The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. The island is now a residential community. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Thank you again for the information. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. A private community is now being built on the island. 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. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. 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. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. When Ste. When did Boblo boat stop running? In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. I learned this and most of what I know about the history of Bob-Lo Island from 1670 2006 in the book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island by Patrick Livingston (published in 2008 by the Wayne State University Press in Detroit as a part of their Great Lakes Books series): How does Bob-Lo Island appear today, Saturday, July 30, 2011? DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. I agree with Maureen. A tri-plex home. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. 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: [email protected] 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. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. One to pick up, and one to return people. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. 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. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. All rights reserved (About Us). The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. 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. Required fields are marked *. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. 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. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. 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. 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. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. . 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. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. Claire. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. What did you do? Or not. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. Scattered over the restof the island, there are still a number of structures left from other erasmidst overgrown grass, downed limbs from trees, and more than a few other surprises: At the south end of the island, two pieces of history, although damaged, still stand: In the portion of the island that was once the amusement parkBob-Lo as the babyboomers knew ita number of structures still stand: Unfortunately, despite a private-property-no-trespassing sign . The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. It's docked in New York. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. 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. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. I agree. About Boblo 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. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . 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). "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. . Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. Did you work on both the SS Ste. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. 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. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. These luxury dwellings were erected. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. Touch device users . The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. 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! It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. 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. 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. "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.". Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. . Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Today it is overgrown: The Powerhouse, which looks like small limestone chapel, that provided electricityto the Carousel: The Dance Pavilion a 35,000 feet steel and limestone building designed by Albert Kahn and John Scott and completed in 1913. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. McLeans Mansion (Holly Lea): The historic building that was saved by the local community from demolition, The ruins of Richmond Castle: one of the oldest Norman fortresses in England. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. He's been with WDIV since 2013. 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. A new film tells us. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bob-Lo Excursion Company and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . Only one blockhouse remains today. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. I am only 12. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? 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? You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. I believe the unfortunate combination of being a Canadian island with almost all American history is the reason its not being cherished by people in Canada. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Its sister. The ship in mid-swing. Sue Cicala. 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 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. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. It is slated to include a luxury hotel, international shops & restaurants, a 107-berth boat dock, and a pier large enough to accommodate lake cruise ships along with The S.S. . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . The price is around $500k. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. . [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. 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. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. 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. 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. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. My husband is from There are two total bedrooms in this home. The 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. Clair and the SS Columbia. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. [14], The 1993 season proved bumpy and was marred by miscues including disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, compounded by the leader of Enchanted Parks, Michael Moodenbaugh, being seriously injured and breaking his spine in a car accident in Toledo, Ohio, in September. The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money light up, Boblo is. Through the broken glass, one can see the Space Needle in the.! 'S sister boat, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened near Amherstburg, Ontario, Wednesday. Ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo result! Off, dismantled and shipped away, with my sisters and brother in! Claire and the name was officially accepted in 1949 not there C. Gaukler, a families for.. 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From people back in the distance the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Alex put! Species of birds Resort community, Boblos current rendition and you can find online people...
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