Reversing the Decline of Detroit River Attractions

It's a perfect Michigan summer day and in a small town just outside of Detroit and there's a lot to do. Today however, the agenda includes a day trip to the Detroit River and all it has to offer. Getting downtown is relatively easy. A silver streetcar carries passengers from the stop a few blocks away all the way down along Woodward. After passing buildings much bigger than back home, the day begins with a stop at Belle Isle in the Detroit River just north of downtown. The aquarium can teach one about the fresh water fish of the Great Lakes as well as salt water species. Walking along the tanks a fish lover can experience the illusion of being under water because of the beautiful green tiles lining the domed ceiling. Next door, plants are the attraction in the conservatory. The tropical plants almost touching the top of the domed greenhouse in the tallest section of the building seem other-worldly. Before leaving, lunch at a picnic table near the shore of the river is especially enjoyable watching the boats drift past.

Back on the mainland now and over to the docks, the Ste. Claire, one of the two "Bob-Lo Boats," transports people from Detroit to the Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. The boat ride is almost as fun as the island it's taking us to. An evening on Bob-Lo Island is filled with riding the carousel, dancing in the dance hall, and socializing. The day ends with a return ride on the other Bob-Lo Boat, the Columbia, and a nap in the streetcar on the way home.

Of course, that summer day must have taken place many decades ago. Streetcars were replaced by buses in the mid-1950's. Belle Isle still sits in the Detroit River as freighters cruise by, but the aquarium is unoccupied by fish after being closed by former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. The two Bob-Lo Boats were docked for good in 1991 due to competition from other amusement parks. Bob-Lo Island was shut down in the 1990's and the rides were sold off.

An attempt to recreate that summer day currently would fall short, entailing only a trip to Belle Isle for a picnic and a walk around the conservatory.

While changing times and economic conditions have stripped from new generations the chance to enjoy the Detroit River like previous generations did, the memories are lasting for those who were there. Instead of letting those memories fade and die with Detroit's past generations, a handful of groups are doing their best to revive parts of that summer day.

Recently, Belle Isle hosted Shiver on the River, a day for the public to explore the island and walk through the closed aquarium, conservatory, and casino. An ice sculpture standing 30-feet high seemed to be a favorite for amateur photographers. Bill O'Shea brought his two sons, who had never been to the island, to show them where he spent summer days as a teenager. Mr. O'Shea remembered spending hours walking from tank to tank looking at the fish with his father. "I'd like to have the chance to bring my boys down here; I really hope they get this thing opened up again."

The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium is one of the groups attempting to preserve the century old aquarium. Governor Granholm wrote the group a letter of support, but with the budget problems faced by Michigan, any support more than a letter is unlikely. The City of Detroit faces similar budget constraints and recently declined the group's request for a $40,000 grant to fix the aquarium's roof. Despite the setbacks, the group continues to work towards reopening what was, at the time of its closing, the oldest operating aquarium in the country.

The Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park is not coming back. Competition from Cedar Point and countless other amusement parks brought competition that proved to be unbearable. However, all is not lost. There is still hope for the two cruise ships used to ferry passengers back and forth from the island for 81 years.

The SS Columbia, the oldest passenger steamer in the country, was recently awarded to a non-profit group in New York for restoration and use on the Hudson River. Restoration has not yet begun, but is planned.

The SS Ste. Claire, on the other hand, has undergone considerable renovation and is scheduled to set sail again in 2010 to celebrate her 100^th birthday. This is an exciting development for people who have a special place in the heart for the ship. One of these people is Kevin Mayer. In 1981 and 1982, he worked on the ship in shifts of 18 hours every other day. He considers it one of the best memories of his life and he is currently active in the efforts to launch the ship again.

Another group, the Friends of Belle Isle, is a non-profit organization actively working to maintain Belle Isle through raising funds and creating awareness. Velma Hall explained the group's role as an advocate for the island. Their annual meeting will be held in March of 2010 and will include a keynote speech from Charles Pugh, Detroit's newly elected Detroit City Council President.

Groups laboring to make the memories of decades ago a reality again can be the catalyst for successes such as reopening the aquarium or sailing the SS Ste. Claire again. Only with the involvement of Metro-Detroit's residents can these dreams be wholly fulfilled. Outreach through events like Shiver on the River and involvement from Detroit's new City Council and Mayor may be the final ingredient needed to bring it all together.