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). Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the 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 park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. 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. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. 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. Both doors are were chain locked. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy http://boblo.ca/. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. 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. Touch device users . Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. A new film tells us. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. The initial attractions of the island were . By As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. It was finally decided in 1949 to officially re-name the island and the park Bob-Lo, in a matter of simplification (today it is still referred to by both names on maps of the area). St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. 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. 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. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. 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 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. That was in 1993. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. Why did Boblo Island shut down? This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Im glad you made this comment. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Visiters to the marina can visit the small gallery of photographs and paintings of water scenes or rent bikes to explore the island (although what appeared to be the bike rental building was closed on this July Saturday, so perhaps not). Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. 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. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. 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. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. . This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. I can forward them to you if you would like. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. In its early years, [1] Henry Ford financed a dance hall that was rumored to have been designed and built by famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn,[31] but was later determined to have been designed by John Scott. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. The steamers, the Ste. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. 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. It is slated to include a luxury hotel, international shops & restaurants, a 107-berth boat dock, and a pier large enough to accommodate lake cruise ships along with The S.S. . The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. . 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). Can you go over to the island any time? Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. 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. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. 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. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. You know what I think, I have never been over there. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. Neither will my grandchildren. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. 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 . And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. Riding the Rotor at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1955. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. There are two total bedrooms in this home. 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. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. A tri-plex home. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. Or not. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. [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. 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. Claire, former Boblo Boat", Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bois_Blanc_Island_(Ontario)&oldid=1136092735, All Wikipedia articles written in Canadian English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 January 2023, at 18:24. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. [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.
Samsung Family Hub Problems,
Articles W