More Brooklyn: Greetings from Coney Island.

Last weekend we spent a (sweltering) afternoon in Coney Island. We haven't been in years so we were curious what had changed. The future of the area is a pretty hot topic in Brooklyn so its forever in the papers for one reason or another - we weren't sure exactly what we'd find when we got there.


If you've never heard of Coney Island, its a neighborhood in Brooklyn that was once an amusement area. It reached the height of its popularity and poshness in the early 20th century. Since then its been on the decline but there have been some recent attempts to rebuild it into a major attraction again. (That's where the controversy comes in.) It's also where the famous hot dog eating contest is held every July 4th.

The most interesting thing about Coney Island (to me, at least) is imaging the history. For example, check out this woman in 1947 hanging from a seat in the parachute jump ride.

'Ah, the frest air, the warm sun, the sea breeze! Surely this miniscule strap and bowed seat will keep me safe from plummeting to my death, don't you think?'

Photo from the Brooklyn Museum

Or this Victorian family posing for a photograph at Coney with a dressed up monkey.

'A proper lady likes nothing more than a high necked gown suitable for the beach. That and a baboon in a skirt.'

Photo from the Library of Congress

Or this one taken in 1931. Have you ever seen a beach this crowded?

'Dear, I'm so glad we got away for the weekend. Now I can finally relax!'

Photo by straatis

This post is already getting so long I'm going stop with all the frivolity now and just show you the photos I took during our day. I will say, the history of the area is completely fascinating and I learned many things on this trip I had no idea about including how the baby incubator was a sideshow until it was accepted in the medical community.

I had expected some major differences since my last visit but really, not much had changed. The same run down feel, the same crowds carrying beach gear, mostly the same rides and fantastically exaggerated sideshows. Love it or hate it, it definitely has personality.

On to the photos.

At one end of the boardwalk is the old parachute jump. No longer in use and decaying in the sea breeze - its a landmark and won't ever be torn down.

The most famous hot dog place on earth. In case you are wondering, they serve frogs legs too.

I think we have to come back here on New Years Day to see the Polar Bear Club swim.

Compare and contrast with the 1931 photo above.

About mid-way down the boardwalk, the Wonder Wheel dominates the view.

How can you not follow a sign that reads 'Fun This Way'?

We paid our fare.

Heeded the warning and picked a blue car instead.

Trapped in our protective cage, up we went. Those cars really do swing! And creak and crack as if the metal structure is about to collapse.

The breeze up there was kind of nice.

We were back on the boardwalk after a couple of turns.

The $3 admission was tempting but the stink coming out of this tent kept me walking.

I wasn't tempted at all with this one.

A fine specimen of Brooklyn life.

I wanted to go on but they wouldn't allow me to take my camera. That was a deal breaker.

I've been on before...its a great coaster for enthusiasts but really rough! You come home with bruises.


At this point, it felt about 175 degrees and the novelty had most definitely worn off. It was time to head back to the limestone for some air conditioning and refreshment. It was definitely a fun afternoon.

Hope you enjoyed taking a trip with us.