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. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. On June 21, 1945, the steamer Columbia blew its whistle and left the Detroit dock to make the eighteen-mile trip to the Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. To add . Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . 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. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. 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 last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. ), Thank you so much for the great information. 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. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. 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.. 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. 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). The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. - Sally. I agree. - LJ. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. Everyone has a memory to tell. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. 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. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. [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. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. Kathi. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. It had e. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. Thank you again!! Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. Its sister. Neither will my grandchildren. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). 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. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. . 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. There are two total bedrooms in this home. Really sad. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. The price is a little over $300k. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. 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. . It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. 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. It was like a little cruise. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. 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. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. "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.". 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. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. 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. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. 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. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. BOBLO Island poster. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. 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. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. 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. I do hope that someone will come along and restore the park back to its prime, so we can get families and the community back together again, and we can share our memories with the generations to come. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. This is private property and the doors are chain locked. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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. 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). Though not all is lost. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. (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. . During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. 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. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. 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. Getting to the dock in Detroit early in the morning, the anticipation of boarding the boat, the ride on the river, the views, the fact I could play an arcade game on a boat blew my small mind. A private community is now being built on the island. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. 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. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . The price is around $500k. You can also visit Boblo.ca. 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. [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. Which theme park has the most deaths? The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. A tri-plex home. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. The initial attractions of the island were . This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel All rights reserved (About Us). This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. The island is now a residential community. For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans owns the deteriorating dock, which once served as a gateway for ferry passengers heading to the former Boblo Island amusement park. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. The Ste. The amusement was a given. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. In June 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray and 12 other female workers involved in the war effort (and referred to as "girls" during the legal proceedings) took part in a sponsored trip to Boblo Island. 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