The Boblo Island Amusement Park story is deeply rooted in the lore of Amherstburg and Essex County. After opening in 1898, it operated for 95 years before it closed down. Millions visited it over the years and thousands of local residents worked at the amusement park. Kids went to ride the Wild Mouse and later took their dates on the Boblo boats, the Ste Claire or Columbia ships. The CBC show “Still Standing” chose Boblo as one of its four featured stories in Amherstburg because it had such an impact on the town.
Boblo Island Amusement Park, Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, Canada. 1941. Source: Aeroplane View Of Bob-Lo Island Park, Canada at Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive. Author: Published by Photogelatine Engraving Company.
"Dancing pavilion at Bo-Lo, Bois Blanc Island, Detroit River." 1914. Artist: Valentine and Sons United Publishing Company. Collection: British Library.
In her book Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg, author Meg Reiner dedicated eight pages to the island, covering the Dance Pavillion built in 1912, the lighthouse built in 1836, and more.
On June 3, from 11 am to 6 pm, River Bookshop is delighted to team up with The Marsh Historical Collection and Meg Reiner to host an event called Bob-Lo Island: A Blast From the Past.
Out on Richmond Street, in front of the large Boblo boat mural, there will be carnival games, themed photo ops, and an Evelyn’s Candy House concession stand. At 2pm, join us in the Hole in the Wall and enjoy a presentation and signing from Patrick Livingston, the author of Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island.
Come out for an afternoon to relive the magic of Boblo Island, or learn what made it so memorable.
To register and reserve a space for the reading with Patrick Livingston, please email info@riverbookshop.com.
The River Bookshop Team
