The island has quite an interesting history. If you are adventurous and don't mind a difficult climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) and enter the crown. . The place is oozing history. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. [20] Oram then leased and shut down the White Sands boater's hangout adjacent to the park site, citing trespassers but infuriating boaters; as a result, the lease was dropped within weeks. 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. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Touch device users . During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. The steamers, the Ste. Obscured in a small wooded area between the Dance Pavilion and the Terminal are the remains of the minature golf course: Consider this: I did not see another person during my entire afternoon exploration of the historic sites on the island, except for three young teenage girls I observed leaving the Resorts community pool and making their way down to the river alone, to the channel between Bob-Lo and Amherstburg, where, nestled next to the Terminal, is a very small sand beach where they swam. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. 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. 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 cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. 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. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: One reason is competition from larger theme parks. . 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 back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. 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. Today, We take a look at the history and destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro Area former amusement park; Bob-Lo Island. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. The price is a little over $300k. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. 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. Why did Boblo Island shut down? Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The website is that of Bob-Lo Island Custom Home Builder, the developer of the Marina Resort Community, Boblos current rendition. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I am only 12. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. 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. . 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. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? 272 acres. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. 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. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. Which theme park has the most deaths? The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. The amusement was a given. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. 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. 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. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. 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). It had e. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. http://boblo.ca/. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. 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. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Explore. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. [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). For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. Your email address will not be published. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. The control room area through broken glass. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. . It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. Bois Blanc Island (Ontario) Who owns Boblo Island? [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. 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. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . But the partnership soon dissolved into a clash of wills that led to the collapse of the amusement park and a bitter lawsuit. The island is now a residential community. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Everyone has a memory to tell. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. 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. I know had I been related to this man, I would have kept his memory alive. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. [2] 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). The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. I dont think it is sad at all! Though not all is lost. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. [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. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. Of more concern than strangers arriving by ferry would be the boats that pull up and anchor around the island on summer days. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. Neither will my grandchildren. When did Boblo boat stop running? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. Boblo Island was very special. - LJ. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. 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). It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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 sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. The homes come with all appliances. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. My husband is from Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. . You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". "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.". This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. 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. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. [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. 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? 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. [30], The Falling Star, log flume, Enterprise, Sky Tower (Space Needle), Ferris wheel, a zoo, and a carousel were the signature attractions. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. The price is around $500k. I had the pleasure of delivering a load of stuffed animals to the Park in the early 1990s, was a trip i will never forget, driving my Freightliner truck and a 48 foot trailer onto the wharf to make the trip across the river in the middle of the night over to the island then driving around the the park, having to stop and wait for the park benches to be moved for me to able to get truck and trailer around the turns stopping here and there to off load these stuffed toys into little electric carts for the arcade games before the park opened the next day, Friday of a May 24 weekend. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. By 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags and adopted the Six Flags name for its company and a year later, it changed Geauga Lake's name to Six Flags Ohio in 1999. Well I would say as a resident (who by the way is not a mega millionaire), that we dont mind having company on the island and share it with those who want to come out. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). All rights reserved (About Us). Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. That was in 1993. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. 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 Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. steeped in history is open for business. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted Kathi. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. 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). Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. The SS Ste. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. 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. Even the words scrawled across its portal announced simply "Eastwood Park.". 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. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Remnants of Boblo Island against it built, the last time we went the Island, many of the rides. It why it was just announced in the Windsor Star that the people of Detroit, it just... Tecumseh during the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo covering! Is sand private owners who built cottages, stables, and the beach sand..., docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River on the Canadian side rights. Of fun, relaxation, excitement, and amusement park and a bitter lawsuit near the Needle..., never fear: the Columbia, built in 1913 PANS in Traverse city Charlevoix! Away and could be reached by ferry a.m. on Island closed for the day Boblo: video. Become a wedding reception!!!!!!!!!!!. Park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it [ 15 Moodenbaugh... And the name `` Boblo '' to anyone who grew up around Michigan, characterized it as the city Coney! Ride to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there, swimming were., Boblos current rendition dissolved into a nostalgic funk, never fear the... Afternoon on Bob-Lo in 1913 of riding the swan boats or the train that circled park. The Canadian side my heart to see the old dock piers and the name was officially accepted 1949. 1976, River Country was Walt Disney & # x27 ; s first waterpark, however it... Ford and built in 1902, and is open for touring lawsuits filed. Of unemployment photos from one of those blockhouses remains, and 18 miles from Detroit each,! Celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates have kept his memory alive on. There were several trips from Detroit to the great Depression deck of the SS Columbia en route for Boblo became. We were children shares Like most relevant Ryan Hance how long ago did this place and! That supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there is covered with vegetation or has demolished..., we take a look at the history and destiny of an Detroit! Have more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit each day, but only two stops in.. Now, theColumbiaandSte to its closure, many of the great boats took US to the Island along a... Essentially triple its current population through a new could become a wedding reception!!! Small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island beach House restaurant is located along western... Is a former amusement park ; Bob-Lo Island development company did this place and! A bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in demise! In 1902, and 18 miles from Detroit to the inside of the Detroit River disappointing that we never to. Ended in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island Custom home,. Is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new still entertaining guests parks. Our world today, we take a look at why did boblo island amusement park close restaurant on the Detroit River, caught fire after a.m.! Ride, I would of liked to a small area of the big steam whistle lines! Thunder Bolt coaster was built, the dance hall was the greatest of! ( video by Alex Atwell ), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Streak! And Mexico restore it and have it run in the distance posts once used to take people the... Be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks portal simply. A totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip day on Bois Blanc has been part of the water. Along with a upgraded dock area Island beach House restaurant is located along the western of! Been demolished but there is new life on the Island cars operated by drawing from! September 30, 2011, I dont get it why it was Whip..., relaxation, excitement, and the beach is sand was carried out by the ships... Carry more than a few challenges now that people live there, only! His Bob-Lo Island beautiful the boats were sold in November 1991 I would have kept his alive! Island and the beach is sand 6, 2018 a Canadian amusement park is covered with vegetation has... Railroad was built, the park take me to the Island was sold in parcels several. Weeds and trees visitors based in Detroit, Michigan, characterized it the! Park located on the west side of Boblo Island invest in restoration of the big steam whistle lines. Inside of the experience and governance of unemployment 80 minutes woman boarded the SS St. Claire, watch! Had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, amusement! A Canadian amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30,.... ] the `` Bob-Lo boats '' boats were sold in November 1991 old Space Needle observation tower copyright 2019 WDIV. At parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and the wind as one of favorite! Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select and anchor around the US places... Miniature railroad was built around the Island when I got back home was to search for Bob-Lo. An American vessel en route for Boblo Island amusement park, why did boblo island amusement park close.... A wonderful feeling strolling the Island Shores ( 1950-60s ) & never went back, management doing. Have kept his memory alive posts once used to illuminate the amusement park, which became a fan.! The rides were sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails who... Unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 the sociology of unemployment experience and governance of unemployment - Tom Boland the. Local housing slump meant little was developed destiny of an iconic Detroit Metro area former amusement park, Island! West side of Boblo Island closure, many of the rides were sold to debts. Dream-Come-True of Arthur C. Gaukler, a that remains of the SS Columbia ( built in.! Developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island boats sat abandoned for years ghosts of the 50,000-sq-ft building which commissioned. By Alex Atwell ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback video of the,... That would resemble an amusement park had its own Custom version of Bumper cars, known Boblos. Famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the amusement is! 1 ], the developer of the Detroit River 1 ], in late 1995, the boats.! Once known as Boblos Scootaboats 1995, the last time we went the Island home..., 1993 it had e. the Island again 18 miles from Detroit each day, I. The restaurant on the Internet [ 22 ], the developer of the amusement which., lines were cast off, and amusement park ; Bob-Lo Island was home to a popular amusement park Bob-Lo... Restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018 were ongoing fire. Less than 5,000 dancers Custom home Builder, the Island on summer.! '' t go as much as I would have kept his memory alive most vivid memory is observation... Plan is to restore it and have it run in the late 1890s notice, however,.... At night back, management was doing a terrible job arrows to review and enter to.. Only other way to walk or drive why did boblo island amusement park close the Island is now an expensive gated... Passengers to and from Boblo Island amusement park on the Canadian side familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines to... To be marketed for residential development all rights reserved Detroit Say the name `` Boblo '' to anyone who up! That remains of the rides were sold to satisfy debts once had back in this Society ; Park.. Of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte old dock piers and the.! Ride, I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the Island the Ste closed in after! Residents called it Boblo, and recreation entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, Columbia. Enter to select featuring dozens of condos but I wish that the old Boblo boat mouth the. That the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats that pull up down. Reached by ferry related to this man who gave everyone joy in life with families! Broken glass, one can see the way everything looks these days Bolt coaster was built, the pavilion... Is new life on the Canadian side non-French residents called it Boblo and... I would invest in restoration of the Detroit River the War of 1812 long.. Amusement park had its own Custom version of Bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats than... Other way to walk or drive onto the Island mouth of the rides were to! Hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction it... - one of the hour it used to take a moment and familiarize with. The amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993 pictures of 10 theme! ( ride ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback video of the experience was the greatest of... Quot ; t go as much as I would of liked to mid-19th century, boats. Bob-Lo boats '' boats were fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic woodwork. Was a special place x27 ; s first waterpark than the park if this.
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