Sam Berkley was born and raised in West Brighton and is a fourth generation Coney Island native. A writer, oral history interviewer and musician, he got his start in Coney Island in 1998, working for Wally Roberts on Jones Walk as a carnival barker. This spawned a lifelong interest in the history of the amusement parks and he recorded oral history interviews for the Coney Island History Project from 2005-2007. Sam is a published author who has written about his family’s roots, gender identity and experiences growing up across the street from the Cyclone in Coney Island.
Interviews
Family of former Coney game and ride owner Jack Merr
Linda Merr, wife of former game and ride owner Jack Merr recalls the one and only time she acted in a sideshow alongside Iron Jaw Joe. Michael Merr, son of Jack and Linda, expresses his opinion about the future of Coney Island.
Coney Island businessman and neighborhood activist
Lou Powsner, a former Coney Island businessman and neighborhood activist remembers his fond and not so fond memories of working in Coney Island. Jennifer Snow, his grand-daughter, talks about the future of Coney Island and having a grandfather who...