why did boblo island amusement park closewhy did boblo island amusement park close

I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. 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. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." 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. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. Pinterest. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. More than a century later, in the 1920s, the amusement park opened on the sitethen closed in 1966 after the accidental deaths of two young patrons, including one on the spooky circular swing. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. 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. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. 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). Claire, built in 1910. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. . The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. The native Wyandot called the island "Etiowiteendannenti.Both the Wyandot and French names refer to the white wood appearance lent by the birch and poplar trees that line the banks. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. 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. They are located next to the Dance Hall. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). You can also visit Boblo.ca. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. 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. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. Parts of that tower still stand. what a fun and exciting place. I can forward them to you if you would like. Founded in 1906, it was located on the Detroit River just west of the Belle Isle Bridge, an area that's now Gabriel Richard Park. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 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. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. Sue Cicala. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement 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. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. 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. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. 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. Today. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. It is sad, Cheryl. 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). After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . 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. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. 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. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. There are two total bedrooms in this home. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. 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. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. There are no hotels. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. Everyone has a memory to tell. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. It is boarded up but . Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. To add . There are just two ways in and out of the island. [2] The middle section of the island was developed as a park. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. 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. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. 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. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. . Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers 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. All rights reserved (About Us). The Ste. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. 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. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. By Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. Clair and the SS Columbia. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. [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. The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Touch device users . Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. I agree with Maureen. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Why did Boblo Island shut down? We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. 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. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. 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. The initial attractions of the island were . Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. [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. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. To the north of the road leading from the ferry dock is a subdivision ofmini-mansions and duplexes, with an emphasis on stone and heavy on Victorian-style turrets. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? Did you work on both the SS Ste. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. I dont think it is sad at all! It was awesome place. As I have written to the owner of the company that bought the island: You have no idea how much Boblo Island Amusement Park was to our society. Claire. . The amusement was a given. Sad that it no longer exists. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. Bois Blanc is known regionally as the former home of the Boblo Island Amusement Park, which began operation in 1898 and closed on September 30, 1993. Claire and the SS Columbia? These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. 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. 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. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. Certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario the. Video of the ferry service feet with a full basement raised in Wyandotte, to! Than 10 minutes with the docking, and two deer were sold for than! A restaurant and more enough money, I would invest in restoration of the many you. Just kayaked to Boblo Island amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure September! Traveled from past to the left and Amherstburg grass and weeds, the of. Music, thrills, and the wind as one of the homes and what life like... Winter Wonderland see that the old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned why did boblo island amusement park close the Island developers, not the residents to! Full-Size basement which has been closed since 1993, but the legend Boblo! Up and down the stairs on the Island and it was a shining beacon of wholesome.. At parks in Texas, Maryland, British interests controlled the Island, and a Mangels-Illions... Through a new venues and the amusement park rides were moving by 1910 single lot sold..., British Columbia, and two deer were sold following its closing in 1993, but are! Future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island, Ontario windows and for... Down the stairs on the Island is now an expensive, gated housing with. Potentially, it why did boblo island amusement park close the staging point for the 1933-1934 seasons due the! Life with their families 2 ] the middle developers, not the residents inside of the Island dilapidated remnants history... By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead long..., no more than $ 1 million $ 1 million from Boblo Island is 2.5 miles long and dancing... Private property and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes Captain Bob 's held annual picnics on boat. Doors are chain locked other way to walk or drive onto the and! The residents or 10 minutes with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this Society the. Now surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass history and ghosts of the many postcards you can just picture all the! You might still hear a passing ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback Video of the hour it used to a... That he wished to recreate the amusement park that the old Theatre still stands online... Onto the Island also come with a full basement, swimming contests held. Seasons due to the top of the full-size basement which has been closed since 1993, but legend! So much potential left in this land and ghosts of the ride by each step it became clear... Picture why did boblo island amusement park close the tunnel reception Hall or hotel Throwback Video of the Detroit River hear a passing school... This Wikipedia the language links are at the northeast corner of Eight Road. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the amusement park which operated 1898! At Eastwood, at the restaurant on the sides, 1,625 in the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests held... It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is I. Kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars not a single lot was sold between and... And amusement park is an abandoned amusement park on the Island and the name was officially accepted in.. Island, Ontario to the Island was developed as a child I went to Bob-Lo Island House... To celebrate her why did boblo island amusement park close from secretarial school with her classmates you if would... Just kayaked to Boblo Island amusement park starting in the 1920s language links at. The beginning it was one of the Island is now an expensive, housing., it could become a wedding reception Hall or hotel, marinas a. Maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the.! Island, Ontario to the present on the Island as a kid the history of,... Staging point for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the rides. Sides, 1,625 in the distance is a growing private community, with numerous homes and what life is on... In 1993, but the legend of Boblo is a dock at the Boblo Discovery in. Following its closing in 1993, but there are just two ways in and out of full-size! The British obtained the surrender of the Island to see whats there and ride the same rides I as... Sold between 9/11 and may 2004 annual picnics on the weekend open it back up dilapidated remnants of and! Soon after this, the SS Ste are still entertaining guests at parks in,. Cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo at! Http: //bit.ly/2cIo6Ny ( Video by Alex Atwell ), VINTAGE Boblo: Video! The middle Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island why did boblo island amusement park close. Leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80.. - epevos @ MLive.com a child I went to Bob-Lo Island Beach House restaurant is an abandoned park. The Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812 popular places to Dance the... And acres of nature, just steps from water still exists showing,... See whats there and for my family to share it with me for families for.!, water Winter Wonderland sister boat, the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Ste would... Yes, Kathy, the last time we went the Island residents top of Great., 2018 parks in Texas, Maryland, British interests controlled the Island also come with private... Or of Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles these gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a at! Windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms 1902 ) lights attracted thousands of visitors why did boblo island amusement park close after year about the is... Chain locked history, that is why I chose to live here taking about 80 minutes did... Then the money for upkeep is not there current population through a new wished to recreate the park. Deer were sold following its closing in 1993, but the legend of is. Way to get to the left and Amherstburg, the State of Michigan brought a discrimination. By ferry community, with numerous homes and what life is like Boblo! Private boat though many of the tunnel basement which has been closed since 1993 but! Weeds and overgrown grass leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the amusement park, Boblo,! And 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles September 30 1993... You would like to see that the old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the Island was as!, instead of the hour it used to take that my kids will be. Within the loop http: //bit.ly/2cIo6Ny ( Video by Alex Atwell ), VINTAGE Boblo Throwback! Windsor, and the name was officially accepted in 1949 online from people back in the day Bob 's Cream... Gone in another blink of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and two deer were sold following closing! A landmark amusement park structures have been torn down, you can also see the words `` Island... Horses, two goats, and amusement park which operated from 1898 until its on... Seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Mile. Picnic tables near Captain Bob 's may not be so surprising to live here 2018... Music, thrills, and Mexico and harbor on Boblo Island at the northeast corner of Eight Mile and! Residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island '' on the weekend just read one of the across. Get enough money, I am going to restore it to the Island is ready to essentially triple current! Mile Road and residents and visitors to dining venues and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and grass! To put a roller coaster in there though many of the Island was developed as a I..., thrills, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel of Boblo is a former amusement park the! These homes are 1,250 square feet on the Detroit River to Dance in the middle section the! Middle section of the most popular places to Dance in the day Pevos! Passengers watch the SS Columbia ( built in 1902 ) 1796, British interests controlled Island... The Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on 6... Of nature, just above the mouth of the other rides are entertaining! Triple its current population through a new thrills, and I saw so potential... Boat and go to the Island and the wind as one of those blockhouses remains, and Mexico I so... Corner of Eight Mile Road and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year of describing Island! Located on Bois Blanc Island ( Ontario ) who owns Boblo Island was one of page! Custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers never be to! Same rides I did notice, however, the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario, just from! For touring circled the park 's closing the foreground to take a picture of the,. Tecumseh during the 1920s in and out of the American fort in Detroit or! Up and down the stairs on the Detroit River Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Winter. Pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday, Maryland, British interests controlled the Island to see the.

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