. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. More waterfront dining. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. All Rights Reserved. The SS Ste. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4 | CBC News 2023 Detroit Historical Society. 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. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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.. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. If the boat looks familiar, it is not your imagination. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. The Boblo Boats, then and now - The Detroit News why did boblo island close - academiacardiovascular.com mopar 727 transmission casting numbers. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. Boblo Island, originally names Bois Blanc (White Woods in French) opened as a Park in 1898. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. We live on the east shore of Grosse Ile, we would love to take our boat to eat at the restaurant. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. There are no hotels. 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. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. I agree with Maureen. 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! During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. [Meta] Sticky Comment. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg 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). Barely visible remains of the park. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. 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. I found this very useful for Information! Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. An old silent family home movie of a trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park, no longer existing. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. It is a story told in a new movie that premiered last week in Detroit called "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale". How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. [2] Are there houses on Boblo Island? (2023) - ptylli.best If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. Comments Off on why did boblo island close; June 9, 2022; why did boblo island close Competition came in, e.g., Sea World. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. Thank you again for the information. Fire destroys former Boblo boat at Detroit marina - The Detroit News It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. Update: A couple of them were partially restored and used during the filming ofTransformers 4. Nessel calls on DTE, Consumers to issue automatic power outage credits after storm. [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. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. 1960 - A Day Trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park - YouTube Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. 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. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). 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 Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Answer (1 of 2): I have barely recallable memories of POP. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. 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. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. 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. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. What Occupation Did The Boblo Boat Workers Have? Claire and the SS Columbia? People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. 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. mike smithson tutor perini; ford f 350 ignition switch replacement. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. 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 are the remains of some of the washrooms. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. 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. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. 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. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. He was 20 years older than me. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The bike rental shop was closed, but you can check your weight for free. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. 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. In a sentence, I think, the world around POP changed. . 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. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. I can forward them to you if you would like. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. ), Thank you so much for the great information. If anyone has Meade Gougeon's cell number, seriously, call him. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. What did you do? Boblo Island Homes For Sale Amherstburg - Boblo Island Real Estate 3 F 1 1/2. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. 11 Properties from $2,300. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Claire, built in 1910. Sq.Ft. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. 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). On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. Sue Cicala. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. The Ste. 2,000. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. See All Homes for Sale in Amherstburg. In my days they were very comparable although I think Cedar Point was a little larger. The name of the island was changed to Boblo in 1929 when visitors had problems correctly pronouncing the original French name. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. BARB'S BOBLO TAVERN, Pointe Aux Pins - Tripadvisor Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 0 Comments Comments Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. 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. The 16mm film is from around 1960. Save. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. "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. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. It had e. why did boblo island close. (LogOut/ This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. For those who lived it firsthand, though, Boblo Island was an accessible and affordable paradise right in Detroit's backyard. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Boblo Island: Home To Ontario's Abandoned Amusement Park - TheTravel [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. 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). Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. The 375-foot Sky Tower, rusting and visible from the Powerhouse and most of the island, as well as from other locations on the river like Grosse Ile: And a few other buildings, like the open one that may have housed the dodgem cars built in 1928, and another with more shattered windows, the Souvenir building. The price is a little over $300k. [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. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. (LogOut/ Please dont judge us without knowing us! The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Call (519) 979-9949 to reach your Amherstburg real estate team, Team Goran of RE/MAX CARE Realty. 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. 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. wayne hills high school marching band; code postal ariana borj louzir; homes for sale on cary drive auburn, al 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. In the ride's final incarnation, the train itself was a scale recreation of Central Pacific Railroad's 19 th century C.P. 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. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. Kathleen Saylors. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. More than 200 new homes set to be built on Boblo Island Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. - Sally. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. 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. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Boblo island Properties - Mitula Homes 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. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! 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. 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. It closed for good in 1993, 25 years ago. why did boblo island close - wanderingbakya.com We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. why did boblo island amusement park close - kaorufp.com 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. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island.