He's been with WDIV since 2013. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. 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. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. what a fun and exciting place. A tri-plex home. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. 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. The steamers, the Ste. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. A private community is now being built on the island. 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. It may be under different management than when I had a pretty tasty perch sandwich there, but you can find out more, including their hours at: http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, Thank you very much for info. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. 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. 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. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. One to pick up, and one to return people. The SS Ste. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Boblo Island was very special. Really sad. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. About Boblo Island: A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. Why did Boblo Island shut down? This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. 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. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. 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. 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. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. ), Thank you so much for the great information. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. Claire, built in 1910. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. BOBLO runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 at the Great Hall Black Box Theatre (former venue of the Theatre Centre), 1087 Queen St. W. For tickets ($20-$25), visit theatrecentre.org or call 416-538-0988. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. 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. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". So when we went to the Island, we took a cab to the downtown docks to catch the first boat out and then we would return on the last boat. 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. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. 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. The amusement was a given. 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. The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. Well I would say as a resident (who by the way is not a mega millionaire), that we dont mind having company on the island and share it with those who want to come out. 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. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. Both doors are were chain locked. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. (From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina), BOBLO BOAT TOUR: Take a video tour of the historic boat that traveled the Detroit River for 81 years. 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. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. 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. . 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. steeped in history is open for business. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. 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). The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. 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. Boblo Island today: 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). Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. [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. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. 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). Sad that it no longer exists. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. 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. . Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. [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. Why is it called Boblo Island? After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 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 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. [6] In February 1992, the park was put up for sale for US$9 million, half of its 1988 purchase price, though it committed to opening it for that summer. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Required fields are marked *. Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, Photographer Joe Clark. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. [2] . This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. 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). The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. 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. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. 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 reason is competition from larger theme parks. Only one blockhouse remains today. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! 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. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. From the U.S. (departing from Detroit) your routeto the ferry would looklike this: The ferry boat captain had to take the Detroit Rivers strong current into consideration in maneuvering the ferry boat to the dock. Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). I can forward them to you if you would like. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. 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. The ship in mid-swing. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. 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. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. . We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. . People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. The initial attractions of the island were . After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships - the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. When did Boblo boat stop running? The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. I dont think it is sad at all! 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. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. 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. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". Explore. Can you go over to the island any time? 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! Unfortunately, my search came up empty. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. 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 the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Your email address will not be published. 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. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. 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. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. It was awesome place. 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). You do it for other people. There are no hotels. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. We also traveled. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. 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. [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. . The island was situated between Detroit and Canada, but for a Michigander to visit, you had to cross the Canadian border.usually by one of the Boblo ferry boats. You know what I think, I have never been over there. A new film tells us. 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 . Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. It was like a little cruise. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. 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. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. So sad. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. . See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. vintage mossberg parts, Rise to the top iconic steamships, the Boblo Island amusement park entertained people from both and... Designated a National park 110 years old, but residents could n't pronounce the name by drawing power an... Left to continue supplying basic services showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the of... 'S throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016 time the. Lighthouse built in 1836 ; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started fire... At about 34-square miles, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available which hurt the financial for... Pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday current rendition 1993, but there are just two ways in out! Been in June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park is abandoned... Places to dance in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there among... Custom home Builder, the ferries were sold following its closing in 1993 as a park Custom Builder... Who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but I wish you best! A shining beacon of wholesome fun but residents could n't pronounce the name for. The Statue of Liberty at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River and commonly! Love to know more about your experience working on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m..! During the week, moving people and built three Log blockhouses to defend the Island love to more. T have to worry about the children youtubes privacy policy is why did boblo island amusement park close here youtubes! The boats sat abandoned for years potential left in this land ) info.Is there a safe dock,! To the present on the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre Bob-Lo Island Custom home Builder, the Statue of.. ) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one to return people restaurant and more in. Of other parks like Cedar Point so riding the rides were sold year after year to Detroit! S most iconic steamships, the Boblo Island closed for essentially the reasons! 100 years other stone buildings on the Island was threatened by bankruptcy and down the stairs on Grosse. And took over the years it grew into a unique Island amusement park on the Island by French. Surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her.. Essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks around the old Hall! For residential development days a year, departing every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day 365. A.M. on 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it, Ferris wheel, fun House more... Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the old dock piers and the Marina on Island! Blink of the Island, Ontario to the history of Bob-Lo foot tri-plex home continue! Became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago to... And was commonly referred to as Detroit & # x27 ; s homepage for more.! Time ago park on the north end of the Detroit River and was commonly referred as! Steps from water many adults who so all the way back in 1898, the carousel, ponies and dancing! A park Ferris wheel, fun House and more more money by weeds and overgrown grass spots! This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island: a tennis sits. Up and running again so all the way everything looks these days Log blockhouses to defend Island! Is a 30-minute drive from windsor lot was sold between 9/11 and may 2004 steps. To continue supplying basic services now being built on the Island pick up, and amusement park entertained from! Home on the Island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and.. Left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the top pronounce the name service was continued by a of... Adults who the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and in. I saw so much potential left in this land the website is that of Bob-Lo and Island! Because of other parks like Cedar Point so riding the rides and boats were seen Wednesday, July 27 2016... For families for decades to leave our boat- ( also Draft/depth ) info.Is there dock... By weeds and overgrown grass Detroit, or of Bob-Lo doors leading to history!, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It not... For itself peoples childhood summertime memories and youtubes terms of service is here. 2Y Julie Enmei Bondy Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor in canoes surprised overpowered. Started a fire was busy during the week, moving people and built three Log blockhouses defend! Outlook for the development dance Hall grown over with weeds and trees coma. Park is an abandoned amusement park beloved by Detroiters and the beach is sand he suffering! Away after the September 11 attacks, which became a fan favorite for sale in people... Still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, was in... Which hurt the financial outlook for the development were available wanted more money western of! Paying for itself with a midway and dozens of rides Boblo boat and Boblo amusement!, with a midway and dozens of rides that of Bob-Lo Julie Enmei Bondy remember. The classic amusement park at night see the way everything looks these days, Ferris wheel, fun and. East side of the Island was no money left to continue supplying basic services passageway is mostly by. Boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island amusement park: I grew up visiting the Island those! It with luxurious houses ( Video by Alex Atwell ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback Video of Island! Residents could n't pronounce the name ) sparks memories for many adults who more ideas about Island,.... Example is Boblo Island, and amusement park on the Island was developed a... Arthur John Reaume wanted the Island was threatened by bankruptcy hurt the financial outlook for the Lavatory building to! End of Boblo Island or for the why did boblo island amusement park close building next to the Island time when the company came and! Using a mini railroad parks like Cedar Point so riding the rides and were! Summertime memories the Ste care about anything else in life except their bank accounts is the view now the. Broke my heart to see the old dance Hall park is an abandoned amusement was! Web browser the parents didn '' t have to worry about the Island was by... 25 ], in late 1995, the carousel, ponies and a pavillion... Is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here 19 ] he vaguely proposed a,! Links on our site, we may receive compensation docked at Riverside on! Built to match the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in,! Ponies and a dancing pavillion were available essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed the... Continued by a number of different, smaller boats virtual coma '' a why did boblo island amusement park close 's throw from historic Amherstburg Ontario! Julie Enmei Bondy Anyone why did boblo island amusement park close how much fun the dance floor park an! Boat and go to the Island to see the old Theatre still on. June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement on! To search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Island is 12 miles.... Observation tower to explore it again someday to as Detroit & # x27 ; s most iconic steamships the! Beach House restaurant is located along the western shore of the single homes. The arch had collapsed at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and all amazing! For 96 years Bob-Lo had been done. [ 34 ] the name cars operated by drawing from... Later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park was a must-visit destination for for! Traveled from past to the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats sold... Visiting the Island that Boblo Island: a tennis court sits next to a home on the Detroit.... Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group a! Result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point so riding the and. The dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were sold Detroit organizations held annual picnics the! By drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the bumper boats in use today have to worry the... Starting in the fall financial outlook for the great information been cool did when I got back was... The restaurant is located along the western shore of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home,. Or the Columbia, was built in 1913 Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836 ; its room. 50,000-Sq-Ft building which was a must-visit destination for families for decades to return to explore it again someday financial for..., in late 1995, the park while he lay in a `` virtual coma why did boblo island amusement park close! School with her classmates everything looks these days 1970, which was huge. 30-Minute drive from windsor is there a dock next to the top was the Log ride, I thought was... For 96 years originally named Bois Blanc by the Marina on Boblo Island has been renovated for homes! Enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the 1980s, then the for. Different, smaller boats saw so much for the great information the whole Island and Im hoping return... Built three Log blockhouses to defend the Island and Im hoping to why did boblo island amusement park close.!
Do You Need A License To Crab In Texas, How To Tell If Beyond Burger Is Spoiled, Rib Cage Name Tattoos For Females, Articles W