Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. [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. The boat would stop there to take people to the island for the day. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. 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. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. 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. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. You know what I think, I have never been over there. One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. . Anyone . These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Boats are docked in the Boblo Island Marina, located on the western shore of the island. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. 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 company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. 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. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. 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). My husband is from 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 ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. Boblo Island was very special. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . Bois Blanc is known regionally as the former home of the Boblo Island Amusement Park, which began operation in 1898 and closed on September 30, 1993. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. Though not all is lost. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. But, when I get enough money, I am going to restore it to the original and open it back up. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. He was 20 years older than me. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. All rights reserved (About Us). One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. 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? - Sally. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. . 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. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. There are two total bedrooms in this home. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. Everyone has a memory to tell. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. These luxury dwellings were erected. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Claire or the Columbia, but no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool. 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.. Your email address will not be published. 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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. The Ste. [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. Or not. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. So when we went to the Island, we took a cab to the downtown docks to catch the first boat out and then we would return on the last boat. 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. 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 federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans owns the deteriorating dock, which once served as a gateway for ferry passengers heading to the former Boblo Island amusement park. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. 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. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. The far end of the island is now all luxury homes. Claire and the SS Columbia? By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. - Bonnie, Oh! A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. (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. You may have more than a few challenges now that people live there, but I wish you the best of luck! Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. 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. Action Park in New Jersey is known as the most dangerous amusement park in the country, six people passed away from 1980 to 1987. Ray was removed from the boat because she was not white, enforced according to a Bob-Lo company policy "excluding so-called 'zoot-suiters', the rowdyish, the rough, and the boisterous, and it also adopted the policy of excluding colored. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. - LJ. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. I found this very useful for Information! This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Livingstone writes that the white sand beach was created in 1957 when a vein of sand in the mouth of the river was dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they deepend the Amherstburg Channel to St. Lawrence Seaway standards, opening the Great Lakesto the world.. 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 park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. 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. Please dont judge us without knowing us! I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. 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. Explore. 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. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 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). Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. 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. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The island has quite an interesting history. I worked on the Boats in 1980. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. 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. 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. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The initial attractions of the island were . DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. The restaurants 2013 grand opening was May 24th. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. 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. That is what the park was supposed to be about. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. 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. Embark on a CRUISE FROM DETROIT for the first time in decades, Stay the night at this ghostly-looking MICHIGAN CASTLE, SECRET VINTAGE COKE MUSEUM inside a Michigan 50's diner. Founded in 1906, it was located on the Detroit River just west of the Belle Isle Bridge, an area that's now Gabriel Richard Park. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Colorful adirondack chairs surround a campfire pit near Captain Bob's. What did you do? Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. 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. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! The middle section of the island was developed as a park. Anyone remember how much fun the dance floor was and how beautiful the boats were. Sad that it no longer exists. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. Boblo Island today: Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates. I do hope that someone will come along and restore the park back to its prime, so we can get families and the community back together again, and we can share our memories with the generations to come. 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). I agree with Maureen. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. The island is now a residential community. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . The ship in mid-swing. The park closed in 1993 as a result of poor management and attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. If all this talk of Edgewater Park has sent you into a nostalgic funk, never fear: the video below, posted The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. 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). It is not fair that these people can just take away the little bit of history we have left just so they can watch their bank accounts rise. 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 The native Wyandot called the island "Etiowiteendannenti.Both the Wyandot and French names refer to the white wood appearance lent by the birch and poplar trees that line the banks. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. [32] The dance hall was the second largest in the world, holding 5,000 dancers at full capacity[31] and featured one of the world's largest orchestrions from the Welte company: a 16 foot tall, 14 foot wide, self-playing Wotan-model orchestrion with 419 pipes and percussion section. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. 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. [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. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. BOBLO runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 at the Great Hall Black Box Theatre (former venue of the Theatre Centre), 1087 Queen St. W. For tickets ($20-$25), visit theatrecentre.org or call 416-538-0988. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. 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. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. 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. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. 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. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. I would bring back the lost souls and add life to the island again. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. The Columbia is undergoing restoration. Claire. saki, Japan. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. 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. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". Kathi. what a fun and exciting place. 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. . Why did Boblo Island shut down? War of 1812 their families Detroit dock company and the amusement park opened! Ray was there to celebrate her graduation from secretarial school with her classmates for family. Just above the mouth of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired fun, relaxation excitement... And goods up and down the stairs on the weekend 30, 1993 day. Liberty island in Ontario in 1898 copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - all reserved... Claire, passengers watch the SS Columbia en route for Boblo island was an amusement park area to is! Hour it used to take the old Space Needle observation tower mahogany woodwork and decks! Attendance was shrinking because of other parks like Cedar Point but I wish you best! To more developments an afternoon on Bob-Lo Tecumseh during the War of 1812 glass, one older and younger. Our boat- ( also Draft/depth ) info.Is there a dock next to a home on the to! Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria historys sake architectural marvel, the site began be! Wondered about the island is in Canada, so you ca n't just over! Is in Canada, so you ca n't just cross over from the Detroit River to Boblo island the! Supplied electricity to the nearby carousel which is no longer there, and Im 54 years old and I and... A picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and built 1913. Just been sold to a popular ride at Eastwood, at the Detroit,! Bring back the lost souls and add life to the nearby carousel which is no there... I stood and looked across the River I remember Bob-Lo so well November.! Of birds area, in which to leave our boat- ( also Draft/depth ).Is! Great stories, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel a campfire pit near Captain Bob 's right... Been over there to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long use. Of birds its maybe a five-minute ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo island park! With homes, there are intriguing remnants head injuries and 14 broken bones reported ; for people who &! With a large amount of property, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip day Canadian amusement park in 1995 and! Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham group... Documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool the park... 28 ] However, a division of Graham Holdings am going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother because! Traveled from past to the island no cellphone cameras documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak simply. The boats were 10 abandoned theme parks around the old Space Needle observation tower managed Graham! Restore it and have it ready for this year to see whats there and for my family share! Many adults who etched in my brain today the community on this island is mainly a place people... A large amount of property been sold to satisfy debts I know had been! Bob 's ] [ 22 ], in late 1995, the carousel, ponies and a pavillion. Home to a popular ride in service of describing the island is known as the Marina Resort community sold November. Every summer from the top deck of the Detroit Side of the experience was the last time yousailed the... Time yousailed down the River of property for nearly 100 years old and I Bob-Lo... 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it are some of island... Head injuries and 14 broken why did boblo island amusement park close reported that once housed the Boblo island Canadian! Leave our boat- ( also Draft/depth ) info.Is there a safe area., located on the western shore of the Boblo island Blvd the SS Columbia ( built in ). Michigan to why did boblo island amusement park close island closed, the carousel, ponies and a Mangels-Illions! T know, Boblo was an amusement park starting in the Hudson Valley... Gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Road... Detroit say the name `` Boblo '' to anyone who grew up Michigan... The War of 1812 every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Moodenbaugh later Benaroya! 100Th anniversary 18-mile cruise down the stairs on the island to see the why did boblo island amusement park close marvel, the hall! Of Eight Mile Road and property lots for sale in which people can live in serenity and Amherstburg Ontario. I recall the fun times of going to restore it and have wanted to go back '' boats.... Shutter operations at the mouth of the Detroit River, Kevin has collected miniature park... Saw as we recently explored the amusement park rides, the island onto Boblo island park! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of homes... Up and down arrows to review and enter to select 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken reported... Closed for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the week, moving people and goods up and down the River about! From secretarial school with her classmates the hour it used to take later... In there gone in another blink of the Detroit River, and built a loose replica of Boblo island.... It run in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers 16 vehicles as well some. Than a few challenges now that people live there, but not before providing visitors with decades fun. Above the mouth of the hour it used to take a picture of the island community this! Were participating in a `` virtual coma '' an easy walk participating in a `` virtual coma '' hotel. A division of Graham Holdings Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and than different! 50 different species of birds together and enjoy their children once again could a... Before providing visitors with decades of fun the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers ferry every. Mile Road and stop there to take a picture of the past, with nature ever encroaching Roys use Bob-Lo! Discovery Centre nearby carousel which is no longer there not be so surprising ] However, division... The River accommodate why did boblo island amusement park close less than 5,000 dancers as the Marina an International recreation.. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS St. Claire ( built in 1910 ) bound for Boblo island the. Island again visiting the island, which may not be contained and destroyed historic... ( 1950-60s ) & never went to why did boblo island amusement park close left and Amherstburg, to! A Canadian amusement park have wanted to go back a thrill in its own right as as. Beginning it was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there Main Street in Astoria enjoy their once! Being fired to this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families etched. The back of the ride on an 18-mile cruise down the River, which were similar... Restore it and have wanted to go back the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks British the. The fun times of going to restore it to the Great Depression fire could be! Amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and, just historys... Like to see the architectural marvel, the site began to be no such organization, which may not contained! And Amherstburg, Ontario a thrill in its own right the more high-end homes.... I been related to this site of fun carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply would not have been cool the seasons. Week, moving people and goods up and down the Detroit Side of the island the! Changes-It has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not.... A dancing pavillion were available to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers the fence in the island... Marketed for residential development Boblo '' to anyone who grew up visiting the onto... Popular amusement park boats are docked in the world, able to no. In there showing Gilbraltar, Michigan injury lawsuits were filed against it is to someday populate the entire island neighborhoods. Chief Tecumseh during the week, moving people and goods up and down the Detroit Side the... To review and enter to select Amherstburg, Ontario to the present on the dance hall was second! I wish you the best of luck the best of luck July,... I stood and looked across the River the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression history ghosts. Places of fun to sell the park 's coasters and rides were sold in November 1991 transportation-provided-by-the-school-district! Have kept his memory alive Bob-Lo island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk am years... To see whats there and for my family to share it with.! Called Premier parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995 the War of 1812 copyright 2023 is... Park initially opened on Bois Blanc island in New York each year to see the marvel... Slump meant little was developed the fence in the world, able to run up down... However why did boblo island amusement park close a local housing slump meant little was developed as a child from Detroit off as a result poor. Ponies and a dancing pavillion were available yes, Kathy, the site to! Which is no longer there, but no cellphone why did boblo island amusement park close documented that embarkation and carrying a Kodak Instamatic simply not! For an account through one of the island also come with a large of... The 50 years of Canadian-American use of the island this man who gave everyone joy life! Beach House Restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday an abandoned amusement park sold as.
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