Surf Hotel

A life in Coney Island
For more than 60 years Benny Harrison brought fun and smiles to visitors who enjoyed his delightful, artistic creations. During the last ten years Benny’s  stands on West 12th Street entertained thousands with a  storefront of quirky games and...
Content type: Oral History Item
Grandson of sword swallower Joseph "Ajax" Milana and DeWise Purdin "The Handless Sharpshooter"
Van Milana, 65, was born on Dewey Place in the area of Coney Island called "The Gut" before Trump Village and Warbasse. He shares memories of both of his grandfathers, who were famous sideshow performers in Coney Island. Milana recalls his paternal...
Content type: Oral History Item