So, What’s a Boblo Boat?
Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. From 1898 to 1993, the park was a summer staple for Detroit families. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which separates our city from Canada, Boblo Island is technically in Ontario. When the park closed in ’93, it was converted to a luxury gated community.
Boblo Island was only accessible by boat. The Boblo Boats were ferry boats that fit 2,500 passengers. The two boats were the SS. Ste. Clair and the SS Columbia and they ran hourly to and from the island. In the 1940s, the State of Michigan sued the ferry company for racial discrimination as the city diversified and black residents were regularly refused admission. Eventually, diversity gave way and the island became a popular attraction for everyone.
The boat ride was 18 miles long and took less than an hour. There was almost always a DJ or live music. And where you can find black folks and music, there’s dancing. There was a bar on the boat, seating, food and tables. The party-like atmosphere made getting there and going home that much more fun.
Boblo Island had roller coasters, bumper cars, paddle boats, and a train that ran across the length of the island. There was also a ferris wheel. The most popular ride was The Corkscrew, which was built in 1985.
Looking back, it wasn’t the most impressive amusement park. New Yorkers will understand, it was exactly like Coney Island. Not great, but historic. Special. Mention Boblo to any Detroiter over 35 and their eyes will light up. It was a very big part of our childhood. Which is why lyrics of the new Royce 5'9" song are so nostalgic. Boblo is synonymous with being young in Detroit.
And now it’s gone.
Childhood memories shuttered and torn down to make way for luxury homes. That’s synonymous with Detroit too. The changing downtown, rising rents, and “resurgence” are pushing residents out in the name of progress. But, like Royce said, “That’s for another story, to God be the glory
I made it out unscathed and now I sunbathe
With my son in Tanzanian sunrays thinking ’bout them days
Thinking ’bout them days.”
Besides, nothing lasts forever and even forever changes.
