why did boblo island close

Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. Boblo Island opened in 1898. The Ste. The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. 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? Bois Blanc (Boblo) Island, ON - LighthouseFriends I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. New film floats old memories | wgrz.com I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. Answer (1 of 2): I have barely recallable memories of POP. You do it for other people. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. [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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Are there houses on Boblo Island? (2023) - ptylli.best - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. Parts of that tower still stand. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Boblo Island, originally names Bois Blanc (White Woods in French) opened as a Park in 1898. Did you work on both the SS Ste. Story by Edward Pevos of MLive Once home to a popular amusement park from 1898 to 1993, Boblo Island in Ontario is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. Please dont judge us without knowing us! steeped in history is open for business. wayne hills high school marching band; code postal ariana borj louzir; homes for sale on cary drive auburn, al A model of existing and future residential properties and harbor on Boblo Island at the Boblo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. 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. Both doors are were chain locked. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. How to get to Boblo Island: [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. Over four decades, later, on July 30, 2011, I spent an afternoon on Bob-Lo. Boblo Island is an Island in the Detroit River located directly west of Amherstburg, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border. "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" resurfaces impactful history of It's docked in New York. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. how much was bitcoin in 2010. pets4homes boost advert 9, Juin, 2022. smugglers inn steak soup recipe; 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. Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. St. On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. A shack which held dynamite used for dredging the near-by channel was fired into by a group of boys out hunting or fishing. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. . [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. 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. "[2] The Michigan Supreme Court fined the company $25 for the discrimination they presented towards Ray. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. Although Boblo Island Beach House is pretty good. 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. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. Boblo island Properties - Mitula Homes . The Boblo Boats, then and now - The Detroit News [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. [1], The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Bayview Mackinac Thread | Page 7 | Sailing Anarchy Forums mike smithson tutor perini; ford f 350 ignition switch replacement. The Park which eventually became Boblo Amusement Park got its first ride, the 178 48-animal Mangels-Illions Carousel. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. 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. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. [2] why did boblo island close bridge deck construction Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. All Rights Reserved. You can also visit Boblo.ca. It was a Canadian Island and had passenger boats that sailed from Detroit, Gibraltar and Amherstburg Ontario. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. Boblo's trains made a 20-minute circuit around about 2 miles of track . I worked on the Boats in 1980. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. The operations ended in 1993. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. I dont think it is sad at all! My concern with respect to Bob-Lo Island is that what structures are left from the islands very interesting history are not being adequately protected. (Check out more Boblo history at BobloSteamers.com), Alex Atwell put together an awesome tour of the Ste. The place is oozing history. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Boblo Island closed 25 years ago: Here's what it looks like now After coming aboard, visitors could look down from the main deck into the engine room, where powerful shafts and cams slowly warmed up. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. One to pick up, and one to return people. The island is now a residential community. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. . [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. My husband is on the Grosse Ile Historical Society BoardI have pictures of Sugar Island in its heyday. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. Boblo Island memories never fade - The News Herald They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. This is the living space inside one of the single family homes. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. I am only 12. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. 559 gold coast 777777 w For those who lived it firsthand, though, Boblo Island was an accessible and affordable paradise right in Detroit's backyard. 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. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. 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. Bob-Lo Park (Sometimes seen as Boblo) was established as an entertainment destination in 1898 by the Detroit,Belle Isleand Windsor Ferry Company. Rule 2 does not apply when replying to this stickied comment.. Rule 2 does apply throughout the rest of this thread.. What this means: Please keep any "meta" discussion directed at specific users, mods, or r/conspiracy in general in this comment chain only.. 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. They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. 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. A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. 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. The park, which. why did boblo island close. Boblo Island Amusement Park: closed after nearly 100 years Boblo Island Amusement Park - Wikipedia We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. About Boblo Island: - LJ. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. 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. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. A miniature railroad was built around the island in the 60s, along with a upgraded dock area. 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. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). For 81 years, she ferried generations of families as they experienced a Windsor-Detroit right of passage: an island getaway to the beloved Boblo Island amusement park. 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. The 16mm film is from around 1960. (LogOut/ 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 Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. The 375-foot Sky Tower, rusting and visible from the Powerhouse and most of the island, as well as from other locations on the river like Grosse Ile: And a few other buildings, like the open one that may have housed the dodgem cars built in 1928, and another with more shattered windows, the Souvenir building. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. There appears to be no such organization, which may not be so surprising. Find useful information, the address and the phone number of the local business you are looking for. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. An old silent family home movie of a trip to Boblo Island Amusement Park, no longer existing. I agree; it would be wonderful if the park could be restored or perhaps, reinvented to serve in a new way of bringing community together! We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. No one was injured, and there is no word as to what punishment the boys received. Locate and compare Service d'ambulance in Mersea ON, Yellow Pages Local Listings. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. The price is a little over $300k. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of 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. It had e. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. Enjoy What are some facilities/amenities/services/establishments you wish 3 F 1 1/2. Rochester Hills mom testifies about 2 . My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. This year, I hear theres an ice cream concession, Captain Bobs on the island (http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit). As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! 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. 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. The goal of developers is to someday populate the entire island with neighborhoods. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. He was 20 years older than me. Building the lighthouse on the island instead of the shoal presented several advantages: a shorter tower could be used due to the . Save. Footage Of Detroit's Edgewater Park Will Take You Back In Time I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park.

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