A big thanks to reader AB. who sent along these current photos of Boblo, he figured the readers of this site would be interested in seeing the current state of the island.
This is the building that was labeled as the “Souvenir Hall” in the 1920 photos.
Aaron figured it’s final use was as a restaurant. I for the life of me can’t remember what it was used for. I moved to the area in the summer of 1989, and went to Boblo only once or twice before it closed.
Lots of damage inside this building.
This is taken from the porch looking towards where the car ride was.
The three photos above are the ruins of the old block houses on the island.
This building was last used as a theatre.
The theatre was at first used as the “Merry-go-round Hall”, as seen in the 1920 photos.
The old church on the island. It looks to me like some structural issues have popped up on the steeple/chimney.
A view of the front facade.
Inside the church all is neat and clean. According to A., his previous visit saw the interior full of broken glass, and other garbage. Obviously someone on the island is caretaking and keeping an eye on the church.
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I remember Boblo Island like the back of my hand and still have various items from it. I used to visit Boblo about 3-4 times per summer when growing up, the last visit I made was in August of 1992.
The Souvenir Hall was indeed a sit down |Menus| restaurant .. I ate there many times and loved the Fried Chicken .. Today that building is gone with only the base left behind {and a few brown tiles}
The Nightmare was in the basement of the Dance Pavilion ... Entrance to the ride on the South Side. I still have a brochure when this ride was the newest attraction. As it was in the basement, a former comment (John/2007) is answered; No signs of a Roller Coaster in the hall itself, it was underneath it ... re: john on December 3, 2007 at 2:59 am
The theatre was a roller rink for a long long time.My Mother used to skate there back in the 1930s and it remained a roller rink until the 1970s.
I was on Boblo Island in May of this year, the only buildings remaining are the dance hall a covered picnic shelter near it, the old powerhouse that looks like a church, and one tower ride that looks like you rode up and spiraled down. From the ferry landing all you see is housing and some apartment or condo buildings. I think the island is only open to residents or perspective buyers. I was part of a trip organized by Elder College, for people fifty five and older.
I have a 1907 photo with the title of "Power House" for the same building you were calling a church. Would someone be interested in this photo?