CATHERINE GAVIN

Detroit is home to countless ruins, but the floating hulk of the S.S. Columbia, docked in Ecorse, Michigan, stands out among the roster of idled factories and abandoned houses. The oldest remaining steam passenger vessel in the country, the Columbia was built in 1902 with an innovative structural design by Frank E. Kirby and opulent interiors by Louis O. Keil. The steel and wood ship crisscrossed the Detroit River headed for Boblo Island in Ontario for 89 years. Despite insensitive renovations and 20 years of neglect, the grand ballroom, bandstand, mahogany and oak staircases, mahogany paneled walls with etched leaded-glass lights, and ceiling frescos all remain under the layers of paint. The S.S. Columbia Project is charged with the restoration, and a plan is afloat to put the boat back in service in New York’s Hudson Valley. Detroiters shouldn’t despair though. Another steam ship—the S.S. Ste. Claire also docked nearby—may be returned to Detroit’s waterways.

Catherine Gavin

Catherine Gavin

 The SS Columbia long served as one of the Boblo boats used to ferry passengers to the amusement park island in the Detroit River. It will now be restored.

The SS Columbia long served as one of the Boblo boats used to ferry passengers to the amusement park island in the Detroit River.

 But for 20 years, one of the oldest surviving passenger steam ships in the US has been sitting alone in the river rouge for 20 years.

Richard Anderson is part of a group trying to restore the ship. So it can be used as a heritage tour boat on the Hudson River. The group bought the boat for a dollar. It’s going to cost $13 million US to bring back its charm.

The CBC’s Allison Johnson toured the ship and spoke with Anderson. http://bit.ly/qjAc2V

We invite you to visit our partners at the Boblo Steamers website to reminisce about the Ste. Clair and travels to Boblo Island. Share in the memories   -   www.boblosteamers.com

Top left to right: Columbia & Downtown Detroit 1982, Boblo boat SS Columbia 1974 , Columbia at Boblo Island postcard, Columbia leaving Boblo Island 1948.

Clockwise: Boblo boats at Downtown Detroit, Boblo dock sign in Detroit 2001, Boblo brochure 1991, Boblo boats - Ste. Claire & Columbia in Amhurstburg Channel

This past Saturday was perfection!  Mother Nature was kind and gave us a cool and sunny day for a fun event, which filled all our senses! We filled ourselves with delicious foods, swayed and rocked out with really great music, and treated our eyes with lots to see! We want to share some photos of the day, taken by the very talented Tom Casesa, for those who couldn’t join us. Enjoy!