A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. Whatever happened to Boblo Island's Victorian-era amusement park, and why does it sit now, abandoned in Ontario? I started digging into the history and I am reading this book on this history of Boblo Island, and theres like a page and a half about the civil rights activist who got kicked off the boat and went on to change history and her name was Sarah Elizabeth Ray.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. At the time, it was the biggest draw of the area for both countries and had a reputation for being the best time a family could have. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale | WTTW A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. However, renovations are ongoing, and the public might be able to Donate Now to WNMU-TV PBS Visit Official Site. In 1991, those boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, Mich., to the island, as well as Amherstburg. This amusement park, while once the delight of both kids and adults until the early 90s, has been abandoned for more than two decades. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale, the award-winning documentary exploring the history of Boblo Island amusement park and its ferries, is now available to stream on demand and to own on DVD. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Many thought the Detroit icons were a thing of the past following the fire on the Ste. The amusement park closed down in 1993 and now one WDET listener wants to know what's on Bobl 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Claire in 2018. The Victorian-style amusement park was the crowning glory of Ontario although now it sits, an empty reminder of the fun that many once had on the ferry ride to this island. Right here is where the infamous dance floor would have been. Michigan History. When Ste. Were not going to go up and down the river. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. 100 Days Later: What Happens When Voters Put Democrats in Charge of State Government? Wed rather keep it safe and keep it in one place and create an environment around it. The Detroit Free Press and Freep Film Festival are also hosting a conversation with the filmmakers at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 on the Free Press Facebook page and Freep Film Festivals YouTube. 11:00 PM. As for the Boblo boats, the SS Columbia is being restored in Buffalo, NY by a nonprofit that is working to turn her into a venue for culture and history docked in New Were living that tipping point in this exact moment. After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. Despite the fact that the park itself and its attractions have been dissolved, the island still holds a space for where it once was. BBC News. Claire was engulfed in an accidental fire while docked on the Detroit River on July 6, 2018. Watch: The short documentary about the Detroit woman who battled Boblo Island segregation policies will be available to stream on this page at the Freep through Friday, July 31. My List Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s Trailer Preview: S1 | 30s Extended Trailer Preview: S1 | 2m 48s Episodes Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s Extras Trailer Were pretty much standing on it. The SS Ste. The filmmakers initially approached the Freep Film Festival weve worked in the past with a couple of members of the team and pretty immediately we deemed it a great fit, Steve Byrne, director of Freep Film Festival, told The Gander. The SS Ste. When Ste. Michigan Central Depot through the years. High School Bowl Ask the Doctors Media Meet A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. By: Boblo Boats Film. You've just tried to add this show to My List. Claires race to restoration is told as a thriller as the team race against time to find a home for Claire - Film Threat - 9/16/22, 'Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale' brings history of island, restoration of vessels to big screen - Fox 2 Detroit - 9/16/22, 'Boblo Boats' documentary tells ferry tale of Detroit's yesteryear - review by Detroit News Film Critic Adam Graham - 9/13/22, A fantastic work of magical realisma rich, nostalgic historical documentary that is entertaining at every turn - Drive Magazine - 9/7/22, A fun ride, tinged with more than a touch of melancholy over lost glory - Hammer to Nail - 8/22/22, Boblo Boat documentary to hit select metro Detroit theaters in September - Detroit Metro Times - 7/22/22, Documentary brings Boblo Island amusement park back to life - Windsor Star - 7/22/22, The Boblo boats still exist and a documentary about them is hitting theaters - MLive - 7/20/22, Boblo Island Documentary to Hit Theatres this September - WJR 760 AM - 7/20/22, Boblo Island documentary 'Boblo Boats' heading to theaters - The Detroit News - 7/18/22, Boblo Boats documentary to hit theaters in September - Detroit Free Press - 7/18/22, Doc about Detroits Boblo Island history weaves a stranger-than-fiction Ferry Tale - Detroit Metro Times Cover Story - 9/22/21, Boblo documentary will make world premiere on Freep Film Festivals opening night - Detroit Free Press - 8/03/21, Freep Film Festival to Open with Showing of Boblo Island Documentary - Hour Detroit - 8/03/21, NPR radio interview - Culture City 101.9fm WDET - 8/28/15, Boblo boats to become focus of new film by Chris Thompson - Windsor Star - 8/23/15, Filmmakers lead campaign to 'Bring Boblo Back' by Jim Kasuba - News-Herald - 8/21/15, Flashpoint: Filmmaker aims to restore Boblo boat Ste. Deck three will have the beer garden where parents used to hang out while their kids ran around the boat. "We are at the point in restoration to where it was a steel skeleton structure ready to be rebuilt." Donate Now to KQED Visit Official Site. Claire Boblo Boat, and he gave 7 Action News a sneak peek. Minutes after boarding, a man with the Bob-Lo Excursion Co. told her to exit the boat. The Columbia is being restored in New York and will stay there for good, but the Ste. [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. Malcolm X sites in Michigan have been hidden in plain sight. WebOur virtual cinema is now closed unless you have already purchased a copy of the film. *Note:Those visiting the island without permission are now considered to be trespassing, as it is no longer home to a public attraction. What made this park - and the island it resided on - so famous were the steamboats that took visitors back and forth. benefit. The steamboats, too, were sold, as there was no reason for visitors to travel to the island without an amusement park to greet them once they arrived. Claire in 2018. [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. Use one of the services below to sign in to PBS: You've just tried to add this video to My List. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. 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. 7 Action News had the opportunity to tour the boat while it is docked and being restored on the citys east side, Blast from the past: Come along on a walk-through of a Detroit Boblo Boat. Many thought the Detroit icons were a thing of the past following the fire on the Ste. This Ones for Sale in Lake Superior, 14 Gifts Teachers Say They Love Getting During Teacher Appreciation Week, from $0-$20, 17 Summer Camps in Michigan Your Kids Will Absolutely Love This Year. It was part of the whole experience of being a Detroiter, said Schillinger. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. But first, we need you to sign in to PBS using one of the services below. Its also on DVD. WebDocumentary brings Boblo Island amusement park back to life - Windsor Star - 7/22/22. (WXYZ) Generations of Detroiters have a soft spot in their hearts for Boblo Island and the Boblo Boats. The SS Ste. BUY DVDS & MERCH When Ste. Written By "Boblo Boats" will have a regional release in about 20 theaters in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, with a streaming release scheduled to follow in 2023. In its present condition, the boat has seen better days with paint peeled and some parts inside dismantled, but the local landmark is still a stunner. Nothing quite says 'creepy' like an abandoned amusement park, except in the case of Boblo Island. 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. [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. The film will also He said people need to keep in mind that not only Detroiters went to the boat. Thats one thing you werent able to do back in the day. While the island is currently home to luxury homes, the echoes of its past are still visible to some who choose to kayak or boat down the same waterway that once carried thousands to this island's shores. More More. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. Theyre presenting an opportunity to watch a special short film about Detroiter Sarah Elizabeth Ray, who fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to establish Black peoples legal right to ride the Boblo boats and enjoy the island amusement park. We can remove the first video in the list to add this one. A documentary, Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale, will play at select Emagine locations from Sept. 15-29. [15] Moodenbaugh had hired Liberal MPP Remo Mancini to help market the park. Related:Coney Island Wasn't Always Known For Its Beach And Theme Parks. They are very historical. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Its still going to look like it was with new Mahogany walls, but its not THAT wood. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. The filmmakers said to the Freep that wanted to release the short film now because of the relevance of Rays story in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. Full Schedule. As with anything else, all good things must come to an end eventually. 10:00 PM. A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. My List Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s Trailer Preview: S1 | 30s Extended Trailer Preview: S1 | 2m 48s Episodes Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s Extras Trailer Preview: S1 | 30s Extended Trailer Preview: S1 | 2m 48s And visitors of all races were able to enjoy those attractions for all those years thanks to Sarah Elizabeth Ray. Claire is being brought back to its old glory at Riverside Marina in Detroit and the It was a reliable method of transportation from one side of a waterway to another, especially in the case of Michigan and Ontario. Laginess said that the Boblo boats are a key piece of Detroit's history for those who grew up here. Those visiting from nearby areas ofAmherstburg, Ontario, andGibraltar, Michigan had the option to board smaller ferries, as well. The restoration team plans to make the boat look as much like it did when it took people to and from the amusement park, located across from Amherstburg, Ontario, for decades before it closed in 1993. For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for For kids, Boblo Amusement Park was a haven for the newest and most exciting rides in the area. We respect your privacy and will not share your contact information. Now, new memories will be made as progress continues restoring the Boblo Boat. Published: Monday, July 18, 2022 12:00 pm. The steel will allow us to have people on that level. Boblo Island documentary 'Boblo Boats' heading to theaters - The Detroit News - 7/18/22 This Ones for Sale in Lake Superior, Michigan Life The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. DONT MISS: Livestreams, Drive-Ins, and Curbside Concessions: How to Get Your Movie Theater Fix in Michigan. When Ste. Claires race to restoration is told as a thriller as the team race against time to find a home for Claire, 'Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale' brings history of island, restoration of vessels to big screen, 'Boblo Boats' documentary tells ferry tale of Detroit's yesteryear, A fantastic work of magical realisma rich, nostalgic historical documentary that is entertaining at every turn, A fun ride, tinged with more than a touch of melancholy over lost glory, Boblo Boat documentary to hit select metro Detroit theaters in September, Documentary brings Boblo Island amusement park back to life, The Boblo boats still exist and a documentary about them is hitting theaters, Boblo Island Documentary to Hit Theatres this September, Boblo Island documentary 'Boblo Boats' heading to theaters, Boblo Boats documentary to hit theaters in September, Doc about Detroits Boblo Island history weaves a stranger-than-fiction Ferry Tale, Boblo documentary will make world premiere on Freep Film Festivals opening night, Freep Film Festival to Open with Showing of Boblo Island Documentary, NPR radio interview - Culture City 101.9fm WDET, Filmmakers lead campaign to 'Bring Boblo Back', Flashpoint: Filmmaker aims to restore Boblo boat Ste. [25], American investors were scared away after the September 11 attacks, which hurt the financial outlook for the development. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. But then this history has kind of been forgotten because people held onto the happy parts.. 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. in English Literature and foray through digital marketing, her life path was made abundantly clear. If we dont understand each other, dont hold at least some common ground on where weve come from and where were headed there will be fissures. Clair and the SS Columbia brought eager park-goers from Detroit, Michigan to the island, each one able to accommodate a whopping 2,500 passenger limit. The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario, and 18 miles from Detroit. Our sense is that Sarah Elizabeth Rays history is not particularly well-known in metro Detroit, a place that is certainly known to indulge in some Boblo nostalgia, Byrne said. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); DETROIT, MI Now through Friday, you can watch and learn about the unsung Detroiter who fought for Black peoples right to ride the citys famous Boblo boats, courtesy of the Detroit Free Press, Freep Film Festival, and the filmmakers who came to them with her story. This award-winning, nostalgic film is narrated by Martha Reeves. Michigan Life Chicago Tonight. Claire WDIV channel 4 8/16/15. Before finding a home with TheTravel, her focus was indie publications and she has been published with Bolde, The Arts Fuse, The Silver Tongue, LI Pulse, Tattooed Heroine Magazine, and more. Claire also known as one of the two old Boblo boats is now docked on the Rouge River in Detroit. The SS Ste. Press; Press Kit; Story; Crew & Cast Bios; Contact; Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale Q&A screening and Boblo Island today: There is new life on the island 23 years after the closing of the amusement park. WebBoblo Boats: a Detroit Ferry Tale @bobloboatsfilm 226 subscribers 5 videos Stream the award-winning film now through our Virtual Cinema Release! [24] The island was off limits to non-residents until 2002. The ferries, which could hold around 2,500 passengers, took people on an 18-mile cruise on the Detroit river to Boblo Island Amusement Park. More More. Donate Now to Ideastream Visit Official Site. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every When Ste. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. Stephen Farajs family owns the Ste. July 31, 2020 2:50 pm EDT, Originally Published High School Bowl Ask the Doctors Media Meet A doctor, psychic and amusement park More More. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. Right in front of the smokestack there is where the DJ booth would have been, explained Faraj. The island on which this amusement park once sat went by the actual name of Bois Blanc Island but was abbreviated to Boblo Island. MLive has been updating you over the years on the restoration efforts of both the S.S. Ste. [4], IBC declared bankruptcy in 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. 14 Gifts Teachers Say They Love Getting During Teacher Appreciation Week, from $0-$20, Michigan Life Michigan History. Each held about 2,500 passengers. The one big thing visitors wont experience is a trip on the river. WebBob-Lo boats The island is a five-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario , and 18 miles from Detroit. DETROIT - They took countless passengers to and from Boblo Island over the course of the amusement parks more than 100 years of existence. A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. [2], The State of Michigan brought a racial discrimination case against the operators of the ferry service. Claire also known as one of the two old Boblo boats is now docked on the Rouge River in Detroit. These Are The Most Breathtaking Japanese Gardens In The U.S. Water Views: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes In Upstate New York. [2] After Michigan found Bob-Lo guilty and fined the company, Bob-Lo filed a lawsuit against the state, Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948). Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. PHOTOS: HISTORIC PHOTOS OF BOBLO ISLAND BOAT, PHOTOS: BOBLO BOAT CATCHES FIRE AT DETROIT MARINA ON DETROIT RIVER. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. WebThis historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. More From Ideastream. Your 2023 Guide to Hummingbird Season in Michigan: What to Know, Education A lot of people have all these fun, happy memories of Boblo, and I think that is the message that a lot of people have just been sitting with for decades. Were definitely looking forward to seeing the impending feature-length Boblo documentary that Sarah Elizabeth Rays story is drawn from, he said. Many thought the Detroit icons were a thing of the past following the fire on the Ste. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. Claire is being brought back to its old glory at Riverside Marina in Detroit and the plan is to keep it in the area when restoration is complete in about three years. What was really lost was the irreplaceable pieces we wont be able to bring back, but we know that we have enough of the boat preserved for it to still be the Boblo Boat and well be able to recreate what was lost, Faraj added. [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. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. A few other cities that had covered streams have dug them up and restored them to a more natural state. A doctor, psychic and amusement park fanatic unite to save Detroit's beloved Boblo Boat. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. She was the only Black person in her class. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s | My List When Ste. Donate Now to KERA Visit Official Site. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. More More. Ever Wanted to Own an Island? Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale 05/01/2023 | 54m 11s | My List When Ste. To move visitors around the island, the park had a small railroad. "Anybody who is from Detroit, you can ask (them), and they have memories of the Boblo Boat.". "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. And of course, the festival appreciates the opportunity to be attached to strong filmmaking, which this definitely is. The SS Columbia, Americas oldest surviving passenger steamer, was built in Toledo in 1902 and served as a Boblo boat, ferrying crowds of people from Detroit to the Detroit was a big tourist destination. The bottom line is, all of that wood would have had to come down and been replaced regardless. People telling me about how they worked on the Boblo Boat, their school trip was on the Boblo Boat, they got married or engaged on the Boblo Boat, their first kiss is on the Boblo Boat..