Boblo Island enthusiast wants memories for book

(WJBK) - The name ‘Boblo’ came back recently after a massive fire destroyed an iconic ferry that used to take people to and from the now closed island amusement park. 

One island enthusiast is looking to collect as many memories as he can from the iconic ferry. 

The fire and plumes of smoke from a decaying relic could be seen for miles, memories sparked by the burning St Claire Boblo island ferry reached even further.

"It was hard to watch that's for sure. I figured that's the way she was going to meet her end was an accident like that," Boblo enthusiast David Newman said.

But from those ashes, 

"I said this is going to be the catalyst that gets this book printed."

Author David Newman knows a thing or two about Boblo Island.

"This is an original 'let's go to Boblo" there are many reproductions out there."

 Starting from the beginning, 

"Each of them had a picture on the front. this is of the Boblo dance hall.

The middle,  

"the stars are usually the 70's.  the stars in all the little holes."

"The 70's and 80's where you have the rides people remember like the tilt a whirl and the sky streak and the train.  the very first train wasn't on a track it had rubber wheels."

Right through to the end. 

"I’m trying to save the memories.  That's why I'm writing a book with hundreds if not a thousand stories and memories, the stories, the experiences from people, the employees, the visiters who went to the island."

For Newman, saving the memory of an island amusement park that attached day visits from Michigan and Canada alike is personal. 

"This is one I have never seen before.  it’s the Boblo super chief which was one of the trains that ran around the island."

Just ask his wife.

"Boblo actually brought us together.  yes, it did," he said.

A mutual love of Boblo postcards brought them together, meeting at a convention years ago.

"That's how we met and we've been collecting Boblo memorabilia ever since."

Witnessing a bit of history go up in flames, has fueled a desire to make sure nothing else is lost. 

"I want to put it in print and have lots of pictures and mix up the stories with pieces of our memorabilia to preserve the history of the island."  

"People can send in their stories with a picture or two if they want.  It's boblostories@hotmail.com"    

Newman has written two books, one of those mentions Boblo but he says his latest will be solely dedicated to the island and encourages anyone who has a story to send it his way.