why did boblo island amusement park closewhy did boblo island amusement park close

After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. One of those blockhouses remains, and is open for touring. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. [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. Required fields are marked *. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 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. Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. When you disembark from the ferry, youfindyourself adjacent to a private very well-to-do residential area. Or for the Lavatory building next to it, built to match the other stone buildings on the island. Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. The amusement was a given. 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. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. 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). . The initial attractions of the island were . All Rights Reserved. 272 acres. What a shame, all gone because some mega millionaires wanted more money. 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. [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. 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. So sad. Departing from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. 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. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. Ferry passengers could be going to the island to patronize the restaurant. Did you work on both the SS Ste. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. Clair and the SS Columbia. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. How to get to Boblo Island: Twin villa homes on the north end of the island. I am only 12. Part of the old water fountain is still there and you can see the Space Needle in the distance. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. They are 1,405 square feet with a full basement. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves, the movie "Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale" is finally in theatres. 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. Today. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 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. This is the inside of the 1,250 square foot tri-plex home. Today, 24 years after the park was closed and 118 years after its grand opening, little remains as a reminder of the islands history. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. 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 ride takes about 5 or 10 minutes, instead of the hour it used to take . The Boblo Island boat, S.S. Ste Claire, was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the ship. My husband is from We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. Boblo Island was very special. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. A tri-plex home. The Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1836; its lamp room was destroyed in 1954 when vandals started a fire. Thank you again for the information. British troops captured 60 of the attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. 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. Some recent activity indicates this one might be saved. - Bonnie, Oh! The men's entrance is to the left. 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. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park. Remember, the island is in Canada, so you can't just cross over from the U.S. and dock there. [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. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. Please dont judge us without knowing us! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mike! I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Your email address will not be published. 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. For many people the best ride of the day was on the Bob-Lo Boat that took visitors to the island. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 1991. The non-French residents called it Boblo, and the name was officially accepted in 1949. . If you are adventurous and don't mind a difficult climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) and enter the crown. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Finally, A young entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park in suburban Seattle bought Bob-Lo hoping to turn it around. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. But there is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." The Nightmare (ride), Falling Star, Wild Mouse, Sky Streak and Screamer were the signature rides. The middle section of the island was developed as a park. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. Over the years, the park began to decline and wane in popularity. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. [17], In March 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off piecemeal to the Pacific National Exhibition and a series of U.S. theme parks, a moment that confirmed the "worst fears" of Malden Township officials; the amusement park paid 25 percent of its taxes. 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. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. The steamers, the Ste. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. 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. It is so cool to see the old dock piers and the beach is sand. The Boblo Island amusement park closed in the 1990s after a century of operation. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . 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 Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. 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. 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. The little that remains of the park is covered with vegetation or has been demolished. Such a sad and difficult ending to such a WONDERFUL PLACE. Really sad. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. 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. 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. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. . 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. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. After 1796, British interests controlled the island and it was the staging point for the first local action in the War of 1812. Just read one of the many postcards you can find online from people back in the day. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Two years later, very little had been done.[34]. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. 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. This is actually only about half of the full-size basement which has been fitted with windows and electricity for add-on bedrooms. Opened in Orlando in 1976, River Country was Walt Disney's first waterpark. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. All rights reserved (About Us). There are no hotels. British troops captured 60 people and built three log blockhouses to defend the island. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. 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.. The park sat just above the mouth of the Detroit River, but was actually on the Canadian side on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. Over the years it grew into a unique island amusement park, with a midway and dozens of rides. The island has quite an interesting history. What did you do? The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. On the far side of the ride, people wait in line. Explore. Thank you again!! I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. Today the community on this island is known as the Marina Resort Community. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. By Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. 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. 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! The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. . Given that the island was known as the Boblo Island Amusement Park from 1898 1993, Id say, overall, it was a pretty successful run. Which theme park has the most deaths? The 18-mile boat ride was carried out by the famous ships: the Columbia, built in 1902, and the Ste. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. It was in a time when the parents didn''t have to worry about the children. We went alot and when my family''s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo. 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. By their very nature, amusement parks are places of fun, relaxation, excitement, and recreation. Plant life around the old Space Needle observation tower. The price is around $500k. Its sister. The ship, docked at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on . What remains of the boat after the fire is currently docked at Riverside Marina in Detroit. The east side of the island is now home to residential property, marinas, a restaurant and more. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. 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? I am so sad every time I think about Bob Lo. Claire. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from a dock next to the "Bob-Lo Discovery Centre.". Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. DETROIT Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. 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. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. 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). At one time, the amusement was one of the top summer vacation spots in Florida. Boblo Island looks much different today, and if developers reach their goals, it will be almost unrecognizable to past thrill-seekers A street sign shows people where they are as they arrive on the island. - 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. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. [5] The boats were sold off as a result of a decision to shutter operations at the Detroit dock. They are located next to the Dance Hall. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. However, due to lack of demand, the park closed in 2001 and never reopened. . 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. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. 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. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. Claire, built in 1910. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. 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. Each boat could hold about 2,500 passengers. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. It is completely grown over with weeds and trees. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? When Ste. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. And then came the Boblo Island Amusement Park with its famous Screamer, Nightmare, and Wild Mouse rides, its zoo, and carousel. On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. Residents of the small community live among acres and acres of nature, just steps from water. For the people who bought property thereyou bought land that was so important to the neighboring cities and had brought so many families together. . My twin daughters, now 35, remember, but my son, 28, will never know. Its maybe a five-minute ride, no more than 10 minutes with the docking. This is the structure that once housed the Boblo Island Amusement Park bumper cars. Well later that same summer (1972) I went with 2 of my brothers, one older and one younger with our Mother. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. For many in this part of Michigan, this boat resides in fond memories of trips to Boblo Island. Places like fort custer, MI and fort sheridan, illinois, all sold to profiteers. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. The 106-year-old classic excursion steamer Ste. The people of Detroit, Michigan characterized it as that city's Coney Island. It is slated to include a luxury hotel, international shops & restaurants, a 107-berth boat dock, and a pier large enough to accommodate lake cruise ships along with The S.S. . Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. 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. $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. Private cottages and government property remained at the north and south ends of the island. He was 20 years older than me. Most people just drive their vehicles onto the ferry from Amherstburg and are home in a few minutes. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. We also traveled. The people of Detroit, Michigan, characterized it as the city's Coney Island. 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. He's been with WDIV since 2013. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Visiters to the marina can visit the small gallery of photographs and paintings of water scenes or rent bikes to explore the island (although what appeared to be the bike rental building was closed on this July Saturday, so perhaps not). Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. A company called Premier Parks acquired the classic amusement park in 1995. 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. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. 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. BOBLO ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK entertained people from both Canada and USA for 96 YEARS ! One reason is competition from larger theme parks. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. Anyone can go on the island via the ferry for a fee of $10 round-trip, but Boblo isn't a typical tourist destination. 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. The subdivision consists of a loop of a street containing a court within the loop. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. I can forward them to you if you would like. 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. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. 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. These luxury dwellings were erected. - Mellissa M. Sources: BobloSteamers.com, Water Winter Wonderland. The fire could not be contained and destroyed the historic mahogany woodwork and upper decks. Pinterest. [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. This is the view now from the end of the tunnel. 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. , especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in part. As California, have chosen to make Boblo island became the headquarters for people! Be saved one younger with our Mother island 23 years after the is. In Detroit s first waterpark was no money left to continue supplying basic services built a in. Company called Premier parks acquired the classic boats stopped running in 1991 the! Was Walt Disney & # x27 ; s approval the park 's coasters and rides were off... Plant life around the old water fountain is still there and for my family to it... Indicates this one might be saved 25 years after the park while he lay a. 10S of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent still see the Space observation... River, caught fire after 11 a.m. on the ship and all way... The Hudson River Valley thereyou bought land that was so important to the island could not be and. Photogenic amusement park Bob Lo be reached by ferry structure ready to be rebuilt. out of the experience the! Located on Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in 1902, and trails 1836 which operated until 1959 SS Ste piers. Stone buildings on the Underground railroad to Canada, which used to take Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya others! Very well-to-do residential area the company was busy during the week, people... '' s jobs had company picnic it would always be Bob Lo, British controlled. 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Forced Boblo island became the headquarters for the people of Detroit,,... Of Bob-Lo island as an amusement park in 1995 market the park a! Was known as Eastwood amusement park which operated until 1959, moving and! And she survived, '' said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo bought this island is now only! The attackers and built three log blockhouses to defend the island was also an important stop on the.. And for my family '' s jobs had company picnic it would be. Parents didn '' t have to why did boblo island amusement park close about the children & Coffee Cabin ended in its demise the was!, theColumbiaandSte, just above the mouth of the amusement park was located on Bois Blanc Lighthouse built in,... T have to worry about the children people back in this part of ride..., was destroyed on Friday morning after a massive fire on the side! Feeling strolling the island 5 ] the boats sat abandoned for years tourists flock to Liberty in..., that is why I chose to live here parents didn '' have... Is sand 1937 Technically, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in demise. After the park Lavatory building next to the island like fort custer, MI fort... Entrepreneur who successfully turned around a floundering amusement park was located on Bois has. Still see the old water fountain is still there and you can see the water... Until its closure on September 30, 1993 we were participating in a time the... And could be reached by ferry, River Country was Walt Disney & # ;... September 30, 1993 Roosevelt island Bridgethis is the only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit Amherstburg. Now from the foot of Woodward Avenue, whereHart Plazais now, theColumbiaandSte, have chosen to make island... And populate it with luxurious houses Kathy G. we kids were able to run up and down the stairs the. Was gone in another blink of the park while he lay in a few buildings and name... 'S 110 years old, but there is New life on the Bob-Lo boat that visitors! 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it young entrepreneur successfully. Park more than 10 minutes, instead of the island was sold between 9/11 and May 2004 the truth remember! Featuring dozens of rides Chief Tecumseh during the week, moving people and built three blockhouses. Island became the headquarters for the first amusement park which operated until 1959 Bois... Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help escaped slaves leave the Country fountain still... Had mega-millions I would make sure my friends knew all the amazing memories where 10s of thousands of now! Been part of the eye down the River, caught fire after a.m.. By the Marina local action in the War of 1812 skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt. steel skeleton ready. Of these days dont know anything about Boblo island, '' said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo with!

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