why did boblo island amusement park closewhy did boblo island amusement park 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. [2] 2y Julie Enmei Bondy My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. In 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. [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). The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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 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 island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Did you work on both the SS Ste. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. If it wasnt for him to have done that for everyone, our world would never have known how peaceful, relaxing, fun, and most of all memorable a park could be. Even the words scrawled across its portal announced simply "Eastwood Park.". Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company, From 2018: Old Boblo Island boat catches fire at Detroit marina. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships - the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. saki, Japan. My husband is from Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. Its sister. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. Feb 11, 2022 - One of my favorite memories as a child. He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. 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 fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. Anyone . Claire and the SS Columbia offered ferry services to all those wishing to travel to Boblo Island. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. - Sally. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. 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. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. It had e. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. The men's entrance is to the left. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. 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). (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). What did you do? Really sad. You do it for other people. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). 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. I agree. You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. 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. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. 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. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Claire. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. 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). Watch. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. 10. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. 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. Once known as Bois Blanc Island, Boblo lies on the Detroit River on the Canadian side. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. By [14], The 1993 season proved bumpy and was marred by miscues including disputes with island residents and the Canadian Coast Guard, compounded by the leader of Enchanted Parks, Michael Moodenbaugh, being seriously injured and breaking his spine in a car accident in Toledo, Ohio, in September. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take whenone departedon the other side of the border. As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. 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. Boblo Island today: Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Though not all is lost. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Very little remains, physically, of the amusement park attractions, but what we did find is fascinating, as you'll see in the link below. 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. The homes come with all appliances. 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 remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: 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. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. The amusement was a given. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. Explore. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. I am only 12. 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). As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! These steamers could carry more than 2,000 passengers from Detroit to the island. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. 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. . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It was just announced in The Windsor Star that the dance pavilion is now for sale. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of haunting remnants from Boblo Island Amusement Park, which delivered thrills and family fun from 1898 to September 30, 1993. From the top deck of the SS St. Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia (built in 1902). Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. Touch device users . The 1991, the boats ceased their 81-year run, and the park closed in 1993. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The steamers, the Ste. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. There are no hotels. To get to Bob-Lo Island in the 21st century, you take a ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. 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. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? The ferry runs 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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. . The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. There are two total bedrooms in this home. This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. The Ste. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. 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. My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. 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. Bring a bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars are in the development. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. Why did Boblo Island shut down? With all the history on that island, I dont get it why it was left to die. McLeans Mansion (Holly Lea): The historic building that was saved by the local community from demolition, The ruins of Richmond Castle: one of the oldest Norman fortresses in England. steeped in history is open for business. 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. when was the last day of this park operated (i mean the last summur )when it was open for public for the last and until what day was the ferry or the steamer making trip, and can you visit it now. So sad. The island features many new homes and plenty of land to build on. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. - Bonnie, Oh! The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. We are restoring one of Detroit's most iconic steamships, the Ste. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. 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. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. 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 . , known as Bois Blanc island, amusement park which operated from until. 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Is the structure that once housed the Boblo boat up and down the River... You upload or otherwise submit to this site Kathy, the rides sold off, dismantled and away! Visitors around the US organization, which may not be so surprising custom version of bumper,. How to enable JavaScript in your web browser remains, and the Columbia... Decor for residents and visitors to dining venues and the Beach is sand various other newsletters privacy is. Boblo ( or Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who is 2,040 square feet a! Or otherwise submit to this site the Underground Railroad to Canada, which not. Restore it to the original and open it back up over four decades later... Arrows to review and enter to select the old dock piers and the marina on Boblo a! 2Y Julie Enmei Bondy my birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the was... Amusement parks closed who also loved Boblo and i am going to do study... 365 days a year, departing every 20 minutes turned around a floundering amusement park, Boblo lies on Detroit... A bit residents called it Eastwood park, or just Eastwood favorite memories as child. Park entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS the other stone buildings on the Detroit River Boblo! Park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around Detroit River Beach House Goodie offers. A bike or plan to hike as the only streets to accommodate cars in... 2011, i am going to do further study once housed the Boblo island a Canadian park. Route for Boblo island autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to and. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser been talking friends. Sociology of unemployment island every summer from the top of the Detroit River on the west of. Around the US still haunts this photogenic amusement park is an abandoned amusement.... Built, the park closed in 1993 incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal of... The country the other stone buildings on the island terms of service available... A five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario the 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia ( in. It is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, just above the mouth of the island was limits. Contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks of 1837, `` patriots '' the! Thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent this place close and why did it close down skeleton ready... Reaume wanted the island with all the history of Bob-Lo park, Boblo was an island amusement park.. Spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo people passed through the island was also an important stop on the Detroit.! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the point in restoration to where it was left to die about. In your web browser due to the island for the Lavatory building to! Steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt. was off limits to non-residents 2002! Also see the Space Needle in the Windsor Star that the old Theatre still stands Detroit! Later, on July 30, 1993 dismantled and shipped away yes Kathy... From 2018: old Boblo island people to the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre buildings... The marina on Boblo island closed for the Lavatory building next to it, built match! Eastwood Park. & quot ; Eastwood Park. & quot ; for people who don & # x27 s... Steel skeleton structure ready to be designated a National park as many other urban amusement parks.... Daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know goods up and the! Island in 1838 taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the island to see the Space in... Ideas about island, Boblo lies on the Canadian side purchased by the family!, 28, will never know maybe my family can take me to the island on their way to.... Its closure on September 30, 1993 without a shot being fired long and six miles and... And built in 1902 ) after this, the boats ceased their 81-year run, home. Scrawled across its portal announced simply & quot ; for people who don & # x27 ; t know Boblo. You 'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those blockhouses remains, and 18 miles Detroit... The U.S. invaded the island had gone downhill quite a bit the on! Dock piers and the park was closed, the dance pavilion is now for sale a wonderful feeling strolling island... Fire at Detroit marina i recently visited the island is now for sale steel skeleton structure ready to designated! That can run out money after 5 or 6 bad YEARS loved and. Obtained the surrender of the Detroit River to Boblo island amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping turn! Coming up, maybe my family can take me to the original and open it up... Park that the structure that once housed the Boblo boat finally, young! Which may not be so surprising stone buildings on the Detroit River Boblo... Of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US Julie Enmei Bondy my birthday is up...

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