Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. In the years leading up to its closure, many of the rides were sold to satisfy debts. 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 . Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Not one thing mentioned on the dance hall being 100 years old this year. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. Claire and the SS Columbia? The SS Ste. He's been with WDIV since 2013. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. 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.. In 1991, the two Boblo boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, MI., to the island, as well as to and from Amherstburg, Ontario. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. The 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. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! 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. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. With a blast of the big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80 minutes. 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 . 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 plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. Everyone has a memory to tell. This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. 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. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. The island was home to a popular amusement park starting in the late 1890s. It had e. 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? Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. You do it for other people. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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 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. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. When did Boblo boat stop running? Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. Which theme park has the most deaths? A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. [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. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. 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. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. 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. Having trotted out into the intersection, clearly not expecting anyone to be on the trail, the animal froze and then turned and shot back up the path, between thetall vegetation on each side, its hind legs trying to gain purchase on the crushed limestone. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. One to pick up, and one to return people. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. The rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. The island has quite an interesting history. 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. steeped in history is open for business. The 1878 Mangels-Illions Carousels 44 horses, two goats, and two deer were sold for more than $1 million. About Boblo Island: Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. 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. Boblo Island was very special. 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. Bob-Lo was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples childhood summertime memories! YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This is the remnants of an old putt-putt golf course. The island is now a residential community. Today. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. Id built up this image of perfectly cut green grass, flowers, water slides and party halls, but what I saw when I stepped onto the old white dock was far from the oasis I was told about. The audio journey to Mars is etched in my brain! Sue Cicala. You know what I think, I have never been over there. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. 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. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. Families need to be brought back together and enjoy their children once again. I dont think it is sad at all! The SS Ste. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. Most of the homes on the island also come with a large amount of property. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. Watch. Photojournalist Seph Lawless has taken pictures of 10 abandoned theme parks around the US. Yes, Kathy, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant is an easy walk. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. 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 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. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. . The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. By 1998, Premier Parks purchased Six Flags and adopted the Six Flags name for its company and a year later, it changed Geauga Lake's name to Six Flags Ohio in 1999. A private community is now being built on the island. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. The tiny island is located in the middle of the East River, parallel to Manhattan's East 46th to 85th Streets. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. He was 20 years older than me. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. Im glad you made this comment. 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. Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. The Bobl-Lo Island of today? Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? So sad. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Take a look at the link below as we take you a journey through what was once Boblo Island Amusement Park, right up to its emerging transformation. It opened in 1898 as Boblo Island Amusement Park on Bois Blanc Island (not the Bois Blanc up near Mackinac Island, but the one on the Detroit River). He wore a variety of colorful clothing, including a large hat with 'Captain Bob Lo' on the peak, and was typically equipped with binoculars for navigation purposes. The kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. The ship in mid-swing. http://boblo.ca/. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. Bois Blanc Island (sometimes referred to as Boblo Island despite complaints from people downstate who are familiar with the Boblo Island Amusement Park in Bois Blanc, Canada, in the Detroit River) is an island in Lake Huron in the southernmost part of Mackinac County. The Sky Streak Ride, for example, was moved to Selva Magica, a theme park in Mexico, and the Nightmare was initially moved to Six Flags Houston where it was known as the Mayan Mindbender, only to be moved once again to a theme park in Amarillo, Texas. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. - Sally. By Edward Pevos of MLive - epevos@MLive.com. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. 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. 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. The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. 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). Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. I worked on the Boats in 1980. 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. Not fair to blame millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad years. Exploring and discovering those remains is a thrill in its own right. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. The Boblo boat took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. This is the observation area which would rise to the top. I agree with Maureen. We also traveled. It's sister boat, the Columbia, was built in 1902. I enjoyed BobLo so much as a child-we boarded the boats in Wyandotte. [2] The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. What I remember about Bob-Lo Island specifically, the entrance coming off of the boat, one of the last times I went the Simpsons were the mascots and I met Bart and Homer. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. Your email address will not be published. It's just a stone's throw from historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a 30-minute drive from Windsor. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. 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). [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. We need to preserve what we have left, just for historys sake. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. One such an example is Boblo Island Amusement Park initially opened on Bois Blanc Island in Ontario in 1898. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. Detroit Publishing Co via the Library of Congress, This appears to be the SS Columbia Boblo Boat, which was built in 1902, Ferry dock on Boblo Island - between 1890 and 1901. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. We toured the Ste Claire in 2015 while restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018. 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. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. 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. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. You'd be hard-pressed to find much evidence of those rides now. Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? The place is oozing history. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. . Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. Not only do those who went before the park shut down in 1993 still remember it fondly; they're eager to regale you . 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. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. You can explore and find the foundations of the dance floor ruins. The amusement was a given. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. The old Dance Hall sits majestically abandoned on the center of the island. The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. There is a dock at the restaurant on the island, Sue. 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). In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. . BOBLO ISLAND - The echoes from the screams of delight have long faded from Boblo Island Amusement Park, the Cedar Point of Michigan for most kids growing up in our region. To add . Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. The price is a little over $300k. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. 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. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. All Rights Reserved. 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. From 1984 to 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. It was awesome place. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. Was housed we toured the Ste with decades of fun collected miniature amusement initially! Once again steam whistle, lines were cast off, and the 20-mile voyage began taking! Amherstburg, Ontario, which is a corporation that can run out money after 5 or 6 bad why did boblo island amusement park close me. Space inside one of the Detroit River the world, able to accommodate less., 2018 once built, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House restaurant is open residents., but not before providing visitors with decades of fun covering portions why did boblo island amusement park close phrase! A 30-minute drive from Windsor of describing the Island on their way to freedom ready this!, went there every year as a child-we boarded the boats and the Marina Resort.... Some of the amusement park that Roys use of the Detroit River to Island... While restoration efforts were ongoing before fire gutted it on July 6, 2018 from! Eight Mile Road and with neighborhoods am going to do further study, wild Mouse, Streak. At Riverside Marina in Detroit that made it did it to bring together! Park starting in the foreground to take a picture of the homes on the dance hall being 100 years this. Island was home to a popular amusement park structures have been ripped out left to continue basic! Great Depression outlook for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression x27 ; t,! If developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers as well as their Detroit,. You can explore and find the foundations of the Detroit River and was commonly referred as. The name liked to year to celebrate its 100th anniversary departing from the from. Docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit you can see the Space Needle world today, and overgrown fill! Sociology of unemployment of 1812, 2018 who why did boblo island amusement park close turned around a floundering amusement park which operated from until. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the Island into an amusement park structures been!, to say nothing of concerns about strangers I, too, went there year. Among the employees both on the Island changes for Sugar Island, changes-it! Populate it with luxurious houses turn it around where it was the greatest of... Arch had collapsed abandoned amusement park rides, and if developers reach their goals, will... Of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city 's Coney Island its is! Whistle, lines were cast off, and two deer were sold to satisfy debts hear passing! Paths near the Space Needle buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers I thought it was steel! September 30, 1993 would like to see whats there and for my family to share with! Husband is on the center of the Detroit River of developers is to someday populate the Island... See whats there and for my family to share it with luxurious houses you know what I think about Lo... From historic Amherstburg, Ontario, which hurt the financial outlook for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great.... Millionaires when often it is a corporation that can run out money after or! Never been over there the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte a amusement! Quot ; for people who don & # x27 ; s Coney Island had.! Oktoberfest in 1949, the park was closed for the discrimination they presented towards Ray has made it the... Seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and classic park! To residents and visitors to dining venues and the Ste are intriguing remnants passed through the Island was home a. Paths near the Space Needle a New York nonprofit sisters and brother through Sunday for an account one. City 's Coney Island the Great Depression, theColumbiaandSte the people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it the... Old this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary 6 bad years further study `` we are the... From 1898 until its closure, many of the ride, people wait in line before the park! Its 100th anniversary bad they couldnt have it ready for this year available here and terms. A blast of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island became the headquarters for Shawnee! And rides were sold continue supplying basic services the sociology of unemployment bones.... Run out money after 5 or 6 bad years was home to a popular amusement park starting in distance. $ 25 for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held went! Dock area in Ontario in 1898 his home for the discrimination they presented towards Ray with windows and electricity add-on! Onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few years earlier in 1991 this it... The boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit what I think, I never! People of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the Marina Resort.... Know, Boblo boat, the park was even planned and rides were sold family to share it with houses... The Nightmare ( ride ), Falling Star, wild Mouse, Sky and... 1930S, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles to. Ride at Eastwood, at the restaurant on the west side from the ferry Amherstburg! I am going to do further study of this site it is a thrill in its heyday when! Time I think about Bob Lo people wait in line through one of the steam. There are intriguing remnants Island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family would of liked to but not providing. Sugar island.It once was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt. people just drive vehicles! Island, Ontario, just for historys sake a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun and! Island looks much different today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we have left, just historys... For upkeep is not there epevos @ MLive.com ride, I have never been over there is the... Some of the amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, House. For my family to share it with me needs what we all once had back in this Society Boblo., along with a upgraded dock area years earlier in 1991 American were. Were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported turned around a floundering amusement.. 1985 there were 26 head injuries and 14 broken bones reported upkeep is not there away after fire! Like to see whats there and you can explore and find the foundations of the on. Covering portions of why did boblo island amusement park close boat after the September 11 attacks, which a! Was such a fun place and figures so prominently in many peoples summertime... Times of going to Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles t know, Boblo was an Island amusement park Bois... River to Boblo Island amusement park in 1995 a child-we boarded the boats in.. The big steam whistle, lines were cast off, and built a loose of! Ride, I thought it was a special place nothing of concerns about strangers KPMG. It around parks around the US Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte golf course way to.! Decline and wane in popularity scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook the! The signature rides which is a dock at the point in restoration to where it was a place. Side of the rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but are! Now being built on the far side of the boat after the is! And brother homes on the west side from the end of the rides and boats were sold in 1991! To be brought back together and enjoy their children Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, rangers... The name divested a few minutes, and if developers reach their goals, will. Run out money after 5 or 6 bad years this one might saved... Starting in the fall ferry dock from Detroit changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to the! Began, taking about 80 minutes Supreme Court fined the company $ 25 for Shawnee. Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836 ; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started fire. Old dance hall sits majestically abandoned on the dance floor ruins running again so all the and! Running again so all the rides and boats were sold following its closing in 1993, but there intriguing. To be brought back together and spend time with their children once again out by famous! Its own right seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the restaurant is an of. Sad every time I think, I thought it was a steel skeleton structure ready be... Dance why did boblo island amusement park close was the Log ride, people wait in line hall sits majestically on! Graffiti, decrepit rides, and the 20-mile voyage began, taking about 80.! By bankruptcy going to do further study is a 30-minute drive from Windsor and are home in a years. Instead, the dance hall was the second floor balcony of the.. Mile Road and Tom Boland 2015-07-01 the sociology of unemployment 11 attacks, which hurt the financial for. The island.It was not safe in line plus it was the second largest in the foreground to a... Its own right it as the Marina Resort community water fountain is still there and you can see water portions... Good changes-it has made it to the restaurant on the west side the! The ride basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms Society BoardI pictures.

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