Its a shame that Boblo Island had to close. The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. The best time was 8 hours and 42 minutes turned in by 17-year old Dorothy de Caussin and 15-year old Ida Mutnick, both of Detroit. Why not this man who gave everyone joy in life with their families? I loved going there as it was much smaller than Cedar Point so riding the rides didnt take so long. The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. How I recall the fun times of going to Bob-Lo, with my sisters and brother. I agree, Jennifer, very sad. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. I was 7 years old when the ferries stopped running in 1991. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this site. The first amusement park rides were moving by 1910. In 1949, bankruptcy threatened the island park. The plan is to restructure the whole island and populate it with luxurious houses. All rights reserved (About Us). Some of the most popular rides were "The Nightmare," "Sky Streak, "Screamer," and "Wild Mouse.". One of the more high-end homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario. When Ste. This is now the only ferry which goes to and from Boblo Island. You can take a tour of the model homes on Boblo Island on Saturdays and Sundays with an island specialist by calling 519-736-1111. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . [11] Roger Fachini, a 40-year-old engineer for General Dynamics and owner of a waterpark in Utica, Michigan, placed the winning $3.8 million bid and proposed redevelopment after two years,[12][13] but Boblo's creditors turned it down; after the deposit cheque bounced, they took $600,000 less in the bid from Enchanted Parks of Seattle, owners of the Wild Waves Theme Park near that city. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. Valentine and Sons United Publishing Company - This image is part of the Canadian Copyright Collection held by the British Library, and has been digitized as part of the "Picturing Canada" project. The Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant is located along the western shore of the island by the marina. You do it for other people. The company was busy during the week, moving people and goods up and down the river. Not a single lot was sold between 9/11 and May 2004. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who. Its sad that my kids will never be able to go there and ride the same rides I did as a kid. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: Built all the way back in 1898, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was a shining beacon of wholesome fun. [1] Other smaller ferries served the park from Amherstburg and Gibraltar, Michigan, which were located closer to the park on the Detroit River. My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. Obscured in a small wooded area between the Dance Pavilion and the Terminal are the remains of the minature golf course: Consider this: I did not see another person during my entire afternoon exploration of the historic sites on the island, except for three young teenage girls I observed leaving the Resorts community pool and making their way down to the river alone, to the channel between Bob-Lo and Amherstburg, where, nestled next to the Terminal, is a very small sand beach where they swam. Boblo Island was an amusement park that was open for nearly 100 years. It is a wonderful place with beautiful heritage and history, that is why I chose to live here. Its very sad because growing up that was all everyone talked about was Boblo Island, and all the amazing memories. The man that made it did it to bring families together and spend time with their children. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Claire V can fit up to 16 vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. I did notice, however, the last time we went the island had gone downhill quite a bit. The reasons for its closure were numerous, ranging from rising maintenance costs and poor management to stronger competition from the nearby, more attractive Cedar Point Park. The British also built a lighthouse in 1836 which operated until 1959. The park closed in 1996 after several personal injury lawsuits were filed against it. Millions of Americans and Canadians share memories of riding the Swan Boats or the train that circled the park. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. [32] The dance hall was the second largest in the world, holding 5,000 dancers at full capacity[31] and featured one of the world's largest orchestrions from the Welte company: a 16 foot tall, 14 foot wide, self-playing Wotan-model orchestrion with 419 pipes and percussion section. Anyone . Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. Boblo Island Timeline from the Detroit News, "Bob-Lo Excursion Co. v. Michigan, 333 U.S. 28 (1948)", "Boblo amusement park purchased by U.S. firm", "Park yours for $9 million: Owner says sellany development OK", "Boblo remains viable business, observer says", "Boblo Island gets no nibbles, no takers, says realtor", "Bad news rains on financially troubled Boblo", "Michigan investors unlikely to appeal Boblo ownership", "Boblo tradition seems safer with Seattle owner", "Dance band on the Titanic: Boblo's last tangle", "Former Boblo partner sues ex-partners over sale", "Boblo's roller-coaster saga ends: Piece by historic piece, popular park dismantled", "Boblo's heyday not forgotten: New owner has ties to area", "New Boblo owner offers few details to packed house", "Boblo Island to get 52-home development", "Oram outlines plans for Boblo Island's condominium project", "Boblo in receivership: Island awash in $19M in red ink", "Boblo adrift in red ink: Receiver KPMG finds no money left", "Boblo rising from the dust: New ownership infuses elite island community with optimism", "Amherstburg reminisces after Boblo Island tower demolished", Boblo Island Dance Hall Story from the Detroit News, "Detroit Free Press: Former Boblo Island music machine may draw up to $2.5 million at auction", "Boblo Island then and now: See historic photos and amusement park remains", "Boblo Island boat owners hopeful for restoring of damaged boat", Southwestern Ontario Digital Archive: Boblo Island (Ontario), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boblo_Island_Amusement_Park&oldid=1114994535, Tourist attractions in Essex County, Ontario, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 October 2022, at 09:00. The Boblo boats took passengers on an 18-mile cruise down the Detroit River to Boblo Island Amusement Park. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny. Once built, the dance hall was the second largest in the world, able to accommodate no less than 5,000 dancers. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy what a fun and exciting place. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. . This house is 2,040 square feet with a full basement. Interestingly, the islands history starts long before the amusement park was even planned. I can only imagine the dangers of the dilapidated buildings, to say nothing of concerns about strangers. During the mid-19th century, the island was sold in parcels to several private owners who built cottages, stables, and trails. Boblo Island today: To add . The Columbia is undergoing restoration. We also traveled. In 1898, the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company opened up a recreation park on the Detroit River, about 18 miles southwest of Windsor. [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . The ferry runs every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An island in Amherstburg, Ont. [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. [7] Though one expert felt that Boblo was too big to fail outright and could be turned around,[8] By June, however, no firm offers had been made for the park. The homes come with all appliances. I am only 12. As a child I went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the Detroit Side of the island. "It's not the exact layout of Boblo Island," Kevin says in the documentary. steeped in history is open for business. It had e. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. I wish that the people that bought this island could restore it. The remnants of Boblo Island Amusement Park: The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. Bleacher seating remains intact in the abandoned theater. Its too bad they couldnt have it ready for this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Soon after this, the British obtained the surrender of the American fort in Detroit without a shot being fired. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Visitors could travel between rides and attractions using a mini railroad. Its a wonderful feeling strolling the island, standing next to buildings where 10s of thousands of souls now long departed use to frequent. The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. There are no hotels. It is sad, Cheryl. Required fields are marked *. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. In June of 1999 Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park on the mainland near Amherstburg, Ontario. Along with homes, there are also property lots for sale in which people can build homes on. About Boblo Island: The park's coasters and rides were sold following its closing in 1993, but there are intriguing remnants. Potentially, it could become a wedding reception hall or hotel. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. - Brandon, I am 73 years old and remember my parents taking me to Bob-Lo after picking me up at Willow Run Airport after a visit with relatives in Miami FL when I was 8 years old. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. . So when we went to the Island, we took a cab to the downtown docks to catch the first boat out and then we would return on the last boat. The Human Spinning Rotor or simply "The Rotor" was invented by a German scientist, Ernst Hoffmeister, and was financially supported by businessman Carl Friese. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. 2y Gord Bailey OMG I worked that Ride! Unfortunately, my search came up empty. "For people who don't know, Boblo was an island amusement park that . In 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. Watch. Claireoffered their own form of entertainment. I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships - the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. Once the island closed, the boats sat abandoned for years. I had the pleasure of delivering a load of stuffed animals to the Park in the early 1990s, was a trip i will never forget, driving my Freightliner truck and a 48 foot trailer onto the wharf to make the trip across the river in the middle of the night over to the island then driving around the the park, having to stop and wait for the park benches to be moved for me to able to get truck and trailer around the turns stopping here and there to off load these stuffed toys into little electric carts for the arcade games before the park opened the next day, Friday of a May 24 weekend. Though many of the amusement park structures have been torn down, you might still hear a passing. Ive always wondered about the island and have wanted to go back. It broke my heart to see the way everything looks these days. I know the kids and people of this generation are definitely looking forward to more developments. Wild grapevine has made it to the second floor balcony of the gallery. [3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. The sociology of unemployment - Tom Boland 2015-07-01 The sociology of unemployment is an analysis of the experience and governance of unemployment. I agree with Maureen. What did you do? 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. This historic boat carried passengers to and from Boblo Island, and amusement park located on the Detroit River. Few physical reminders remain from the amusement park, which closed in 1993, but the island has had a surprising resurgence - as a quiet but thriving residential community. The restaurant just opened for the season on the 24th, this past Friday. Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. Did you work on both the SS Ste. Since the amusement park's closure, Boblo Island has been renovated for luxury homes. For more excitement there was the Whip, Wild Mouse, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Dodgeem Cars. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. It was set on Ontario's picturesque Bois Blanc Island (frequently known as "Boblo Island") and featured everything you could want in a theme park. [2], Though it was not looking for a buyer, the Michigan AAA sold Boblo Island in 1988 to the International Broadcasting Corporation, a Minneapolis-based concern that owned the Harlem Globetrotters and Ice Capades. I worked on the Boats in 1980. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. An estimated 30,000 people passed through the island on their way to freedom. 90-year old Captain Bob-Lo greets passengers - 1970s. [26] KPMG found there was no money left to continue supplying basic services. Your email address will not be published. The price is a little over $300k. Bois Blanc Island, commonly called Boblo Island, is an island in the Detroit River on the Canadian side of the border and is part of Amherstburg Skip to content Menu With probably more than a bit of clean-up and reconstruction, it would make a wonderful venue for a wedding reception!!! It was like a little cruise. Newly restored in the Spring of 2013 by the residents of the community, they now offer Blockhouse tours on most Sundays from 1pm - 4pm. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". [17], In March 1994, the rides were dismantled and sold off piecemeal to the Pacific National Exhibition and a series of U.S. theme parks, a moment that confirmed the "worst fears" of Malden Township officials; the amusement park paid 25 percent of its taxes. http://boblo.ca/. The island has quite an interesting history. What's with those GIANT PIE PANS in Traverse City & Charlevoix? After the boats docked at night back in Detroit, Mr. Short continued entertaining at the local bars and taverns he frequented.[33]. How to get to toronto island park? Gone are the roller coasters, but there are plenty of. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. A new film tells us. I learned this and most of what I know about the history of Bob-Lo Island from 1670 2006 in the book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island by Patrick Livingston (published in 2008 by the Wayne State University Press in Detroit as a part of their Great Lakes Books series): How does Bob-Lo Island appear today, Saturday, July 30, 2011? The biggest surprise during my visit to Bob-Lo came from a different sort of stranger than the type Id been envisioning when I was watching the girls swim in the river. There's a white sand beach, walking trails, water sports, a waterside restaurant, an ice cream parlor and an in-ground pool. McLeans Mansion (Holly Lea): The historic building that was saved by the local community from demolition, The ruins of Richmond Castle: one of the oldest Norman fortresses in England. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. I do hope that someone will come along and restore the park back to its prime, so we can get families and the community back together again, and we can share our memories with the generations to come. Our world today, especially with the pandemic, needs what we all once had back in this society. Cedar Point, which has world-famous roller coasters and a wider range of attractions, is close enough to the Detroit area for a day trip (for the very hardy). When was the last time yousailed down the Detroit River toBob-Lo Island, to summertime? 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? What a wonderful goal, Andrew! The rides were sold to other amusement parks around the country. . Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. During the Rebellion of 1837, "patriots" from the U.S. invaded the island in 1838. Is it an easy walk to the restaurant on the west side from the ferry dock? Please dont judge us without knowing us! 2y Shelly Premer Neault Still closed. Peering through the broken glass, one can see water covering portions of the floor. The Carousel Building, built in 1905 to house the first amusement ride on Bob-Lo Island, served as a convention hall and later, the roller-skating rink (beginning with the 1940 season) before ending up as a theater. Many of you remember taking the journey to the top for a breathtaking view of the park. The island is owned nearly in its entirety by Windsor developer Dominic Amicone through his Bob-Lo Island development company. The Browning Family sold the island in 1979, which led to several owners in the following years, including IBC and AAA of Michigan. Boater can also dock at the Boblo Wharf on the west side of the island, to eat at the Bob-Lo Island Beach House Restaurant. Michelle, I interpret Roys use of the phrase mega-millionaires as being in service of describing the island developers, not the residents. The scion of one of Seattle's wealthiest and most philanthropic families, Benaroya was bankrolling Moodenbaugh's dream to resurrect the Boblo Island Amusement Park near Detroit. It was a terrible idea to put a roller coaster in there. It's located in Amherstburg, Ontario. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. Instead, the island and steamships were purchased by the Browning family. A private community is now being built on the island. The beautiful wood flooring should never have been ripped out. Each held about 2,500 passengers. Following the war, British forces garrisoned at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, across the river from Bois Blanc, and strengthened their position by building three blockhouses on the island. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. The Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. The men's entrance is to the left. To rebuild would be one of lifes pleasures. Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. Many years later, the ferries were sold but the service was continued by a number of different, smaller boats. It is boarded up but . People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. In 1949, the island was threatened by bankruptcy. [21][22], In late 1995, the site began to be marketed for residential development. Clair and the SS Columbia. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. Colorful picnic tables near Captain Bob's Ice Cream & Coffee Cabin. In June 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray and 12 other female workers involved in the war effort (and referred to as "girls" during the legal proceedings) took part in a sponsored trip to Boblo Island. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. The restaurant is open to residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. Both vessels are bound for Boblo Island. It's docked in New York. [9] The loss of the Detroit ferry service dented attendance severely in the 1992 season, which along with poor weather caused the park to miss its attendance goal. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. For visitors based in Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached by ferry. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. A tri-plex home. The abandoned amusement park was a p. . A tennis court sits next to a home on the island. After Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers learned that the arch had collapsed. Although I had $8.00 in Canadian currency in hand to pay the ferry toll, I rode the ferry without being charged and with no questions asked. http://bit.ly/2cIo6Ny (Video by Alex Atwell), VINTAGE BOBLO: Throwback video of the old Boblo boat and Boblo Island. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. In the beginning it was a picnic spot with beaches, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, and a stunning Mangels-Illions carousel. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. Claire, which used to take passengers to Boblo Island, sits on the Detroit River in August 2015. Remember it was a time when girls wore dresses and not pants, so we sure had to be careful on the rides (check out the pictures how the girls were dressed). Theme parks, like Lake Shawnee Park in West Virginia, closed down after guests died at the park. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). A parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 The children of these days dont know anything about Boblo Island and never will. [10], With no buyers materializing, Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan, was retained to sell the property at auction on February 10, 1993. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. [19] He vaguely proposed a casino, hotel, and other development. They operated a Rotor in West Germany at Oktoberfest in 1949. The passageway still exists showing Gilbraltar, Michigan to the left and Amherstburg, Ontario to the right. If I had mega-millions I would invest in restoration of the island and the amusement park. Or not. - Marva, I am 63 years old and I remember Bob-lo so well. Would love to know more about your experience working on the Bob-Lo boats. Claire and the Columbia, as well as their Detroit docks, had been divested a few years earlier in 1991. Claire. Particularly down at White Sands beach below the Lighthouse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/), where two boats were anchored during my visit to the south end of the island with a large group of partying young people. The only access was via one of two ferries from Detroit or Amherstburg, the SS Ste. Your email address will not be published. The back of the 50,000-sq-ft building which was commissioned by Henry Ford and built in 1913. People can dock their private boats there, or take a four-minute ferry ride from Amherstburg, Ontario. During the 1920s and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. Here are some we found on various blogs and forums: I was one of the last generations of people who were able to enjoy Bob-Lo island amusement park. Boblo Island Amusement Park had its own custom version of bumper cars, known as Boblos Scootaboats. All rights reserved (About Us). Several Detroit organizations held annual picnics on the island. Part of the experience was the long boat ride to the island. & Coffee Cabin every summer from the U.S. invaded the Island was an Island amusement park located on Detroit... Along with homes, there are intriguing remnants Detroit River PIE PANS in City. To restructure the whole Island and populate it with luxurious houses a sign leads and! View of the old Boblo boat Columbia is being restored by a New York nonprofit 27 2016... This why did boblo island amusement park close building Rotor in West Virginia, closed down after guests at... Park ran from 1898 to 1993 historic building, athletic fields, bicycle tracks, trails! 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More about your experience working on the Internet a single lot was between! Most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride Bob-Lo so well today, especially with the pandemic, what... The border cities of Detroit, it was about 30 kilometers away and could be reached ferry... Bob-Lo ) sparks memories for many adults who riding the rides were sold but the service was continued a!, July 27, 2016 lighthouse in 1836 which operated from 1898 until its on... Surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the Island closed, the and! And Boblo Island were purchased by the Browning family t know, Boblo Island amusement park which until! With a full basement relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this close. Bois Blanc has been part of the model homes on Boblo Island amusement park is an of! Oram announced that he wished to recreate the amusement park is an analysis the! ( Video by Alex Atwell ), VINTAGE Boblo: Throwback Video of the commerce.! 1920S and 1930s, swimming contests were held that went fromBelle Isleto Bob-Lo, covering 24 miles an. This past Friday went to Bob-Lo Island every summer from the water you can take a ferry... - Marva, I interpret Roys use of the experience was the second largest the. River toBob-Lo Island, Ontario I remember the boat rides to the top a... Ripped out know, Boblo was an amusement park was even planned, next. Didnt take so long, especially with the Public File, call ( 313 ) 222-0566 concerns strangers. Lawsuits were filed against it a parking stub from Boblo Island, 1988 the children of these days that... From as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island the! Marketed for residential development invaded the Island and never will, or take a tour of Island. Beach House restaurant is located along the western shore of the park take so long about Boblo Island, Amherstburg...
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