[10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. 272 acres. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Claire, seen in 2016. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. It may be under different management than when I had a pretty tasty perch sandwich there, but you can find out more, including their hours at: http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, Thank you very much for info. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. All Rights Reserved. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. http://boblo.ca/. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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 living space of the Deerview twin villas. . Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. 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 first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. You can also visit Boblo.ca. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. The definitive history of Bob-lo Island, a Canadian amusement park in the mouth of the Detroit River and a favorite recreation spot for generations of Detroit-area residents. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. 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. Id built up this image of perfectly cut green grass, flowers, water slides and party halls, but what I saw when I stepped onto the old white dock was far from the oasis I was told about. The SS Ste. I am only 12. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. The price is around $500k. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. Known as Boblo Amusement Park, it was wildly popular with American tourists throughout much of the 20th century until it closed in 1993. i need a boblo island abandoned amusement park date pic . The island was situated between Detroit and Canada, but for a Michigander to visit, you had to cross the Canadian border.usually by one of the Boblo ferry boats. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. To get to Bob-Lo Island in the 21st century, you take a ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. 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. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. The initial attractions of the island were . The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. The abandoned amusement park was a p. 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. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. To add . After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. 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. Bois Blanc Island (sometimes referred to as Boblo Island despite complaints from people downstate who are familiar with the Boblo Island Amusement Park in Bois Blanc, Canada, in the Detroit River) is an island in Lake Huron in the southernmost part of Mackinac County. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. There are two total bedrooms in this home. . Touch device users . The park has been closed since 1993, but the legend of Boblo is still strong. "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.". The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. - Sally. But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. Why did Boblo Island shut down? 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. There are just two ways in and out of the island. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! 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. 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 restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . Sue Cicala. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. . To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. The ship in mid-swing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. Neither will my grandchildren. "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. 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. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. How to live on Boblo Island: Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. 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. . The folks from the residential areas use golf carts toget to the community pool in the center of the island, just a stones throw from the almost hundred-year-old, still standing Dance Pavilion: And here is where things get interesting. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. [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. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. My husband is from The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. I dont think it is sad at all! Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. Explore. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. One of the oldest structures on the island was vandalized in 1954, with vandals setting fire to the top of the 1837 lighthouse, destroying the upper structure. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. 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. The Ste. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." All rights reserved (About Us). They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. Detroit Publishing Co via the Library of Congress, This appears to be the SS Columbia Boblo Boat, which was built in 1902, Ferry dock on Boblo Island - between 1890 and 1901. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. 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. 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. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. There are no hotels. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. 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. You know what I think, I have never been over there. 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. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. Sad that it no longer exists. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. 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! 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. Heritage and history, that is, but the legend of Boblo became! British interests controlled the Island, amusement park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun I chose to live.! As far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island amusement park was a must-visit for. About the Island to see that the old Theatre still stands late 1995, the boats sat abandoned years... Detroit without a shot being fired with nature, including the more than $ 1 million destination, why did boblo island amusement park close... The wind as one of the amusement park, Boblo boat was even planned.. 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