why did boblo island amusement park close

[3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. I dont know about draft/depth info or dock fees, not being a boater, myself, and having instead taken the ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario. I grew up visiting the island and Im hoping to return to explore it again someday. You can just picture all of the kids having fun smashing into each other in their cars. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. Neither will my grandchildren. The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. 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. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. The haunting pictures show graffiti, decrepit rides, and overgrown greenery. Kathi. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. The price is around $500k. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River and was commonly referred to as Detroit's Coney Island. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Electric Park was the dream-come-true of Arthur C. Gaukler, a. What a wonderful goal, Andrew! Since 1989, Kevin has collected miniature amusement park rides, and built a loose replica of Boblo Island in his home. I can still feel the sun and the wind as one of the great boats took us to the Island. Your email address will not be published. Today. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. [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. At about 34-square miles, the island is 12 miles long and six miles long. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. These are some of the many doors leading to the inside of the old Dance Hall. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. Sad that it no longer exists. We dont save anything for history any more. 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 . Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. [1] The "Bob-Lo boats" boats were sold in November 1991. Beginning in 1952, Joe Short, a man of diminutive physical stature, was employed as 'Captain Boblo', and traveled on the boats entertaining passengers of all ages. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. One of the three original blockhouses still stands on the southern end of the island. The legend of Boblo is still strong in Detroit. While incapacitated in hospital, he lost legal control of island. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. 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. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. Anyone . This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Fairy Tale Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale YouTube Channel [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. 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 It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. 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. In 1993, after nearly 100 years in the business of entertainment, it was decided that the park was to be closed. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. Bois Blanc Island was where Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a Native American warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the War of 1812. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. Boblo Island today: After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. I dont think it is sad at all! They created a destination to keep themselves busy on the weekend. 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.. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. 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. I remember going to Boblo Island when I was a child, having fun riding rides; our children will never be able to do that. By each step it became more clear that this was left for dead a long time ago. 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. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. Your email address will not be published. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. These gleeful youngsters certainly seem amused on a ride at Eastwood, at the northeast corner of Eight Mile Road and . Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin is located on the western shore of Boblo Island, and is open for residents and visitors from Thursday through Sunday. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. A new film tells us. 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). Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. One reason is competition from larger theme parks. 10. 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 north side of Boblo is a growing private community, with numerous homes and condominiums. The homes come with all appliances. How to get to toronto island park? It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. I am only 12. On June 21, 1945, the steamer Columbia blew its whistle and left the Detroit dock to make the eighteen-mile trip to the Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. 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. 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. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. 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. Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. The marina on the west side of Boblo Island. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. A tri-plex home. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A lamp posts once used to illuminate the amusement park at night. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. Check out recent photos from one of the Boblo boats. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. 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. 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 back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. On that trip, my companions on the Bob-Lo Excursion Line steamer were other ninth graders from Livonias Holmes Junior High. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. ", "Small fire breaks out on SS Ste. Boblo Island Amusement Park was a beloved amusement park that began operating in 1898 and ran for almost 100 years. 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. [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. 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. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. [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. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. . I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Ive been talking to friends who also loved Boblo and I am going to do further study. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. By How to get to Boblo Island: There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. 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? This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. When Ste. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Claire, built in 1910. 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. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . 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. The park was sold but never got up and running again so all the rides and boats were sold. 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! This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. 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. As well as some great stories, it includes some good photographs from all of the islands incarnations! Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. It runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at a fee of $10 each way. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. Big changes for Sugar Island, good changes-it has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake the island.It was not safe. 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. A private community is now being built on the island. I worked on the Boats in 1980. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. They transformed the island into an amusement park, including a coaster, Ferris wheel, fun house and more. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. 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. This photo shows people boarding the SS St. Claire (built in 1910) bound for Boblo Island. He had hoped to build a bridge to Bob-Lo to eliminate the inconvenience of the boat rides, but he did not realize (or appreciate) that Bob-Lo Island was across an international border from Michigan. Many of the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in Texas, Maryland, British Columbia, and Mexico. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. 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. Its entrance is at Vernon Boulevard and Main Street in Astoria. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. Only one blockhouse remains today. 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). The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. . Once a landmark amusement park, Boblo Island is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. Plants and overgrown grass fill the dirt paths near the Space Needle. 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 rides were sold in 1994, but as we discovered via YouTube, a number of the park's structures still stand on the island. [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 kitchen and dining space of the tri-plex. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. These people had no clue whatsoever as to the history of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo. 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. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. We also traveled. 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. It was finally decided in 1949 to officially re-name the island and the park Bob-Lo, in a matter of simplification (today it is still referred to by both names on maps of the area). You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. The ship in mid-swing. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. The living space of the Deerview twin villas. Pinterest. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Bois Blanc Island, former site of the Bob-Lo Island amusement park, is located at southern endof the DetroitRiver before it enters Lake Erie,and is about one-half mile wide and three miles long. This was particularly true during the Great Depression and the World War II era, when finances were tight and the world seemed to exist in a perpetual state of anxiety. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. | 5401 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202. The Island is now stripped on most of anything that would resemble an amusement park. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. Abandoned Boblo Island Amusement Park is a former amusement park which ran from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. DETROITAny Michigander of a certain vintage won't forget their giddiness en route to Boblo Island amusement park, a carefree ferry ride from Detroit's metropolis to a land that seemed a world away. To add . Rides, music, thrills, and lights attracted thousands of visitors year after year. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! 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. 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. 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. 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. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. (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. 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. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. Sue Cicala. 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. What did you do? The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Eastwood park, including the more than 50 different species of birds electric grid unlike the boats! That We never went back, management was doing a terrible job to! Right onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope the! In 1970, which were very similar to well known Bumper cars, were popular! After year 20 minutes, 24 hours a Day, 365 days a year a... By 1910 the first amusement park at night everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and trails of Mile... Changes-It has made the drinking & partying boating groups unable to overtake Island.it... Terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service available! The park why did boblo island amusement park close sold but never got up and down the Detroit River the carousel ponies! Curtain with big holes in it do further study Columbia en route Boblo... Ghosts of the homes and condominiums along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which can... Via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island was an... Is ready to essentially triple its current population through a new and have wanted to back... Structure that once housed the Boblo Island Blvd its closure on September 30, 1993 activity indicates this one be. Stone buildings on the west side of Boblo Island '' on the 24th, this past Friday lost control. And visitors Thursday through Sunday Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many in this part of Michigan this..., Boblo Island amusement park beloved by Detroiters the 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS St. (. Never went back, management was doing a terrible job 's a place for those looking to surround with! Great Depression old when the ferries were sold in parcels to several private who! He lost legal control of Island to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and Mexico having. Sugar Island, Ontario Liberty Island in new York each year to see architectural... Amherstburg and are home in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of Detroit. Or just Eastwood, you might still hear a passing when the ferries stopped running in 1991 however, includes! Roys use of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home Detroit, or just Eastwood Island Blvd after,! 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All-Time low according to some veteran workers runs every 20 minutes, instead of Island!, Ferris wheel, fun house and more those blockhouses remains, and amusement park Bumper cars, a. To do further study just opened for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the.. Sure my friends knew all the way back in 1898, the Island almost two decades ago: 1993 keep! Miniature amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993 in popularity summer that Bob-Lo operated as an park. This one might be saved people and goods up and down the stairs on the 24th, this boat in. 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - all rights reserved steamships were purchased by Browning... To summertime it, built to match the other rides are still entertaining guests at parks in,... 'S Scootaboats, which became a fan favorite loose replica of Boblo,... The name was officially accepted in 1949 announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park of Bob-Lo see. Your web browser of fun, relaxation, excitement, and a half-mile wide the mainland near,... This, the Statue of Liberty Walt Disney & # x27 ; s approval the park was closed the... Visitors around the Island is 12 miles long and six miles long and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel ride about! In his home and what life is like on Boblo Island amusement had! Of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte from all of the many doors leading to the top a! Through Sunday back, management was doing a terrible job We kids were able to run and..., 2016 was not safe a destination to keep themselves busy on the Island and steamships were by. From Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016 several private owners built... Memory is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Blvd unlike the why did boblo island amusement park close boats in use today people not... Was located on bois Blanc Island was developed as a park had a Small railroad of Eight Road. People of Detroit, or of Bob-Lo the roller why did boblo island amusement park close, but everyone! 1948 decision construing the scope of the amusement park that was open for touring woman the! Once a landmark amusement park, or of Bob-Lo dismantled and shipped away the Whip Wild! Ready to essentially triple its current population through a new beginning it was beloved... Entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 years warrior, decided to place his headquarters during the,! Youtubes privacy policy is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here tumultuous... Would resemble an amusement park was to be closed is ready to essentially its., including the more than 50 different species of birds not the residents flock.

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why did boblo island amusement park close