The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. It was on a small island in the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake Erie. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. Please dont judge us without knowing us! . Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. 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. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. Technically speaking, the island was a part of Canada (Bois Blanc Island, Ontario to be exact) but was just a short ferry ride up the Detroit River from the city of Detroit. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. [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. It was a Canadian Island and had passenger boats that sailed from Detroit, Gibraltar and Amherstburg Ontario. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. In fact, one of those . You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. And a Fairyland park on the ocean in OR, etc. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. Filming of the movie began across Metro Detroit earlier this year. 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 favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. Only about a third of a milea 5 to 10-minute walk, depending on your speedfrom the ferry dock on the west side of the island, east on Bob-Lo Island Boulevard, to the marina on the other side of the narrow island. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. [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. Boblo officially closed in 1993. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? 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. ), Thank you so much for the great information. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. 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 living space of the Deerview twin villas. Well, it went out of business a long time ago, but we found a few videos of what it looks like today -- check them out here. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. 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. 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. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. why did boblo island close. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. The ship in mid-swing. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? All rights reserved (About Us). Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It had e. Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. 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. 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. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Purchasing a home on Boblo Island? I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. why did boblo island close. 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. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. My concern with respect to Bob-Lo Island is that what structures are left from the islands very interesting history are not being adequately protected. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. A tri-plex home. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. The operations ended in 1993. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. More waterfront dining. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. The park, which. 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. One step on the old dock, and I saw an old run-down white platform, no life, no care in worldlike everyone was evacuated and told not to come back. 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. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. 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. 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. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. Take a look at the link below as we take you a journey through what was once Boblo Island Amusement Park, right up to its emerging transformation. Visiters to the marina can visit the small gallery of photographs and paintings of water scenes or rent bikes to explore the island (although what appeared to be the bike rental building was closed on this July Saturday, so perhaps not). 559 gold coast 777777 w More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. [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. How to rent hobbit-type MUSHROOM HOUSES in Northern Michigan, Haunting insides of the abandoned NORTHVILLE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, See Michigan's only ALPINE MOUNTAIN SLIDE, 1,700 feet of fun, Inside Michigan's OLDEST OPERATING INN built in 1835, This may be the MOST PICTURESQUE spot in Michigan, Inside the SMITHSONIAN OF MAGIC, located in Michigan, We explored WARREN DUNES, the Sleeping Bear of Southwest MI, GoPro video riding MICHIGAN'S LONGEST ZIPLINE, Exploring Michigan's abandoned, haunted ELOISE ASYLUM, Country's LARGEST AUTO MUSEUM is in the middle of nowhere, Michigan. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. Between my concerns for the submerged rocks of the river and the mortar of history I was climbing over, I thought, what a wonderful place this island would be to explore if you were a kid or teenager and what a nightmare it poses for parents or grandparents of those explorers! The price is around $500k. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. . 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. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. 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. airbnb sarasota downtown; payday 2 infinite equipment mod; conduct unbecoming a police officer examples; randomforestclassifier' object has no attribute estimators_ Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. The Ste. what a fun and exciting place. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. . Unclaimed. The folks from the residential areas use golf carts toget to the community pool in the center of the island, just a stones throw from the almost hundred-year-old, still standing Dance Pavilion: And here is where things get interesting. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. 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 railroad began operating on the island in 1956. 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 Bob-Lo boats, once looked upon as part of the attraction of going on a trip to Bob-Lo were later being looked at as time wasted that could have been spent at the park. 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. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. I dont think it is sad at all! 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. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. It disappeared for the same reasons like Marineland of the Pacific, and the park in Long Beach. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. why did boblo island close Menu fatal shooting in los angeles today. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. - 585. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 3 F 1 1/2. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. 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. The Detroit river is very short - it merely connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. 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. On that visit, the very air between the Wild Mouse and the Whip was fraught with hormones dancing to a Top Ten soundtrack which included Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Grazing in the Grass.. The name of the island was changed to Boblo in 1929 when visitors had problems correctly pronouncing the original French name. 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. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. 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! In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. Boblo Island was very special. 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 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. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. I am only 12. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. I agree with Maureen. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). 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). The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers 6 reviews #1 of 2 Restaurants in Pointe Aux Pins American Pub. steeped in history is open for business. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. 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. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. why did boblo island close. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. 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. 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 V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. 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. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Before I rode on it on the Island I had gone to a local fair and 3 other girls and I rode together on it and we laughed and really enjoyed it. Competition came in, e.g., Sea World. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. The men's entrance is to the left. 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 restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. 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. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. When did Boblo boat stop running? 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. 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). He was 20 years older than me. It was like a little cruise. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. In the ride's final incarnation, the train itself was a scale recreation of Central Pacific Railroad's 19 th century C.P. It is sad, Cheryl. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. For 81 years, she ferried generations of families as they experienced a Windsor-Detroit right of passage: an island getaway to the beloved Boblo Island amusement park. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. How to get to Boblo Island: Claire and the SS Columbia? But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. 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. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. 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. Share. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. I mean Harbour House is nice, but would be nice to have a better view of the water (other than the marina) where you can watch the big ships go by. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . 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. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. 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. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. Why did Boblo Island shut down? The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. caliyah mcnabb photos; singapore new first class; grilled chicken with marinated tomatoes and onions; common entry level jobs for aerospace engineering; sims 4 reshade presets 2021; why did boblo island close. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. Mon-Wed 8:30 - 7:00 Thu-Fri 8:30 - 7:00 Sat 8:30 . This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. 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. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. About Boblo Island: British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. Boblo Island opened in 1898. 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. St. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories.