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Page 120 Most of the land on Bois Blanc was purchased from the Canadian government for the grand sum of $40 in the mid-1800's by Col. Arthur Rankin. Rankin sold his interest in the island in 1869 to his son Arthur who used it for entertaining out of town guests. Arthur stocked the island with many different animals such as deer, elk, and turkey. Another set of owners followed after Arthur Rankin's bankruptcy. These owners then sold the island to the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company. This company opened the Bob- Lo Exursion Line in 1898. Early visitors to Bois Blanc took the steamer called THE PROMISE to the island for a day in the sun and picnic enjoyment. The steamers COLUMBIA (1902) and STE. CLAIRE (1910) were built to carry passengers in grand style complete with music and dancing. After surviving the Great Depression, the vessels resumed their river voyages in 1935. The Browning family of Grosse Pointe rescued the island and steamers from the brink of bankruptcy in 1949. They added amusement rides and attractions to the island which brought over Stack marking of Detroit Windsor Ferry Company Dossin Collection 1949 Bob-Lo Brochure