Old Coney Island
Back when it was still an island.
Alex Q. Arbuckle
1896-1904
Spectators watch as riders plunge down the "Shooting the Chute" ride at Luna Park at Coney Island.
Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Coney Island, a four-mile spit of beachfront land in southeast Brooklyn. The island was attractive for being close enough to Manhattan for an easy day trip, but far enough away to feel like a proper vacation.Coney Island first became a popular resort area with the completion of the Coney Island Hotel in 1829. More hotels sprouted up and, with the addition of regular ferry and rail service, the island became a destination for middle-class tourists as well as the wealthy.The first amusement ride built on the island was a carousel designed by Danish woodcarver Charles Looff, which opened in 1876. With the advent of rapid train service from Manhattan to Coney Island at the start of the 20th century, the area became a popular day escape from the stifling tenements of the city. Competing amusement parks blossomed along the beach and boardwalk, offering countless diversions. By the middle of the 20th century, the tidal creek separating Coney Island from Long Island had been mostly filled in, transforming the area into a peninsula — though still an island in name.
An attendant hooks a barge full of passengers on the water chute ride at the Coney Island amusement park.
Credit: Byron Collection/Museum of the City of New York/Getty Images
People approach the ticket booth of the Algerian Theatre on the Coney Island boardwalk.
Credit: Museum of the City of New York/Byron Collection/Getty Images
Credit: Byron Collection/Museum of the City of New York/Getty Images
Thrillseekers ride the water chute at the amusement park.
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Credit: Byron Collection/Museum of the City of New York/Getty Images
Coney Island's Luna Park is illuminated at night.
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If Paris is France, then Coney Island, between June and September, is the world. - George C. Tilyou, creator of Steeplechase Park
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Riders compete in a game of "Wild West Polo" at the Coney Island fairgrounds.
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A bathing costume rental company advertises its sterilized suits on the Coney Island beach.
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A street preacher proselytizes to revelers on the boardwalk.
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An elevated spinning ride at Luna Park, Coney Island.
Credit: Geo. P. Hall & Son/The New York Historical Society/Getty Images
Bathers hang on to ropes as they make their way out into the breaking surf.
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Bathers enjoy a snack on the beach.
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A young couple relax on the beach.
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A young bather's nap is interrupted by a photographer.
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Credit: Philipp Kester/ullstein bild/Getty Images
Credit: Philipp Kester/ullstein bild/Getty Images
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Credit: Philipp Kester/ullstein bild/Getty Images
Parade revelers dressed as pirates pose for a picture.
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A family peers at a man riding a camel, part of an Egyptian-themed attraction.
Credit: Museum of the City of New York/Byron Collection/Getty Images
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