Subsistence U.S.A. and the Coney Island History Project
Before her career in the amusement business, Carol Albert worked with famed photographer Bruce Davidson to produce an acclaimed book of oral histories titled Subsistence U.S.A. Her interest in oral history led to the founding of the Coney Island...
Content type: Oral History Item
Getting engaged on the Wonder Wheel, the most romantic ride in the world
One Saturday in May when we arrived to open up the Coney Island History Project exhibit center, a group of people holding signs that spelled out WILL YOU MARRY ME??????? caught our eye. A couple was getting engaged on the Wonder Wheel! A popular...
Content type: Oral History Item
Memories of family picnics under the Boardwalk and making new memories at Spook-A-Rama
For Carmen Arcendiga, a trip to Coney Island with her granddaughter Zoe evokes memories of family picnics under the boardwalk, riding the Cyclone, and the Laughing Lady. They came to Coney Island after Carmen won an essay contest for a behind-the-...
Content type: Oral History Item
Mermaid Avenue pharmacist dispenses news and advice to new immigrants
Ho Cheung Li's J & R Pharmacy is on Mermaid Avenue at the corner of West 23rd Street in Coney Island. He and his family live upstairs. Li emigrated from Hong Kong when he was in his 20s and spent more than four years in school to regain his...
Content type: Oral History Item
Jodie Bell discovers a 1950s photograph of her aunt as Miss Coney Island at the History Project
Jodie Bell tells stories about her family in Coney Island, some happy and some tragic.
Content type: Oral History Item
Turkish store owner returns to Coney Island as restaurateur three years after Hurricane Sandy
This interview was conducted and recorded in Turkish. Read Serhan Ayhan's transcript and translation below.
Levent Demirgil, who emigrated from Turkey in 1988, is the owner of gourmet food shops in Brighton Beach and on Kings Highway. Coney Island...
Content type: Oral History Item
A look behind the scenes at Steeplechase Park
Frank Newlands worked at Steeplechase Park in its final years, maintaining the electrical infrastructure for attractions that included the Pavilion, Parachute Jump, Ferris Wheel, and roller coaster. His stories give a rare and humorous glimpse into...
Content type: Oral History Item
Memories of his family's escape from Poland to Coney Island after the Holocaust
Leon Borzykowski and his family lived in Coney Island Houses at the same time as Coney Island History Project director Charles Denson's family and Leon's daughter Barbara was best friends with Charles' sister. Young Leon escaped from the Jewish...
Content type: Oral History Item
Coney Islander who was born in Cyprus tells his life story to his son
Peter Ioannou is an immigrant from Cyprus. He moved to Brooklyn when he was 10 years old. Once he began searching for homes laterin life, he settled in Coney Island in 1987. He recounts how at the time he was barely able to afford his current home...
Content type: Oral History Item
Russian comedienne and dancer
A conversation with comedienne Marina Ivanova, who is in love with Coney Island.
Content type: Oral History Item