why did boblo island close

Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. There are no hotels. . Boblo Island was very special. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. Boblo officially closed in 1993. This is what the more than 100-year old steamer looked like a few years ago. You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. why did boblo island closeconservation international ceo. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. 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. Each held about 2,500 passengers. (LogOut/ A private community is now being built on the island. Baths. It blew up, shaking the island and sending rocks flying. Bob-Lo Island Ghosts - Great Lakes Island Escapes 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. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. The island has quite an interesting history. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. Opened in 1898, Boblo Island was one of North America's. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. The Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in. 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. The Detroit river is very short - it merely connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie. Boblo Island today: 0 Comments Comments While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. 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. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! What happened to the Boblo boats? (2023) - ptylli.best Woody Harrelson is now public enemy #1 : r/conspiracy 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. bobloisland photos on Flickr | Flickr why did boblo island close Menu fatal shooting in los angeles today. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River to Boblo Island Amusement Park. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. 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. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. The ferrys were known as "Bob-Lo Boats" and held about 2,500 passengers each. See All Homes for Sale in Amherstburg. Boblo Island Amusement Park: closed after nearly 100 years Edit: I hope it's just a tracker issue but it seemed to be working fine. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The earliest historical reference, from 1718, describes 70 Native American families peacefully farming the fertile land. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. There were several trips from Detroit each day, but only two stops in Wyandotte. What Happened to Boblo Island Amusement Park Near Detroit? - Banana 101.5 These steamers are the oldest passenger steamers in the United States of America, currently anchored at the Great Lakes Steel Dock in Ecorse, Michigan. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. 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. Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. [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. What Occupation Did The Boblo Boat Workers Have? Boblo Island was an amusement park that was at one time larger than Cedar Point. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. . I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. It is a story told in a new movie that premiered last week in Detroit called "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale". By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. The 375-foot Sky Tower, rusting and visible from the Powerhouse and most of the island, as well as from other locations on the river like Grosse Ile: And a few other buildings, like the open one that may have housed the dodgem cars built in 1928, and another with more shattered windows, the Souvenir building. Can you go over to the island any time? 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. How to get to Boblo Island: The Boblo Island Detroit dock building can be seen on the Detroit, Michigan side of the Detroit River. The park, which. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. It closed for good in 1993, 25 years ago. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. And a Fairyland park on the ocean in OR, etc. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. In June 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray and 12 other female workers involved in the war effort (and referred to as "girls" during the legal proceedings) took part in a sponsored trip to Boblo Island. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. steeped in history is open for business. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. It is sad, Cheryl. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. The price is a little over $300k. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. The only other way to get to the island is to dock a private boat. The ship in mid-swing. In my days they were very comparable although I think Cedar Point was a little larger. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. 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). [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. 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). These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. Unclaimed. Mon-Wed 8:30 - 7:00 Thu-Fri 8:30 - 7:00 Sat 8:30 . You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. Scattered over the restof the island, there are still a number of structures left from other erasmidst overgrown grass, downed limbs from trees, and more than a few other surprises: At the south end of the island, two pieces of history, although damaged, still stand: In the portion of the island that was once the amusement parkBob-Lo as the babyboomers knew ita number of structures still stand: Unfortunately, despite a private-property-no-trespassing sign . One step on the old dock, and I saw an old run-down white platform, no life, no care in worldlike everyone was evacuated and told not to come back. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. It is the remnant of a place where river boats took passengers to an amusement park on a Canadian island just to the south western end of the Detroit River. It was like a little cruise. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Claire, seen in 2016. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. I am only 12. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. Boblo Boats Documentary Hitting Select Theatres in Detroit This Fall [VIDEO], Metallicas 72 Seasons Global Premiere Where You Can Watch in Michigan, Detroit Chef Named Chopped Champ Donates $10K Prize, Tri-County Ninja & Collectibles in Fenton Approved for Liquor License, Compete in Cedar Point Trivia from the Comfort of Your Michigan Home, Michigan Has Enforced the Death Penalty a Remarkably Low Number of Times, Celebrate 21 Years Of The Machine Shop In March, 13 Suggestions to Fill Flints Empty Sears in Genesee Valley Mall. [Meta] Sticky Comment. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Ferry to Boblo Island reduces services - windsorstar He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. Barb's Boblo Tavern. Today it is overgrown: The Powerhouse, which looks like small limestone chapel, that provided electricityto the Carousel: The Dance Pavilion a 35,000 feet steel and limestone building designed by Albert Kahn and John Scott and completed in 1913. The name 'Boblo' came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. 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. 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. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. . [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. This was particularly true during the Great Depression and the World War II era, when finances were tight and the world seemed to exist in a perpetual state of anxiety. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. 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. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. Restoration of the Ste Claire had been going on for a few years. why did boblo island close. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. 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. Nessel calls on DTE, Consumers to issue automatic power outage credits after storm. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. Fire destroys former Boblo boat at Detroit marina - The Detroit News 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. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. Boblo Island memories never fade - The News Herald Sq.Ft. 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. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. View TODAY's New Listings by beds, baths, lot size, listing status, days on market, & more! This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. 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. Check out the tracker on the SE side of Boblo! Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you . You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. Sue Cicala. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? The name of the island was changed to Boblo in 1929 when visitors had problems correctly pronouncing the original French name. For those who lived it firsthand, though, Boblo Island was an accessible and affordable paradise right in Detroit's backyard. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. 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. Boblo Island - Adventures in the Villa Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. Update: A couple of them were partially restored and used during the filming ofTransformers 4. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. 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. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. 559 gold coast 777777 w Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Purchasing a home on Boblo Island? what occupation did the boblo boat workers have why did boblo island close - academiacardiovascular.com 272 acres. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. That is what the park was supposed to be about. Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. Or not. A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. My husband is from (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. 582 gold coast drive boblo island ontario windsor essex ontario mls 22015670 video tour available at https wwwdangemuscom listings welcome to the awesome lifestyle on bois blanc also known as boblo. 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.. 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). With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. why did boblo island close - kreweofcarrollton.org Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Thank you again!! 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! The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. The bike rental shop was closed, but you can check your weight for free. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. We dont save anything for history any more. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. "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.". My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. The SS Ste. 3 F 1 1/2. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. 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. We also traveled from. I agree with Maureen. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. 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. 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. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. I found this very useful for Information! Well, it went out of business a long time ago, but we found a few videos of what it looks like today -- check them out here. Boblo Island: Home To Ontario's Abandoned Amusement Park - TheTravel It was great to see all the vintage photos and stories from the good old days of classic boating when wooden boats were the norm, not the exception. The island is about 2.5 miles long, 0.5 mile wide and 272 acres in size.

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