As one enters the realm of Coney Island one is overwhelmed by the flamboyant signs of Surf
Avenue. The barkers of old may be gone, but the mute, blinding signs of Coney Island still work
their magic, drawing the curious and the brave.
The signage appears as it has been since Coney's demise in the 50's. But this appearance is
false; like Frontierland at Disneyland, Coney's style is a simulation. However, whereas
Frontierland itself is entirely fictional and serves to duplicate elements of an earlier era, Coney
Island already exists, yet chooses to adopt the appearance of an earlier incarnation. Coney Island
derives a great amount of its character from this contradiction between simulation and
authenticity, festivity and melancholy.
The characters which inhabit the land have created their own vernacular, but ultimately,
it is their history and spirit which makes Coney Island a unique place. Their sense of history
gives character to the land, and its ghosts haunt the boardwalk, hinting at the heyday of Coney
Island.
A Grand Mixture Of Carnival, Amusement Park, And Burlesque.
In 1874, travel was rare, and Americans would spend many weeks planning one-day
outings. When society began to shift importance from work to play, Coney Island became the first
place in America to provide outdoor entertainment for the masses. By inventing the first roller
coaster, developing the first amusement park, and grilling the first hotdog, Coney Island provided
a blueprint for other parks. Coney Island's vaudeville theatres and cabarets were the finest in the
country, ballyhoos shouted their rapidfire phrases, and the Steeplecase ride gave couples a chance
to tumble into each other's arms. Coney Island celebrated life with energy and glitz, but until the
arrival of the subway in 1920, the park's amusements were reserved for the moneyed classes. As
poorer people gained access to the seaside resort to orange they imposed the tastes and financial
means of the masses. Smaller, less costly games were devised, and champagne gave way pop. By the
end of the 50s, the glorious Coney of old had faded away. Luna Park and Dreamland were
transformed into parking lots, the Steeplechase was dismantled, and urban renewal projects
demolished the old spectacle of Coney Island.