Oral History Archive

Joe Rysz

Visited Coney Island from Massachusetts as a boy

Robert Maxwell

Roller coaster restorer and enthusiast

Stephanie Norr and Betty Cohn

Shared their 1950's childhood under the boardwalk

Dave Galler

Took the 13th Ave. trolley

Carol and Dennis Thompson

First visit since 1961

Pat Lingenbach

Avid weekender in Coney Island

John Strong

Sideshow Proprietor

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