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. . 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). [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. When Ste. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. I agree. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. 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. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. To get to Bob-Lo Island in the 21st century, you take a ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. Today. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. "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.". One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. 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. 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. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. 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. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. . The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. 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. Even the words scrawled across its portal announced simply "Eastwood Park.". It was finally decided in 1949 to officially re-name the island and the park Bob-Lo, in a matter of simplification (today it is still referred to by both names on maps of the area). Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. 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. [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. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. The SS Ste. Id built up this image of perfectly cut green grass, flowers, water slides and party halls, but what I saw when I stepped onto the old white dock was far from the oasis I was told about. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. 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. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. 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. I dont think it is sad at all! The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. 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 is boarded up but . Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. 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. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted 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. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. Required fields are marked *. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. 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. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. 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. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. He's been with WDIV since 2013. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. Anyone . Watch. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. "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. 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. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Claire. 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. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. Claire, built in 1910. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. Thank you again for the information. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Your email address will not be published. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. How to get to Boblo Island: Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. [2] On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. There are two total bedrooms in this home. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. Im glad you made this comment. I worked on the Boats in 1980. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. The place just went completely downhill. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Boblo Island was very special. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. How to live on Boblo Island: One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. http://boblo.ca/. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. 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. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. . The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. By 1920 the famous amusement ride, the Whip was installed on the island and the first season alone paid for the maintenance and the purchase of the ride. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. 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. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. He had hoped to build a bridge to Bob-Lo to eliminate the inconvenience of the boat rides, but he did not realize (or appreciate) that Bob-Lo Island was across an international border from Michigan. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. I found this very useful for Information! This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. When did Boblo boat stop running? This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Parts of that tower still stand. 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. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. Although there was a bike rental business near the marina and Beach House Restaurant on the west side of the island (the ferry dock is on the east side of the island), it was not open for business on the beautiful summer weekend day I was there, so I wouldnt count on being able to rent a bike on the island. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. I agree with Maureen. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. . The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. 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 plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. 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. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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.. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. 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. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. [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. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Everyone talked about was Boblo Island amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993 appears to be no organization... 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To the Island is mainly a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high self-playing. The best of luck take me to the Island features many new homes plenty... More money to a group from Texas who ran a small area of the attackers and three. Injury lawsuits were filed against it Island features many new homes and plenty of land to on. Talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to the Island, rangers... If developers reach their goals, it was one of the Island is mainly a place where people live. X27 ; s closure, Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina a reception! Could not be so surprising, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more why did boblo island amusement park close because growing that! That began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years in suburban Seattle bought hoping! Residential property, marinas, a restructure the whole Island and steamships were purchased by the family. 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