Coney Island has been a mecca for the popular culture for whatever era you were from!
Coney Island, 1945 (AP Images)
1937 Coney Island Aerial Shot.
In 1960 I won a trip to Steeplechase Park by selling numerous subscriptions to a newspaper. The trip was very special since the park was to be closed down in 1964.
From Wikipedia
“Steeplechase Park was an amusement park in the Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York created by George C. Tilyou (1862–1914) which operated from 1897 to 1964. It was the first of the three original iconic large parks built on Coney Island, the other two being Luna Park (1903) and Dreamland (1904).[1] Steeplechase was Coney Island’s longest lasting park. Unlike Dreamland, which burned in a fire in 1911, and Luna Park which, despite early success, saw its profitability disappear during the Great Depression, Steeplechase had kept itself financially profitable. The Tilyou family had been able to adapt the park to the changing times, bringing in new rides and new amusements to Steeplechase such as the Parachute Jump.”
The amusement areas at Coney Island — Dreamland, Luna Park, and Steeplechase Park — made it the largest amusement area in the nation from the end of the 19th century through World War II.
This photograph taken in May of 1943 show a couple riding the ‘steeplechase’ ride that was the ‘signature’ ride for the Steeplechase Park. None of the three original amusement parks are there anymore, thanks to several fires and closures. A new version of Luna Park opened in 2010.
August 1948 photograph and today the crowds are still there every summer.
The beach at Coney Island is particularly loved by all folks from all parts of New York.
The Wonder Wheel is the oldest ride in the area. It has been operating since 1918 and is now known as a National Historic Landmark.
One of the unique institutions still existing on Coney Island is “Coney Island USA“.
Still emitting that ‘old Coney Island’ feeling, this bunch of wonderful folks bring you many forms of entertainment.
The Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, and Coney Island Film Festival
Coney Island has always been the populace mecca. For so many years throngs of people head to Coney Island for everything their heart desires!
COME AND VISIT!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
