As a tribute to Philip's Candy, Coney's oldest candy shop which was housed at the entrance of the Stillwell Avenue subway terminal since 1930 and was forced to move in 2001, Philomena installed a giant lollypop at the station and called...
Content type: Oral History Item
Sue Fox is the granddaughter of Max Zweifach (aka Zwerbach), a notorious Jewish gangster who was the original "Kid Twist" and the leader of Monk Eastman's gang. He died in Coney Island in 1908 at the hands of rival gangster Louie...
Content type: Oral History Item
Ruby Hirsch grew up in Coney Island in the 30's and 40's on Mermaid Avenue, just three doors down from on one of Coney's most famous residents, Woody Guthrie. In this interview, Hirsch reminisces about growing up in the area, playing...
Content type: Oral History Item
At the time of this interview, Howie was in Coney Island on opening day to ride the Cyclone for the 50th year in a row. He was accompanied by his family, who have also been riding the Cyclone for years. Howie brought his wife to Coney Island shortly...
Content type: Oral History Item
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.
Content type: Oral History Item
Robert Maxwell came with his wife to visit Coney Island from the town of Amsterdam in upstate New York. They drove down for the day to eat Nathan's hot dogs and ride The Cyclone. Robert estimates that has ridden The Cyclone at least 35-40 times...
Content type: Oral History Item
Legendary Paul Krassner reads an excerpt from his autobiography, "Confessions of a Raving, Unconfined Nut: Misadventures in the Counter-Culture" about his experience at Steeplechase Park.
Paul Krassner passed away on July 21, 2019 at the...
Content type: Oral History Item
Stephen Lin Bai-An has practiced T'ai Chi, the martial art and system of meditative exercise, since 1965 and taught it for the past twenty years since moving to the United States. The Sheepshead Bay resident is nearly eighty years old and was...
Content type: Oral History Item
Ralph was born in Coney Island on July 19, 1934, twenty-two years to the day after his mother in the same house. He lovingly describes growing up in Coney Island in remarkable specifics, including stories of local individuals, their diversity, their...
Content type: Oral History Item
The owner of three businesses on Mermaid Avenue, Edwin Cosme discusses the uncertain future of Coney Island. He is committed to staying in his hometown and promoting the development of more amusements and fewer condominium projects. He describes...
Content type: Oral History Item