Next up are three images showing Steeplechase park with the Ferris Wheel and coaster in the background.
A scarce view of the Kiddie Park with the carousel and coaster.
A collection of images and other items from Disneyland, theme parks and other amusement parks. Also look for images and items I find interesting, amusing or both.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Save Coney Island
When I began collecting items from Disneyland, I pretty much focused on the Disney theme parks. However I quickly began to look at the previous history of amusement parks. Of course the Granddad of all US parks is Coney Island in New York so I began to collect postcards, paper and photographs from Coney Island. I have also visited Coney twice and would love to go back. However, recent developments have threatened the unique nature of Coney Island. With an ocean front location, developers have started to purchase property and are now pushing plans to build multi story condo's on sites that were once amusement areas. A grassroots group has been created to save the unique ambience of Coney Island. If you are interested in finding out more about the plans for Coney, check out Save Coney Island. To show you the classic age of Coney Island, here are five linen postcards. First up is what is called a large letter card. Within each letter is an image from Coney Island (with the exception of the letter N which features fly fishing!)
It seems to me that Coney Island is practically a national treasure. I know that it has gotten seedy and run down at times, but the history behind it is amazing. The idea that developers can come along and ruin it is tragic. I wonder if New Yorkers are making a lot of noise about it? I hope so!!
ReplyDeletecouldn't agree more.
ReplyDeletei lived in new york for a while and LOVED going to Coney Island.
the Parachute Drop, the Cyclone, the original Nathan's...
the idea of that turning into condos is awful...
It really is seedy and creepy (does that clown dwarf with the dangling cigarette still hang out in front of the freak show on the way to Nathan's?), but wonderfully so. I would hate to see it bulldozed.
ReplyDeleteI thought I heard recently that it had been worked out, but with more of a compromise from both sides. The redevelopment of the amusement park itself seems to have gone through a lot of ups and downs the last few years. Hopefully, it will all work out soon, to bring back what it once was.
ReplyDeleteJust found this:
ReplyDeletethey want proposals by mid-December for a summer 2010 opening
http://www.nycedc.com/ProjectsOpportunities/RFPsRFQsRFEIs/Pages/RFPIndex.aspx
The city will buy the land for development of the park
http://www.blooloop.com/PressReleases/Amusement-Parks-NYC-to-buy-land-to-revive-Coney-Island-amusements/1860
Here is the main article
http://www.blooloop.com/blog/posts/Theme-Parks-and-Cultural-Attractions-Judy-Rubin-reports-on-IAAPA-in-Las-Vegas-Part-2/148
Get ready for it - this summer!