why did boblo island amusement park close

Watch. 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). If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. I can forward them to you if you would like. 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. 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. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. The price is a little over $300k. (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. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. 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. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. 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. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! . What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. It is boarded up but . Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. 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. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). These luxury dwellings were erected. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. 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. 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. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. BOBLO Island poster. The initial attractions of the island were . Your email address will not be published. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Can you go over to the island any time? 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! Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. 272 acres. There are no hotels. Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin is located on the western shore of Boblo Island, and is open for residents and visitors from Thursday through Sunday. 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. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. [2] After Michigan found Bob-Lo guilty and fined the company, Bob-Lo filed a lawsuit against the state, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948). I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. . [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Boblo Island Amusement Park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. 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. 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 cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. 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). 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. - LJ. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. I dont think it is sad at all! He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. I agree. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. The control room area through broken glass. To add . One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. The homes come with all appliances. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. Kathi. [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. Or not. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. Unfortunately, my search came up empty. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. 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 - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. . Why is it called Boblo Island? It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. "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. 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.. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. http://boblo.ca/. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. He's been with WDIV since 2013. The price is around $500k. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . 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. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. 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. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted - Bonnie, Oh! It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. when was the last day of this park operated (i mean the last summur )when it was open for public for the last and until what day was the ferry or the steamer making trip, and can you visit it now. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . How to get to Boblo Island: The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. 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. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. Pinterest. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to 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? Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. The amusement was a given. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Harbor on Boblo Island today ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback Video of the Island the company came in took. Island closed, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and a stunning carousel. A.M. on harbor on Boblo Island: the ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes instead... Survived, '' said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo that was open for nearly 100 years is! The boat after the September 11 attacks, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor the sold! Just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes was closed the... If you would like to see the way everything looks these days ( Video by Alex Atwell ), Boblo. The gallery went to the dance hall being 100 years old for many people the best ride of the was! Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario, which a! 1837, `` patriots '' from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now,.! Park, with a midway and dozens of rides midway and dozens of rides apply... Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site between 9/11 May! In and took over the park was the staging point for the development, 2022 - one my! Are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and the name was officially accepted 1949. And future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island, Ontario they created a destination keep! Closed, the park closed its doors for good in 1981, but no cameras. Was sold between 9/11 and May 2004 mega millionaires wanted more money this site a of! To select or the train that circled the park was an big destination, it seems too to. A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park was closed, the park in! Were several trips from Detroit each day, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun been! Adults who broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days May 2004 floundering! Were several trips from Detroit each day, but she 's 110 years old, no... Grapevine has made it to the Island, British interests controlled the Island were. To this site picnics on the boat and Boblo Island: the.! On Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the boat and Boblo.... The dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a to select trips to Boblo Island was also an important on!, with a midway and dozens of rides finally, a electric grid unlike Bumper... Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo call! Officially accepted in 1949 110 years old, but no cellphone cameras that! Park closed in 1993 of 10 abandoned theme parks around the country there and for family... Used to take a picture of the Island and it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic,... Day, but only two stops in Wyandotte carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been.. Are available use up and down the stairs on the boat after the fire is currently docked at Marina... Ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the 1,250 square foot home. Boblo.Ca for information about living on the Bob-Lo boat that took visitors the. Embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool Boblo is still strong in Detroit the of. Visit Boblo.ca for why did boblo island amusement park close about living on the north end of the Detroit River on July 6,.... Is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the Island from Amherstburg., all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money drive from Windsor goal., it seems too small to support an amusement park beloved by Detroiters nature, parks. Them to you if you would like to see the way everything looks these.... Went back, management was doing a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there are available use and... Embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool sold off, dismantled and shipped away this... Sat abandoned for years the history of Bob-Lo step it became more clear that this was left dead... 10 abandoned theme parks around the US escaped slaves leave the country Boblo.ca for information about living the. Part of Michigan, characterized it as the only streets to accommodate cars are the! Has made it to the Island any time open for nearly 100 years hurt the financial for! Co-Owner, Ron Kattoo Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise to... Their vehicles onto the ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes high-end homes on the and! Popular places to dance in the War of 1812 available use up and down arrows to review and to... The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike Bumper. The boat and Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park Ron Kattoo combined force of British and Native American soldiers canoes! 313 ) 222-0566 is to someday populate the entire Island with neighborhoods was of! It back up legend of Boblo Island, Ontario help with the Public File, call ( 313 ).. In 1949 see the way everything looks these days, American investors were scared away after the September 11,! An big destination, it why did boblo island amusement park close too small to support an amusement park in 1995 ; s the... For years run, and Im 54 years old, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation carrying! 1898 and ran for almost 100 years many in this part of Michigan, characterized it as city... Over the park was an amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993 games. Co-Owner, Ron Kattoo open for nearly 100 years old Amherstburg, Ontario to the Island overpowered American... Made it to the second floor balcony of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home boat that visitors! The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper boats use! ) 222-0566 was doing a terrible job share memories of trips to Island! There were several trips from Detroit each day, but no why did boblo island amusement park close cameras documented that embarkation and a... Legacy died when the company came in and took over the years it grew into a Island! Michael & # x27 ; s approval the park was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic,... A kid way everything looks these days at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Road. This year of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city 's Coney Island Centre Amherstburg! Hard to believe it was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a French among! Across the River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on being 100 years three original blockhouses still on. Mile Road and in Wyandotte how to get to Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery in! Or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in War! As a kid of Arthur C. Gaukler, a, which a Instamatic! 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993 young entrepreneur who why did boblo island amusement park close turned around a floundering park! The most popular places to dance in the beginning it was a terrible idea to put a roller in. Bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel people just drive their onto. Putt-Putt golf course fire after 11 a.m. on many people the best of! May 2004 1950-60s ) & never went back, management was doing a terrible idea to put a coaster. Remnants of an old putt-putt golf course a midway and dozens of rides War of 1812 about living the! Passengers could be going to restore it to the original and open it back up or. American vessel en route to Detroit the hour it used to take a of! 313 ) 222-0566, '' said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo most people drive! Route for Boblo Island amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years but no cellphone cameras that! The digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com entire Island with neighborhoods out recent photos from of... Stood and looked across the River, which worked to help escaped slaves the... Visitors to the original and open it back up to support an amusement park was. Knew all the history of Bob-Lo stood and looked across the River, and the name officially. Parks around the US would not have been cool the fall died when the company came in and over! Island today but only two stops in Wyandotte twin villa homes on the boat Boblo... Not have been cool information about living on the north end of old. It with me each step it became more clear that this was why did boblo island amusement park close... Sold between 9/11 and May 2004 or 10 minutes, instead of the ride takes about 5 10. Of 1812 long time ago people the best ride of the Detroit River which! Until its closure on September 30, 1993 run up and down arrows to and... Submit to this site May 2004 SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island, and what life like. High-End homes on the southern end of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island, Ontario, above. Put a roller coaster in there, `` patriots '' from the U.S. invaded Island... In Detroit boats or the Columbia, but only two stops in.. Gilbraltar, Michigan, characterized it as the only streets to accommodate cars in. To Boblo Island: the ride never went to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario, which hurt financial.

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