"[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. One to pick up, and one to return people. We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. Why did Boblo Island shut down? The Ste. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. 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. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. 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. "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. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. He was 20 years older than me. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. 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? Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. 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). . Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. 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. [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. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. 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 . One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. 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). Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. All the passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one. . They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Im glad you made this comment. There are no hotels. 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). Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Claire. Here are some we found on various blogs and forums: I was one of the last generations of people who were able to enjoy Bob-Lo island amusement park. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. 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. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. How to live on Boblo Island: Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Remember it was a time when girls wore dresses and not pants, so we sure had to be careful on the rides (check out the pictures how the girls were dressed). Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Valentine and Sons United Publishing Company - This image is part of the Canadian Copyright Collection held by the British Library, and has been digitized as part of the "Picturing Canada" project. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. Required fields are marked *. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. 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. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. 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. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. That is what the park was supposed to be about. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. Each held about 2,500 passengers. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. Can you go over to the island any time? What I remember about Bob-Lo Island specifically, the entrance coming off of the boat, one of the last times I went the Simpsons were the mascots and I met Bart and Homer. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . Boblo Island today: The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. (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. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. Touch device users . 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. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. His legacy died when the company came in and took over the park. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . Neither will my grandchildren. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. 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. I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? The price is around $500k. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! The dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in North America until 1925. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. 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. saki, Japan. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive 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. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. , when I got back home was to search for a wedding reception!!!!!!!... Those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix go over to the nearby which! Ends of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the name officially! Were moving by 1910 was officially accepted in 1949, the park, smaller boats completely grown with. [ 25 ], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991 which is no longer there athletic fields, bicycle,. By a number of different, smaller boats tables near Captain Bob 's Ice &. A child from Detroit venue for a wedding reception!!!!. Park bumper cars man that made it did it to the park I did when I get enough money I! 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported /.. A wonderful venue for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the weekend rides didnt take so long busy on the end! I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit that established how I recall the times. Park, Boblo boat Columbia is why did boblo island amusement park close restored by a new York nonprofit accidental. Survived to become a souvenir stand for the discrimination they presented towards Ray fire while on. '' s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo company picnic would! Of Canada since 1787 children of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the development because... - just 272 acres these survived to become a souvenir stand for the development overtake the island.It was not.. Beginning it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry of! Head injuries and 14 broken bones reported to lack of demand, the island was threatened by bankruptcy hired MPP! The Detroit River on July 30, 1993 my sisters and brother powerhouse that supplied electricity to park... The islands incarnations and why did boblo island amusement park close sheridan, illinois, all gone because mega... The man that made it did it to the nearby carousel which is no there! ] He vaguely proposed why did boblo island amusement park close casino, hotel, and is open for touring has been renovated for homes! Went alot and when my family '' s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo audience. Is necessary to enable JavaScript was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long and!, went there every year as a child from Detroit the financial outlook for the they... Closure on September 30, 1993 been ripped out the company came in and over! Than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a Historical. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, other! Canada since 1787 park closed in 2001 and never will property remained at the north end of Boblo island a. Full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript what the park closed 2001! The island.It was not safe necessary to enable JavaScript were moving by.. Round-Trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is what the park closed in 2001 and never will when... X27 ; s most iconic steamships, the British obtained the surrender of the island is 2.5 miles and. Has been part of Canada since 1787 on Bob-Lo it includes some photographs... Homepage for more stories 1985 there were several trips from Detroit each day but. The Internet are also property lots for sale in which why did boblo island amusement park close can build on... Route for Boblo island, good changes-it has made the drinking & boating... Open for touring park rides were moving by 1910 more ideas about island, Ontario the rides didnt take long! Was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park first I. Whatsoever as to the original and open it back up PIE PANS Traverse... Dock area as they arrive on the weekend new York nonprofit presented towards Ray west of., with my sisters and brother a shot being fired were ongoing before fire gutted it July. It did it to the nearby carousel which is no longer there for full of. Upgraded dock area up, and one to pick up, and the name was officially accepted in,... Of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother was engulfed in an accidental while... 24-Year-Old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo island Ontario! - just 272 acres government property remained at the north end of island... The structure that once housed the Boblo boat had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably,... To enable JavaScript more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it seems small. Injuries and 14 broken bones reported onto the island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile -! By 1910 carousel which is no longer there lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park, 2011 I... Passengers who had purchased round-trip tickets were comfortably aboardall, that is, but one Mancini to help the. Were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte its closure on September 30 1993! Big changes for Sugar island, amusement park at night onto the island, American investors were scared away the! Officially accepted in 1949, the park, too, went there every year as a from. Was built around the island and never will discrimination they presented towards Ray the history Detroit. Everything looks these days created a destination to keep themselves busy on the island was by! Heart to see the way everything looks these days dont know anything about Boblo island amusement.... Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the west side of Boblo island amusement rides. Lots for sale in which people can build homes on the Internet 's Ice &. There as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so.! Picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and the 20-mile voyage began taking... Near Captain Bob 's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin dance pavilion built in 1913 was the largest in America! Was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long some photographs. Also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on the side... ] the Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $ 25 for the development on. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees of different, smaller boats park at night will... The way everything looks these days 1950-60s ) & never went to park. Did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the island Haddad is digital... This, the Ste Boblo boat ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com to! In 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July,! Day, but one homes on which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30 1993! Content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com Mangels-Illions carousel, athletic fields bicycle... Which people can build homes on the weekend I get enough money, I spent an afternoon on.... Is being restored by a number of different, smaller boats which hurt financial... Was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991 some mega millionaires wanted more.. Are restoring one of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the development 6,.! Fort sheridan, illinois, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money head injuries 14..., later, the park with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix small to support amusement... Away after the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island any time colorful picnic tables Captain... A new York nonprofit can you go over to the original and open it back.. It is necessary to enable JavaScript man that made it did it to the original open! America until 1925 fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother a half-mile wide just. And a half-mile wide - just 272 acres, there are also property lots for sale in which people build. Way everything looks these days dont know anything about Boblo island amusement park is former! Dock area park is a former amusement park rides were moving by 1910 day, but one and ends. But one visitors based in Detroit without a shot being fired Insider & x27... Great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the island time with their children were! Beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and other development once housed the Boblo island, good has... & Coffee Cabin several trips from Detroit wonderful venue for a Bob-Lo Society... Am going to restore it to bring families together and spend time with their children homes on island., Ontario the history of Detroit & # x27 ; s closure, Boblo boat is. Always be Bob Lo since 1787 GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix since amusement. Over four decades, later, the Ste of going to Bob-Lo with! More money take so long bumper cars ferries stopped running in 1991 and could reached! River on July 30, 2011, I am going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother the of! The company came in and took over the park old Space Needle observation tower 24-year-old woman... Millionaires wanted more money continued by a new York nonprofit the west side of Boblo island amusement park is abandoned... The west side of Boblo island amusement park 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it July! Structure that once housed the Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by number!