why did boblo island close

I mean Harbour House is nice, but would be nice to have a better view of the water (other than the marina) where you can watch the big ships go by. From the U.S. (departing from Detroit) your routeto the ferry would looklike this: The ferry boat captain had to take the Detroit Rivers strong current into consideration in maneuvering the ferry boat to the dock. She was one of the first residents of Boblo Island. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" resurfaces impactful history of why did boblo island close - kkdhandapaniworldschool.org Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. It was awesome place. (LogOut/ Boblo Island was very special. steeped in history is open for business. Officially, Bob-Lo Island is now billed as a Marina Resort Community, but Bob-Lo currently exhibits the most profound split personality of any islandperhaps any placeIve ever been. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. [6] In February 1992, the park was put up for sale for US$9 million, half of its 1988 purchase price, though it committed to opening it for that summer. Service d'ambulance in Mersea ON | YellowPages.ca A documentary about Detroit's faded Boblo Island history weaves a The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. What Happened to Boblo Island Amusement Park Near Detroit? - Banana 101.5 Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. Boblo Island memories never fade - The News Herald The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. An old silent family home movie of a trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park, no longer existing. Getting to the dock in Detroit early in the morning, the anticipation of boarding the boat, the ride on the river, the views, the fact I could play an arcade game on a boat blew my small mind. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. 2022-09-26. The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. Author: Michael R Stoller Jr CC BY-ND 2.0 Though not all is lost. Boblo Island Amusement Park: closed after nearly 100 years The bike rental shop was closed, but you can check your weight for free. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Over the years, the crowds going to Bob-Lo on the boat would were increasingly loud and rude and some people avoided going to Bob-Lo to avoid the noise. 6 reviews #1 of 2 Restaurants in Pointe Aux Pins American Pub. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. 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. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. The ferrys were known as "Bob-Lo Boats" and held about 2,500 passengers each. Ironically, after Canada abolished slavery in 1793, the island became a rest stop for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. 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. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Claire, seen in 2016. I agree with Maureen. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. What did you do? 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. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. Before July 30, 2011, my last visit to Bob-Lo had been in June of 1968. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. It may be under different management than when I had a pretty tasty perch sandwich there, but you can find out more, including their hours at: http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, Thank you very much for info. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. Footage Of Detroit's Edgewater Park Will Take You Back In Time More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. The control room area through broken glass. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. 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). The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. Boblo Island enthusiast wants memories for book - FOX 2 Detroit Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park | FREAKTOGRAPHY Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. Locate and compare Service d'ambulance in Mersea ON, Yellow Pages Local Listings. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. [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. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! Are there houses on Boblo Island? (2023) - ptylli.best The north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. Bois Blanc Island, Pointe Aux Pins, MI 49775 +1 231-634-7100 + Add website + Add hours. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. See all (4) One to pick up, and one to return people. I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. A shack which held dynamite used for dredging the near-by channel was fired into by a group of boys out hunting or fishing. View TODAY's New Listings by beds, baths, lot size, listing status, days on market, & more! A combined force of British and Native American soldiers in canoes surprised and overpowered an American vessel en route to Detroit. 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. Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. Or not. Each historical society serves as a bead on a rosary linking current and future generations to the past, acts as a tool to support prayers of keeping the memories alive, keeps a link to the human roots of a distinctive place that has meant many things to many people over the years. 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. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. You do it for other people. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. washington county, maine death records 0. why did boblo island close. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The Boblo Boats, then and now - The Detroit News And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. Although Boblo Island Beach House is pretty good. It closed for good in 1993, 25 years ago. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). Please dont judge us without knowing us! By 1742, a French mission among the Hurons was established. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. Boblo Island, originally names Bois Blanc (White Woods in French) opened as a Park in 1898. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. Peaking through the windows, you can see it's being used for storage. Built in the early 1900s, the SS Columbia and SS Ste. 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). It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. At the end of the turbulent 75 minutes, Boblo Boats brings us up-to-date on restoration efforts for both ferries while simultaneously summoning an unanticipated moral force. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. Unclaimed. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Bob-Lo Excursion Company and the 50 years of Canadian-American use of Bob-Lo Island as an International recreation area. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. 'Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale' is a new documentary, created by Aaron Shillinger, that tell the tale of Dr. Ron Kattoo, who is on a mission to restore the SS. 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 non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. Review. 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. Boblo island Properties - Mitula Homes 3 F 1 1/2. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Update: A couple of them were partially restored and used during the filming ofTransformers 4. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. Filming of the movie began across Metro Detroit earlier this year. Baths. Bob-Lo Island Ghosts - Great Lakes Island Escapes 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). The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. 2,000. 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. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. 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. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. Boblo Island is preparing to greet more than 200 new residents with construction soon to begin and new roads in the south end of the island recently completed . Boblo boat fire caused by spark from welding - WXYZ 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. When did Boblo boat stop running? One of these survived to become a souvenir stand for the amusement park. Boblo closed for good in September 1993. 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. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. - LJ. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. 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. - Bonnie, Oh! The once site of the infamous amusement park has been renamed erasing one of the last remnants of days gone by. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. why did boblo island close - amolemrooz.ir My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. BARB'S BOBLO TAVERN, Pointe Aux Pins - Tripadvisor Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. 1960 - A Day Trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park - YouTube