Steeplechase     Luna Park     Dreamland

When you think of Amusement Parks, you think of Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. Discovered in 1609 by Dutch explorer Henry Hudson, Coney Island eventually became a beach resort. During the 1870’s and ‘80’s several luxury hotels were built and a railroad was extended to the resort. Coney Island was described as “Heaven at the End of a Subway ride”.

Coney Island was the birthplace of the first Amusement Park in 1895 and it became home to several of the largest amusement parks in the world. There was Steeplechase Park, Luna Park and Dreamland. In addition, a person or group of persons would lease space for single attractions. Coney Island was described as the “Poor Man’s Paradise”. It became the Nickel Empire, where for a nickel, you could get a hot dog or a knish (deep-fried baked potato cake), or ride on any of the thrilling amusements.

Famed artisan Charles Looff carved Coney Island’s first carousel in 1875

Built for the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, a 300-foot Iron Tower was moved to Coney Island in 1877.

Two Steam Elevators transported visitors to the top of the 300’ Iron Tower where they could see splendid views of Coney Island and surrounding areas

Lamarcus Thompson, who also built many of the rides at Portland’s Council Crest Park, built the world’s first Roller Coaster, his Switchback Railroad, in 1884 at Coney Island.

World’s first Roller Coaster, Switchback Railroad built by L.A. Thompson in 1884

In 1895, the world’s first enclosed amusement park, Sea Lion Park, opened at Coney Island. Rides included a Shoot-the-Chutes water slide, an Old Mill Ride and a Sea Lion Show. Poor weather and economic problems forced the closure of Sea Lion Park in 1902. In 1894, George Tilyou built Coney’s first Ferris Wheel at the Bowery, near the Iron Tower. He also built several other attractions scattered around Coney Island. In 1897, he consolidated his rides into one place by the Ferris Wheel and opened Steeplechase Park.

George Tilyou’s Ferris Wheel at Coney Island had 12 cars that each held 18 passengers

Partners Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy built the Trip to the Moon for Steeplechase in 1901 and two years later, Trip to the Moon was the centerpiece of their newly opened Luna Park. The next year, in 1904, Dreamland was opened by former State Senator William Reynolds to record crowds and the theme was “bigger and better”.

The following post cards are “generic” to Coney Island. In some cases, there is no information about their location at Coney Island. Some simply were not identified and in other cases, there would be enterprising showmen who would have a ride or two and lease space from the property owner. Many times that was how the most successful showmen got their start. There were a number of famous Circuses and Acrobatic Troupes.

Pains Fireworks

Night view of the Loop the Loop

Riding the Toboggan Slide

The Cyclone opened in 1927 and it recently celebrated 75 years of thrilling rides. You can still ride the Cyclone today, with its 90-foot drop-off, a ride now costs $5.

Thunderbolt Roller Coaster

The Bobs Roller Coaster

The Witching Waves

The train station at Coney Island shows several levels. The subway ran on the lower level and elevated trains rode on the upper levels.

Feltman’s Restaurant – the birthplace of the hot dog

Interior of Charles Feltman’s Maple Garden

Stauch’s Restaurant opened in 1879

Nathan’s, the world’s largest hot dog stand, as it looked  40 years ago. Each year, they hold the World Champion Hot Dog Eating Contest.

A new park, Astroland, opened in 1963 and it is still in business today. A few other rides still operate during the summer or on weekends.

On a single day in 1906, the post office at Coney Island postmarked over 200,000 post cards.

Last updated 06-24-06

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