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| Entrance to the Scream Zone with the iconic Steeplechase Face |
With the ocean breeze cutting through the summer heat, we strolled the historic boardwalk, watched the waves roll in, and took in familiar landmarks like the Parachute Jump and the legendary Cyclone. We also stopped by the Coney Island Museum, whose exhibits preserve the rich, wonderfully eccentric history of one of New York’s most iconic seaside destinations. Later, we enjoyed drinks at the Freak Bar, where the spirit of old Coney Island—with its carnival atmosphere and sideshow traditions—still lingers.
No visit to Coney Island would be complete without a stop at Nathan’s Famous for a couple of hot dogs and fries.
In memory of my late uncle, and to keep his favorite joke alive, I performed it for my friends. Before ordering, I asked the young lady behind the counter whether she had frog legs.
“Yes,” she replied.
“Good,” I said. “Then hop over there and get me a couple of hot dogs.”
My friends laughed, and for a brief moment it felt as though my uncle were there with us. Some traditions—and some jokes—are simply too good to retire.
~ By Giovanni di Napoli, June 28th, Feast of St. Irenaeus
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| The legendary Cyclone roller coaster |
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| Deno's carousel |
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| A closer look at the beautifully carved horses |
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| The Wonder Wheel |
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| A view from the Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier |
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| (L) The Parachute Jump. (R) A seagull perched on a lampost along Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier |
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| A view of the surprisingly empty beach from the Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier |
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| I still miss the New York Cosmos |
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| A mural of a mermaid |
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| The Coney Island Museum was well worth a visit. Unfortunately, photography of the exhibits was not permitted. |
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| The iconic Steeplechase Face seems to be everywhere at Coney Island |
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| Antique Steeplechase Face buttons |
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| Vintage signs inside the Freak Bar |
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An old box of Bonomo’s saltwater taffy on display |
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| (L) Vintage playbill advertising performances by Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Ray Walker, Jimmy Durante, Helen Twelvetrees, Mae West, and other stars of the era. (R) Photograph of Madam Tirza (the stage name of Leona DuVal), the trailblazing burlesque performer whose famous “Wine Bath” act entertained audiences at Coney Island from 1940 to 1953 |
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| Vintage painted carnival pins once used in a classic knockdown game |
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| A cluttered wall behind the bar, covered with an eclectic assortment of Coney Island memorabilia |
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| Illuminated sideshow signs, including one for Princess Alena, the “Gorilla Girl” |
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| The Original Nathan's Famous, founded in 1916 |
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| Nathan's Famous hot dogs and fries |
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| Nathan's Famous deep-fried, battered frog legs |
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| The legendary Williams Candy Shop, serving Coney Island since 1941 |
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| (L) A table inside the Freak Bar featuring the iconic Steeplechase Face. (R) Some of the many delicious sweets in Williams Candy Shop |
