Coney Island got its start in the 1800s as a quiet beach escape, but by the 1890s, it had become a resort area with hotels, bathhouses and entertainment piers. The Manhattan Beach Hotel and the Sea Beach Palace were among the early draws. Visitors arrived by trolley, rail, boat or bus, all heading toward the same strip of sand and spectacle.
By the early 1900s, large amusement parks shaped the experience. Steeplechase Park, Luna Park and Dreamland brought electric lights, novelty rides and public shows. There were high-wire acts, mechanical amusements and even a staged fire-rescue exhibit. The wide boardwalk, built in the 1920s, made it easier to take in the breeze and people-watch along the coast.
The atmosphere mixed public recreation with bold attractions. People came to cool off in the ocean, walk the planks or see what new stunt was drawing a crowd. Some came for the hot dogs and ice cream stands, others to hear music or watch fireworks over the water.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Stein, Harvey (Author)
Today, the name Coney Island calls up memories of sun-soaked summers and long days near the shore. We’ve collected dozens of vintage images from the 1890s through the 1920s, showing the people, places and street scenes that helped shape those early years. You’ll find historic views of the beach, the rides, the architecture and the crowds who came back year after year.
Antique Coney Island photo album from 1890
Streetview of Coney Island, looking northeast (1890)
Manhattan Beach & Oriental Hotel at Coney Island (1890)
Bathing Pavilion & Piazza Manhattan Beach Hotel (1890)
Bathing by electric light at Manhattan Beach (1890)
Manhattan Beach Hotel & Music Pavilion (1890)
Manhattan Beach Hotel & Music Pavilion from the north (1890)
Brighton Beach Hotel (1890)
Coney Island and Prospect Park & Lower Iron Pier in West Brighton (1890)
Paul Bauer’s Hotel, West Brighton & Coney Island elephant (1890)
Dining room at the Sea Beach Palace & Upper Iron Pier, West Brighton (1890)
Sea Beach palace railroad depot (1890)
Antique Coney Island photo from 1897: Ocean swimming
Bathing – swimming in the ocean – at Coney Island NY 1900
Coney Island, New York’s most popular beach resort c1900
In the dashing spray of old ocean’s waves, at Coney Island c1900
Vintage amusement park – Shooting the rapids, Coney Island, N.Y. c1900
About Coney Island (text from around 1923)
Coney Island is the playground of New York City, and is one of the most popular resorts in the United States. It is in the borough of Brooklyn, and is about five miles in length and from half to three-quarters of a mile in width.
It is very easily reached by fast subway express trains, trolley, also by boat and buses, which make very interesting trips.
The new boardwalk is wide enough to accommodate the multitude of people that flock there to enjoy the cool breeze.
Coney Island has many places of amusement. Steeplechase and Luna Park are the most important, which attract hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. The most daring feats of skill, the most magnificent spectacles, the most novel and unique rides are procured by these famous parks at great expense.
No one who is within striking distance of New York City fails to go to Coney Island to enjoy a walk on the new wide boardwalk or take a dip in the surf or take in one of the many amusements.
Coney Island and Brooklyn, N.Y. illustrated (c1923)
Bathing at Coney Island, New York (1900)
Coney Island in the early 1900s
On the beach at Coney Island (1902)
Coney Island, NY (1905)
Coney Island Beach & Surf Avenue (1913)
Coney Island beach and boardwalk (1926)
Scene on the beach (1890s)
Book about Coney Island
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Charles Denson (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Ferlinghetti, Lawrence (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 96 Pages - 01/17/1968 (Publication Date) - New Directions (Publisher)
- Hardcover Book
- Frank, Robin Jaffee (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Stein, Harvey (Author)
- Hardcover Book
- Stein, Harvey (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
2 Responses
I’m confused. Is this a book I can order? I would love to buy it.
No, I’m sorry – this article is just here to show the old photographs. But here is one book you may like! It’s Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008.