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Brooklyn Bridge: 1904
... Visions shows where Lloyd filmed all over New York and Coney Island. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/19/2012 - 10:20pm -

Circa 1904. "Manhattan, East River and Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn." Another grayscale view of an evergreen subject. 8x10 glass negative. View full size. Harold Lloyd filmed here in 1927Harold Lloyd filmed scenes from his final silent feature Speedy (released in 1928) racing north up Everit Street, pictured here, crossing Old Fulton Street which runs from left to right. At the time elevated tracks ran above Old Fulton Street. Lloyd filmed one stunt here with two cameras filming from opposing points of view, and inserted the shots into the movie at different times - thus creating two stunts for the price of one. This pdf from my Silent Locations blog takes you to an annotated written tour showing you where Lloyd filmed in Brooklyn, including the setting shown here. My book Silent Visions shows where Lloyd filmed all over New York and Coney Island. http://silentlocations.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/lloyd-brooklyn-speedy... Brooklyn bridgeconfirmed by the photo, has three different curvatures to the road deck, I imagine there is a proper engineering term to describe it. And those two trees growing in Brooklyn. Harold Lloyd filmed here in 1927This view looks up Everit Street to where it meets Old Fulton Street. Elevated trolley tracks ran from left to right along Old Fulton. Harold Lloyd filmed here in 1927 for his final silent feature comedy Speedy. During the movie Harold races a horse-drawn trolley north up Everit, crossing Old Fulton. The elevated tracks visible during the shot block the Brooklyn Bridge from view. This photo shows (i) a detailed view of Everit at Fulton (oval), looking north, where Lloyd filmed, (ii) a corresponding movie frame from Speedy looking north up Everit at Old Fulton, and (iii) a modern view of the spot. You can access a photo annotated tour of where Lloyd filmed scenes for Speedy in Brooklyn on my Silent Locations blog, at this URL, and in my book Silent Traces. http://silentlocations.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/harold-lloyd-brooklyn-sp... Fulton Ferry TerminalIf you run your eye down the leg of the right-hand, Eastern leg, you can see the distinctive gingerbread terminal of the Fulton Ferry on Brooklyn's Old Fulton Street. It was built long before the bridge, in 1865 when the Civil War ended, and burned down 20 years after this photograph was taken. What's the story, Jerry?Note the large gathering of people under the Brooklyn Tower, and mid-span on bridge. Also, there seems to be a trolley stationed every couple of hundred feet along the Brooklyn bound roadway, perfectly spaced. What do you suppose was happening? (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, NYC)
Hot Texas Wieners: 1939
... you don't have I've never understood why I can get Coney Island Red Hots in Texas, and Texas Footlongs or Texas Weiners in Coney Island. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/20/2017 - 12:29am -

Spring 1939. "Washington, D.C., lunchroom." Offering, in addition to Lone Star tube steaks, "Tables for Ladies." Medium format acetate negative. View full size. Long EstablishedFrom the Washington Times, Thursday, July 15, 1915: New Seventh Street Lunchroom Opened         The latest addition to Washington's lunch rooms is the New System Lunch, at 913 Seventh street northwest, which opened its doors to the public on Saturday morning. The place was decorated with attractive floral pieces, and souvenirs were presented to all patrons.         "The Dining Room That Is Different" is the slogan which has been adopted by Messrs. Roussos and Zagos, the proprietors, to describe the establishment.         A large and varied menu is offered, with many special dishes. A Piece of Good News! (Reproduced From Monday's Times)         Hundreds of shoppers and business men are daily enjoying the splendid cuisine, sanitary surroundings, prompt service, and popular price at this big modern lunch room, recently opened "in the heart of the shopping district."         "Satisfaction to Patrons" is our motto; give us a trial today! Souvenir Fans for the Ladies, which arrived too late for the opening day, will be given FREE to every lady on next Saturday. New System Lunch, Roussos, Zagos & Co., 913 7th Street N.W., "In the Heart of the Shopping District, Always Open." "Spick and Span"HOT TEXAS WEINERS (sic) evidently a late addition to the menu. From July 10, 1915: Meanwhile...In my home state of RI, you can get New York weiners. Hotdog and cold glass bottle of Pepsi for a shiny silver dimeI would be spending my lunch hour there as even back then it was a great price! Try getting anything for $1 these days. As so many others have stated here: If only I had a time machine... I'm looking atthe hand-lettered sign, truly a work of art and it was painted backwards on the inside. Changing TimesThe baseball poster advertises a game between two teams of the Negro Leagues. Normally, one would have seen this at a "Colored Only" lunchroom in 1939, yet that doesn't seem to be the case. Perhaps, these games had white fans, too. Tables for ladiesThis is near the end of the era when no respectable woman would dare to sit at a bar, though I wonder if lunch counters fell into that category as indicators of depravity. More likely, women preferred tables to the counter because of the requisite feminine impedimenta of the time -- purse, hat, gloves, Woodward & Lothrop shopping bag, etc. Of course, until at least the early '60s, DC had a set of blue laws that seemed to rival those prevailing far to the south in the Bible Belt. As least as recently as 1961, though the drinking age for all adult beverages was only 18 (just like New York state and all military installations until fairly recently), DC bars closed at midnight on Saturday to avoid profaning the Sabbath. A local ordinance also prohibited moving one's own drink from one table to another or even standing with one, perhaps to inhibit table-hopping by ladies of the night. I was once forcibly evicted from Bassin's (12th and Penn, NW, and long gone) for standing up at my table with a beer in my hand to offer a toast to the newly elected JFK. Another stricture was that the server could not bring you another drink so long as a single drop remained in the glass you already had unless the latter was simultaneously removed. Far from promoting moderation, that regulation encouraged the imbiber to chug the previous potable while signaling the server for another. Strange but bizarre are the ways of regulating public behavior! You always want the one you don't haveI've never understood why I can get Coney Island Red Hots in Texas, and Texas Footlongs or Texas Weiners in Coney Island. Re: I'm looking atOne of the few items in the possession of my family that used to belong to my maternal grandfather, a commercial sign painter, is a book entitled How to Paint Signs and Sho' Cards (1920), written by E.C. Matthews (1892 to 1977), and filled with wonderful information and illustrations on everything from how to mix paints to how to paint window signs. You can view the whole book here. (The Gallery, D.C.)
Steeplechase Pier: 1910
... but that slogan has bugged me for many years, since the Coney Island version of the Steeplechase ran an ad almost every day of the year in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/08/2012 - 3:10pm -

The Jersey Shore circa 1910. "Steeplechase Pier and Boardwalk, Atlantic City." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. What a great photo!Love the adult shade carriages; very energy efficient. [Atlantic City's famous "rolling chairs." - Dave] "The FUNNEST Place!"???I never got over the fact that their slogan was "Steeplechase - The Funny Place". Was the PLACE really "funny"? Or was it meant to imply that YOU would have fun with the entertainments there? This may be a quibble, but that slogan has bugged me for many years, since the Coney Island version of the Steeplechase ran an ad almost every day of the year in the NY DAILY NEWS using that "funny" line. Rolling ChairsAmazing these have been around for over 120 years in Atlantic City. From what I can find out the price for riding one is still very reasonable in today's dollars. What a difference a century makesCivilization was so nice. I miss it. Boards on the boardwalkAt some time after this photo two lanes of tight fitting boards lengthwise were incorporated into the boardwalk for the rolling chairs. In the photo the rolling chairs had to negotiate every board which was loose fitting. (The Gallery, Atlantic City, DPC)
Ghosts on the Beach: 1905
... near the pier growing up in Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, Florida. That would be from 1952 to perhaps 1964, when our beach house ... which beaches had them, but we spent a lot of time at Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Orchard Beach and others. I believe the ropes ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/27/2017 - 1:14pm -

The Jersey Shore circa 1905. "The Casino, Asbury Park." Greetings from your great-great grandparents. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative. View full size. Wish You Were Here!As opposed to some of the photos from this era and locale, these folks look like they are genuinely having fun. I see only a few people who are dressed up in their white shirts and long dresses. Most are enjoying the beach! Couple on the left"Come on - you throw like a girl!" Tide safety ropesHave any of you actually seen what I call these "tide safety ropes" IN YOUR LIFETIME. Where? They often appear in these older Shorpy beach scenes. Tide Safety RopesBig Mike, I seem to remember seeing tide-safety ropes near the pier growing up in Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, Florida. That would be from 1952 to perhaps 1964, when our beach house was destroyed by Hurricane Dora. We also had stone or cement-block jetties going out into the water; think those were to build up sand for the beach. There were always strong rip tides along the Atlantic side of the island, and there were usually four or five tourists who were killed that way each year. Tragically, those who were supposed to know said that if one refused to struggle against a rip tide, and just floated with it on one's back, the tide would eventually deposit you on the beach in a different location. Cannot vouch for that! But you could stand ankle-deep in the surf and feel the undertow pulling the sand from below your feet. HelicoptersI notice a number of very young kids wandering around without a helicopter parent. Amazing that anyone lived to adulthood without them. Those safety ropes Through the 50s into the 60s my family drove to Asbury Park all the time. I remember the long ropes swinging back in forth in the surf. More dangerous than the waves, I thought. Back then Asbury Park was the place to be--in my early teens to swim, later, when I got my drivers license, to go to Springsteen's Stone Pony. Couple on the LeftYes, but the smile on her face is priceless! Safety RopesBig Mike, I remember the safety ropes at beaches in the New York/New Jersey area in the 50's when I was growing up. I don't recall which beaches had them, but we spent a lot of time at Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Orchard Beach and others. I believe the ropes were pretty common back then. (The Gallery, DPC, Swimming)
Manhattan: 1932
... where my older siblings were born and the beaches at Coney Island and other amusement parks where they spent long, fun-filled summer ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/06/2014 - 10:14am -

1932. "New York City views, skyline." Front-and-center is our old friend the Flatiron Building. 4x5 nitrate negative by Arnold Genthe. View full size. MurkyThis is a surprisingly low quality image from the well-known photographer. Selecting a gloomy day, and using what we used to refer to as the bottom of a milk bottle for a lens, it is a wonder this shot was actually saved. Grainy4x5 negative! I'd have guessed a slow 35mm film pushed to 3200 with underdiluted D76. [A lot of that is because haze and because Photoshop. Also because film -- generally speaking, Genthe's work on glass negatives is much smoother looking. Unadjusted image below. Click to enlarge. - Dave] Union Square constructionThe big construction site on the left of the picture is Union Square Park, which although almost 100 years old at the time of the photo had been torn up in 1928 to build the subway concourses that are still underneath it. Reconstruction was complete by 1934. The mounted statue of George Washington by Henry Kirke Brown, which dates back to 1856, is visible near the far end of the park. If buildings could talkI would ask them to show me exactly where my ancestors disembarked from their ships onto American soil for the first time, I would request a look at my great Uncle's "free lunch with beer" bar where my mom was a kitchen helper and that one fateful day she served a sandwich to the 20 yr. old (construction worker) man she would marry that same year (1932). I'd attend the church where they tied the knot, just the two of them and a priest. I'd want to see the exact third floor walk-up flat on the lower east side that was their first dwelling, the streets and stores they shopped in, the hospital where my older siblings were born and the beaches at Coney Island and other amusement parks where they spent long, fun-filled summer Sundays. I'd have them show me the 1939 World's Fair buildings where my Uncle John was on police duty walking the beat every day and yes, even the avenue where my seven-year old cousin Stephen was tragically killed by a speeding car. I'm sure there are a million other stories for a million other people who would like to see the actual locations where their loved ones might have had various New York experiences in which these buildings played a part. I've never had the privilege of actually residing in NYC. As the family grew, my parents moved out to a small town in Conn. where I was born and even though I always wanted to be a "New Yorker", I never actually was. I'm pretty certain though that their ten yrs. in N.Y. were really the happiest and most exciting time in their lives. The fog hanging over the city seems to represent the Great Depression since they were in the throes of it at this time but even though my parents had no money and lots of kids, it was their time to be young and they were always optimistic there. With a skyline like that and those thousands of wonderful buildings, where one can get anything from anywhere in the world, hope springs eternal. AtmosphericThat air over lower Manhattan looks like it would really stick to your ribs! Home, Sweet Home!My dad was born in 1919 on 39th Street and 11th Avenue (then, as now, called "Hell's Kitchen") in this wonderful city. My grandparents (all four of them) came through Ellis Island, and settled first in Manhattan, then eventually to the "outer borough" of Queens, in areas like Astoria (where I was born). OTY: your comments are so eloquent and nostalgic! You captured the essence of the photo and the era completely! Excellent piece of writing. New viewMore than likely a shot from the newly constructed Empire State Building (1931). Cool picture! (The Gallery, Arnold Genthe, NYC)
Pain's Spectacle: 1905
... Last Day of Pompeii . The extravaganza was presented at Coney Island from 1879 to 1914. "Pain staged his pyrodrama in at least 37 U.S. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/09/2016 - 5:55pm -

Brooklyn circa 1905. "Oriental Hotel and bath house, Manhattan Beach, N.Y." At left, a sign pointing the way to the bicycle track as well as "Pain's Spectacle in Fireworks." 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size. No YorkKnowing NY, I'd venture to guess the signpost (behind the benches on the right) is a long list of the things not allowed on the grass. Early weather serviceAt far right there appears to be a rooftop weather station. My, they were big back then. Pain's Spectacle in FireworksJames Pain was a British entrepreneur who presented a dramatic version of Giovanni Pacini's operatic extravaganza The Last Day of Pompeii. The extravaganza was presented at Coney Island from 1879 to 1914. "Pain staged his pyrodrama in at least 37 U.S. locations, including Los Angeles in 1905. This libretto comes from the pyrodrama's appearance in Cincinnati in 1891. Pain required a sizable down payment to bring the spectacle to a city, usually for a one- to two-week run. Civic authorities had to build a multi-acre venue with a large body of water, a long platform, and seating for approximately 10,000 viewers. Efficient public transportation was also critical. The actors, however, were secondary, and local performers trained by Pain's staff played most roles." Pain also produced an updated show depicting the Battle of San Juan Hill in Aurora, Illinois in 1899. It included 300 people on stage and 12,000 square yards of oil painting. That is 2.5 acres. Whichever show the patrons saw (Pompeii of San Juan Hill), They got their money's worth. Gentility & Simplicity Early 1900's seems to have been an encouraging time. Shorpy's brilliant photos and clever descriptions has made me especially fond of this specific American period. Thank you, for this enchanting portal allowing us all a glimpse into the past. Are we experiencing a *theme* day?Here, we have a great billboard pitching Pain's Spectacle in Fireworks, and just earlier, The Great Creatore - *both* featured in a single scene of The Music Man! p.s: In light of John J's comment, it's clear that Meredith Wilson was writing from current events of the setting. In the Music Man scene, the fireworks "spectacle" in question was even "The Last Days of Pompeii"! A nifty mapMy favorite images on Shorpy are Coney/Brighton ones! The NYPL has a nice excerpt from a Fire Insurance map of this area. http://nyplmaps.tumblr.com/image/25718182000 Our photographer stands with the Brighton Beach Hotel right behind him. The Manhattan Beach Baths to the right, and the background is the Oriental Hotel. I don't believe I've ever seen a photo of the Manhattan Beach Baths before. So this is, to me, a real treat! (The Gallery, DPC, Kids, NYC)
Catalina Interlude: 1915
Catalina Island, California, circa 1915. "Avalon Bay Aquarium wharf and beach." 5x7 inch ... as the beach babies we've been seeing in Atlantic City and Coney Island. Mail order, perhaps? [Magazines. - Dave] Big Avalon fire of ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/10/2018 - 3:23pm -

Catalina Island, California, circa 1915. "Avalon Bay Aquarium wharf and beach." 5x7 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Futuristic House on the HillI am familiar with the Holly House, but this one is new. Anyone have any idea what it is and if it is still there? Stairway to heavenOne wonders if a lot of people's hearts gave out while climbing those endless staircases. A Good TimeSnapping the diver off the high board is a good catch. Perhaps that was the subject of the photo. I've been scuba diving off Catalina and that water tends to be COLD. Was renting swim suits fashionable then? Both men and women seem to be in only one style of suit per gender. United WirelessUp on the hill is the tower of soon to be defunct United Wireless Telegraph Co. Onion DomeWhat is the building near the middle of the photo with the onion dome? West Coast fashionSame as the East Coast fashion. I was curious to see if the women were all wearing black stockings here -- and they are. How miserable that must have been. Interesting that in a world without mass media the styles of bathing suits for men and women are exactly the same as the beach babies we've been seeing in Atlantic City and Coney Island. Mail order, perhaps? [Magazines. - Dave] Big Avalon fire of 1915I'm fairly certain that nearly every structure in this photo burned down just a few years later and were replaced newer buildings; the house with the onion shaped dome is certainly no longer there. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Swimming)
Daydream: 1905
New York circa 1905. "Dreamland Park and tower, Coney Island." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/28/2020 - 2:47pm -

New York circa 1905. "Dreamland Park and tower, Coney Island." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size. Preview Of Coming AttractionsThe attraction partially seen in the far right of the photo was particularly popular at Dreamland. In a world made up still in 1905 by millions of wood and veneered buildings, fire was an everyday danger and occurrence and, let's be honest ... entertainment for the public as well. So what better to draw them in than an attraction featuring thousands of firefighters battling a new inferno every 20 minutes? Ironically, Fighting the Flames exhibit wasn't what did in Dreamland, but a hot bucket of pitch left in the appropriately named Hell Gate attraction (which is screen left in the photo) did. The dreams of Dreamland died in the 1911 fire and the park was never rebuilt. Meet me tonight in DreamlandOne of the most mesmerizing documentaries I have ever seen is the American Experience episode on Coney Island. It first aired in 1991 but if you can find it to watch, watch it. I've seen it several times over the years and it never fails to deliver that feeling of actually stepping back in time. Truly haunting ... in a good, if slightly creepy, way. Moxie Sighting... bottom right. Just wanted to mention it. Great photo! Hats, hats, hats!I looked long and hard, and there is not a single bare-headed person in this picture! Panchromatic emulsion?There is much more texture and contrast in the image than in other posts from this period, particularly some sky detail. Was it from a panchromatic emulsion? [The sky is courtesy of Photoshop's Shadows & Highlights filter. - Dave] (The Gallery, DPC, NYC)
Fun Central: 1913
... to have an amusement palace which will compare will with Coney Island, Earl's court, London, and all other famous places of the world. St. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/07/2012 - 10:38pm -

"Arcade Market." The Arcade building in Washington circa 1913, with "garden movies," bowling, billiards, dance pavilion, cafe, soda fountain and who knows what other fun stuff. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. The ArcadeThis is on 14th Street NW between Park Road and Irving Street in Columbia Heights. The DC USA mall is on the site now. The name still lingers in the neighborhood -- there is an apartment building called the Parcade on Park Road, and until 2003 there was an Arcade Auto Repair on Irving: Car Barn to MarketThe unique architecture of this building stems from its original use as a car barn for trolleys. Sadly, it was razed in 1948. Washington Post Nov 3, 1909 Park Savings Bank Opens Opening its doors Monday morning, the Park Savings Bank, which was recently organized with a capital stock of $50,000, surpassed the expectations of those interested by recording at the close of the first day's business more than $100,000 in deposits. ... The quarters of the new bank are on the north side of the Arcade amusement building and are fitted with up-to-date appliances for carrying on a banking business. Washington Post Jan 30, 1910 Fun Palace Soon to Open Washington is to have an amusement palace which will compare will with Coney Island, Earl's court, London, and all other famous places of the world. St. Valentine's day has been selected by the management as the most appropriate time to start the fun. This is to the furnished to Washingtonians by the Midway Company, which has located its amusement palace in the Arcade Amusement Company's immense building at the corner of Fourteenth street and Park road northwest. The structure has been rebuilt and gorgeously decorated for the purpose. ... In addition to the amusements in the Midway Palace proper, the Arcade company has fitted up a large dance hall and a moving picture parlor. There also will be a billiard and pool room and a bowling alley. A dainty Dutch restaurant will supply tasty dishes. Washington Post Apr 23, 1910 Arcade Company Will Accommodate Farmers Announcement is made that on May 15 the Arcade Amusement Company will open on the ground floor of the old car barns at Fourteenth street and Park road, which site it has purchased and recently remodeled, a modern market house, capable of accommodating hundreds of merchants. Washington Post Dec 10, 1910 Arcade Market Ready The new Arcade Market, on Columbia Heights, at Fourteenth street and Park road, will be opened for business tomorrow morning at 5 o'clock. The lower floor of the building in which the market will be located has been in the hands of carpenters, decorators, and finishers for several weeks and has been converted into one of the most up-to-date and best-arranged establishments of its kind in the city. ... The market occupies the entire first floor of the big Arcade building. A large enclosed paved plaza has been provided for country wagons. A series of refrigerating rooms for several classes of goods is located in the rear, as is a large room lined with cork and cement for the cold storage of furs and rugs. Arrangement has been made for delivery automobiles to enter the building and load under cover. A balcony for ladies overlooks the entire market. Washington Post Mar 7, 1948 New Building Will Replace Historic Arcade Market, Shops The Arcadia Building, Washington's former carbarn landmark at 3134 14th st. nw., is scheduled to be razed within six weeks to permit erection of a new two-story and basement building providing all facilities found in the current structure, plus many more. September Song"Broken Threads United" was released Aug. 29, 1913. That, plus the tree in full leaf and the notice about the Dancing Pavilion to open Oct. 1, dates this as probably sometime in September of 1913. I love the clues in these pictures. The delivery cart ... who else ate Sunshine Animal Crackers? Why Not?I would have thought "Loose Wiles" might have applied to some of the patrons of the dancing parlor instead. Old facade on Irving StreetCan anyone help us find photos of the car dealership whose facade still remains at DCUSA on 14th and Irving that Ellwood Thompson's will be occupying? It would be great to have that in the store! (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Stores & Markets)
One-Ring Circus: 1905
New York circa 1905. "Circus at Luna Park, Coney Island." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/19/2014 - 11:03am -

New York circa 1905. "Circus at Luna Park, Coney Island." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Then and NowIt's all gone now, of course, but I was curious where everything was and what was currently sitting on this particular plot of land. I found a 1908 map of Luna Park and put it side-by-side with the Google satellite view. The circus is right in the center of the park. Click here for larger version. Map source: This (fantastic) site. Pricing in and possible itinerary in 1905Taken from an article in the Scranton Republican, June 18, 1905. Human Torpedo earns HOW MUCH?!?Inflation adjustment calculator shows his earnings as $15323 per week, in 2013 dollars! Nice $800,000/year job! Lions and tigers and bears, and more!Count me among the many who would love to hitch a ride in a tricked-out DeLorean or TARDIS to visit Luna Park in its heyday. I have an additional reason for wanting to see it. I'm currently searching the Shorpy archives in hopes of finding a photo of one Richard Havemann, a professional animal trainer, who came to America from Germany in the summer of 1905 with a few whiskered friends. From BillionGraves: His immigration form notes that his destination was "Luna Park" and his occupation was "Wild animals". Luna Park would be the launch point for his decades-long vaudeville act, initially called "Havemann's trained animals", across the US and into Canada. With his changing cast of wild animals -- including, at various times, leopards, lions, tigers, and bears -- he impressed audiences from Luna Park in Coney Island, NY, to Seattle, WA, and appeared at many prominent theaters between, including Washington DC, Virginia, California, Utah, Illinois, Indiana, and even Winnipeg, Canada. Newspaper accounts breathlessly describe his "Kings of the Jungle" act with as many as 10 lions and tigers. A 1922 flyer for the Orpheum advertises his "Kings of the Forest and Desert" act with "Lions, Tigers and Leopards." (The Gallery, DPC, NYC)
Glen Echo Park: 1928
... and the ride back was long and sad. Sorta like losing Coney Island. We had found sanctuary and now it was gone. We now have Kings Dominion ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/18/2012 - 12:02pm -

Montgomery County, Maryland, circa 1928. "Glen Echo Park." Another look at this old-school attraction in the Washington suburbs. View full size. Play Station ZeroThe Penny Lane attraction in this photo brings back memories of what were known as "Penny Arcades". The one I remember was on the Boardwalk in Shorpy's favorite Queens, NYC site, The Rockaways, an area of beachfront summer bungalows and rooming houses. We're talking the 1940s here. When you entered the place from the Boardwalk, the first thing you saw was the Fortune Teller console with a witch like mannequin moving her head. Inserting a penny got you a tepid fortune card. There were change making people walking around with a wide apron pocket loaded with pennies. My favorite game was a mechanical baseball machine with lead soldier like pitchers and catchers. The one cent coin got the pitcher throwing (actually bowling} an agate sized lead ball toward the bat. The trick was to be able to press the lever quickly enough to hit the ball. It wasn't easy and if you scored runs you were awarded chits for the usual Carny junk. These were the last century's version of what we now know as Video Games. I rememberWhen I was a kid in the 1950s to early 60s, my mother took my brother & me to Glen Echo once every summer or so. Next to the beach it was my favorite destination. I believe they had a large roller coaster my mother wouldn't let me ride & a "junior" roller coaster she would. I didn't find out till years later that Glen Echo was strictly segregated. That realization took some of the gleam out of my memories. I couldn't fathom why some kids were kept from the fun times because of outward appearance. If I also remember correctly the owners of the park were finally ordered to integrate. They chose to close Glen Echo instead. A Sad EndNot entirely true Palmatier Meg. There were non-violent protests to the segregation in 1960. In 1961 they DID integrate. It remained open with out incident until 1966 when there was an ugly incident which caused the park to close early. The kids from the urban area had been bused in for the evening of fun and the buses refused to return to pick them up when the park closed early. They had to walk back home and violence ensued. Glen Echo Park is mentioned on pages 6 and 7. The park stayed open until 1968 even after the so called "riot." I grew up in the neighborhood and our family were regular customers. It was so sad to see it close. I almost cried when I saw this picture in Shorpy. It is now open again as a park dedicated to the arts. The carousel is still there and beautiful! Penny ArcadesAs Mr Mel stated there always seemed to be a fortune teller at those Arcades. In the Baltimore area's Gwyn Oak Park & Carlin's the same lady ruled both houses. You put a penny in a high slot and it rolled down a bridge to fall into her hands. Lights flashed as she turned to drop a card into a slot and there was your fortune. I spent many a happy hour with only a dollar in those arcades watching hand cranked movies and stereopticons (magic lanterns). The topics ran the gamut from the Johnstown Flood, The San Fransisco Earthquake, The Baltimore Fire, WWI and old silent cowboy movies. There were machines where you could stamp out your name or some other message on a round lucky coin. The best were the pinball machines. One penny for 5 balls and some grand shows complete with bells, whistles, lights and gongs. Today's electronic pinballs may wow you but they are but cheap imitations of the classics from the 20's through the 50's. Of course the pictures of scantily dressed ladies on the main board did impress a young lad of 11 or 12 in those pre Playboy days. Oh wellHowdy Folks, I came in the last few years of Glen Echo. My grandma took me when I was little once. I remember all the fun I had there. Being an inner city kid, awhile later we found eternal freedom through DC Transit and headed sraight to Glen Echo a few times and the last time it was closed. Our hearts sank and the ride back was long and sad. Sorta like losing Coney Island. We had found sanctuary and now it was gone. We now have Kings Dominion and six flags but the two combined will never match the experience I had at Glen Echo. Eventually, I would live in Glen Echo a short time but the area has now been developed and bears little resemblence to older times. Life is short so we must make the most of it. Thanks Shorpy (The Gallery, Natl Photo)
Brighton Beach: 1910
... Racecar driver Al Poole in his Simplex at Brighton Beach, Coney Island. View full size. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/10/2007 - 5:37pm -

May 14, 1910. Racecar driver Al Poole in his Simplex at Brighton Beach, Coney Island. View full size. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. Focal plane shutterThe distorted shape of the wheels suggests that this picture was taken with a camera with a focal plane shutter. How fast is he going?Look ma, I'm ahead of everybody else!!! (Cars, Trucks, Buses, G.G. Bain, Sports)
Runaway: 1916
... Sheepshead track, one of four that once thrived near Coney Island, remains. No laughing matter This was serious business. My ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/21/2016 - 6:02pm -

        Runaways -- real ones, calculated to make your hair stand on end -- will be caught by members of the Traffic Squad. -- N.Y. Times June 24, 1916. "Police show at Sheepshead Bay Speedway -- rescuing woman from runaway horse." A benefit for "widows and orphans of the men whose names are carried on the Honor Roll." 5x7 glass negative, Bain News Service. View full size. Run run run run runawayOlde Buck's comment reminded me of an incident I saw when I was in the ninth grade in Marathon, Florida. For some event, one of the female students was posing on a horse in front of the school when the horse just took off. The young woman was screaming as she disappeared down the road, and we were all standing around stunned. I believe a police car finally caught up with and stopped the horse somehow and the student was unharmed, but we didn't learn that until the following day. The horse had run three or four miles with the student hanging on for dear life. Reversing the ViewTo give you an idea of the size of the former horse track and current (in the photo) auto speedway, this shot is from the infield looking back at a rather impressive double-deck grandstand. The stand of trees to the right in the posting and left here gives the spot away. Maybe the horses wanted one final fling before giving way to four-wheeled horsepower. Didn't matter. By 1919 the speedway was at its end, four-legged or wheeled, and replaced by housing by 1923. Not a stitch of the former Sheepshead track, one of four that once thrived near Coney Island, remains. No laughing matterThis was serious business. My grandmother (b.1896) used to recount seeing such an incident at age 6. A man riding horseback lost control of his horse which was spooked by the gong of a passing streetcar. The crazed critter ran out of Barclay Street full-tilt across North Avenue and only stopped after crashing into the massive stone wall of Greenmount Cemetery. Both were killed. Grandma clearly recalled the event seventy-five years later. (The Gallery, G.G. Bain, Horses, NYC)
Luna Park: 1915
... There were many Luna Parks in the U.S., the most famous at Coney Island in New York. This photo is believed to have been taken on the Fourth of ... 
 
Posted by wvsky - 09/20/2011 - 10:27pm -

Luna Park in Charleston, West Virginia, around 1915. There were many Luna Parks in the U.S., the most famous at Coney Island in New York. This photo is believed to have been taken on the Fourth of July, due to the dress of some of the people (like Uncle Sam). The Park, like many Luna Parks of the day burned down, and was never replaced. The strange streets that are still in use to this very day in Charleston where Luna park stood, are a direct reflection of the walkways there. Today, hundreds of homes sit in its place. Original photo by Cochrane. View full size. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
Shoe Shine Boy: 1950
Taken on the boardwalk of Coney Island in 1950. This young boy had been strolling the boardwalk looking for ... 
 
Posted by dacam61 - 03/23/2011 - 11:20am -

Taken on the boardwalk of Coney Island in 1950. This young boy had been strolling the boardwalk looking for customers. At the end of his day, he sat down to count his earnings. He seemed to be somewhat disappointed. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
Dreamland (Colorized): 1904
I colorized this from a photo of Dreamland on Coney Island 1904 from Shorpy. Dreamland burnt down in May 1911. View full size. ... 
 
Posted by Bjorn - 10/04/2011 - 9:08am -

I colorized this from a photo of Dreamland on Coney Island 1904 from Shorpy. Dreamland burnt down in May 1911. View full size. (Colorized Photos)
Luna Park (Colorized): 1905
Coney Island, New York, circa 1905. "Whirl of the Whirl, Luna Park." 8x10 inch dry ... 
 
Posted by Dennis Klassen - 10/03/2011 - 7:41am -

Coney Island, New York, circa 1905. "Whirl of the Whirl, Luna Park." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. (Colorized) View full size. (Colorized Photos)
The Boys of Summer
Photo taken on the boardwalk of Coney Island around July, 1948 by my mother on a family outing from the Bronx. The ... 
 
Posted by Fathead - 09/02/2020 - 1:55pm -

Photo taken on the boardwalk of Coney Island around July, 1948 by my mother on a family outing from the Bronx. The Dodgers were still in Brooklyn and Steeplechase park was one of the most creative and exciting amusement park rides of its day. Dad was a milk truck driver for Sheffield Farms Dairy one of the earliest suppliers of hygienically sold milk in the city. His "trucker's wallet" on a pocket chain was part of men's wardrobe in the day. Steeplechase park included many fun family attractions including a gravity-powered ride in which people raced each other while riding wooden horses that glided along parallel metal tracks over a long and curving course. I was too little to ride what was considered a bit dangerous adventure. An entire family could spend the day at Steeplechase, picnicking and walking through the gardens. Of course, they'd also likely end up splurging on a few of Steeplechase's carnival games or other rides not included in the combination ticket. Steeplechase park opened for the 1897 season and was an immediate success. Tilyou's park was more than just a collection of rides. He had well-maintained gardens and benches and areas where families could picnic. Bands played it closed in 1964. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
My Grandfather: 1910
... on a stuffed Zebra. This photo was most likely taken at Coney Island. View full size. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery) ... 
 
Posted by nybroome - 12/08/2010 - 2:02pm -

My grandfather posing on a stuffed Zebra. This photo was most likely taken at Coney Island. View full size. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
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