Oral History Archive

Joe Rysz
Visited Coney Island from Massachusetts as a boy
Robert Maxwell
Roller coaster restorer and enthusiast
Joseph Svehlak
Fond memories of Coney Island
Marie Roberts
A painter with a Coney Island legacy
John Rea
Began his career as a sign painter in Coney Island
Michael Onorato
Son of Steeplechase Park's general manager, James Onorato
Sal Corona
Coney Island businessman
Jimmy McCullough
Lifelong carousel owner and operator
Wally Roberts
The King of Jones Walk
Vivian Palo
Loved growing up and raising children in Coney Island
Walter "Shorty" Arsenault
Long-time manager of Astroland's Kiddieland
José Beth Smolensky
Juilliard trained musician whose family owned Washington Baths
Tommy Smith
Grew up in a Coney Island bungalow
Karen Thumann
On her three year photo project
Karen Levy Fogel
Family owned Levy's Bar and Grill
Naomi Starss
An adventuresome youth in Coney Island
Sydney Cozby
Future elephant rider for the circus
Lauren Burke
On a date with Coney Island