I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. It is sad, Cheryl. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. The ferrys were known as "Bob-Lo Boats" and held about 2,500 passengers each. Valentine and Sons United Publishing Company - This image is part of the Canadian Copyright Collection held by the British Library, and has been digitized as part of the "Picturing Canada" project. Bob-Lo Island | Detroit Historical Society The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. 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. Save. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. Claire, seen in 2016. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Why did Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica, California fail? Hard to believe, but for the first time in 124 years, there is no such place as Boblo Island. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. 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. 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. 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. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. The men's entrance is to the left. Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. Officially, Bob-Lo Island is now billed as a Marina Resort Community, but Bob-Lo currently exhibits the most profound split personality of any islandperhaps any placeIve ever been. Thank you again for the information. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. why did boblo island close - wanderingbakya.com The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Documentary on Boblo Island To Be Shown in West Michigan Theaters 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. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. [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. Favorite Boblo Island Rides | Detroit Historical Society Group offers rare glimpse at efforts to restore historic Boblo Island 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). 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. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. 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? This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. 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. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Boblo boat fire caused by spark from welding - WXYZ We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. [Meta] Sticky Comment. I worked on the Boats in 1980. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. why did boblo island close Menu fatal shooting in los angeles today. Why did Boblo Island amusement park close its doors? - Quora Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. how much was bitcoin in 2010. pets4homes boost advert 9, Juin, 2022. smugglers inn steak soup recipe; Barely visible remains of the park. New film floats old memories | wgrz.com 'Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale' is a new documentary, created by Aaron Shillinger, that tell the tale of Dr. Ron Kattoo, who is on a mission to restore the SS. 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. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. (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. You know what I think, I have never been over there. The name of the island was changed to Boblo in 1929 when visitors had problems correctly pronouncing the original French name. 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. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. 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. 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 Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Edit: I hope it's just a tracker issue but it seemed to be working fine. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. I vaguely remember going to Boblo Island Amusement Park as a kid and recently found myself wondering what happened to the place. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Can you go over to the island any time? To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" resurfaces impactful history of These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Bois Blanc Island, Pointe Aux Pins, MI 49775 +1 231-634-7100 + Add website + Add hours. Boblo Island opened in 1898. 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. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. It is the remnant of a place where river boats took passengers to an amusement park on a Canadian island just to the south western end of the Detroit River. 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. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. Really sad. Founded in 2017, K.K.Dhandapani World School, Deevanur is a part of the Dharani Educational institutions group. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . This is private property and the doors are chain locked. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. . I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. The place just went completely downhill. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. steeped in history is open for business. The steamers, the Ste. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. 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. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Boblo's trains made a 20-minute circuit around about 2 miles of track . 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. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. Call (519) 979-9949 to reach your Amherstburg real estate team, Team Goran of RE/MAX CARE Realty. Ken Cooney - Off-Ice Official / Substitute - Alternate - GOJHL Jr B Boblo Island memories never fade - The News Herald 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. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. 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. Parts of that tower still stand. 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. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. St. . http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/historic-boblo-island-blo_n_1098807.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/, http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina, http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit, http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development, http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/, Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant Houzz Home, Slaves (traveling the Underground Railroad), The south blockhouse, built in 1838 (Update: See. The island is now a residential community. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. 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. Historic Boblo boats land role in Transformers 4 | CBC News There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. No one was injured, and there is no word as to what punishment the boys received. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. A shack which held dynamite used for dredging the near-by channel was fired into by a group of boys out hunting or fishing. 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. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. [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. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. The Detroit river is very short - it merely connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. 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. The Boblo Boats, then and now - The Detroit News [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. why did boblo island close; william monroe high school why did boblo island close. 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. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. 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. 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. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. "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.". [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. When did Boblo boat stop running? Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. 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. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. 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). More than 200 new homes set to be built on Boblo Island 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. 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 dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island. 2022-09-26. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. (LogOut/ You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! It had e. See all (4) Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. All Rights Reserved. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. . Each held about 2,500 passengers. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. 11 Properties from $2,300. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. [20] Oram then leased and shut down the White Sands boater's hangout adjacent to the park site, citing trespassers but infuriating boaters; as a result, the lease was dropped within weeks. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Purchasing a home on Boblo Island? Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. It closed for good in 1993, 25 years ago. Kathleen Saylors. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: No Sinking Feeling: A Review of the Boblo Island Documentary 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. why did boblo island close. why did boblo island amusement park close - kaorufp.com 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. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. 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 island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country.