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To: PGalt
Those were the good ol' days but Detroit let it go to hell.

Fortunately, the state leased in from Detroit in 2014 and turned it into a state park. They did a remarkable job in cleaning it up, refurbishing the casino and the park aquarium.

My grandfather was a sergeant with the Detroit Harbor Master located on the island during the 1950's and into the 60's. In the 50's, I would spend the summers with my dad and grandparents in Detroit.

My grandmother and I would take the bus down to the island and spend the entire day with my grandfather. It always included a drive around the island in his police car, then a trip to the stables where they kept the police horses and they would give me a ride on one. Then to the Harbor Master where they would take me out for a boat ride on the river. Then to the pony rides.....In between the adventures, my grandmother and I would play gin rummy in the small police station there.

Best days of my life.

The island is currently under a 30 year lease from Detroit by the state of Michigan. There is no way it's going to be turned into a rich person's Martha's Vineyard in the Detroit River, nor should it.

15 posted on 04/20/2026 8:23:53 AM PDT by Hot Tabasco
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To: Hot Tabasco; Ann Archy

👍🤷‍♂️ not sure.


18 posted on 04/20/2026 9:48:40 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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