Visitors With Coney Island Memories

  These are some of the e-mails I've received. You may even recognize an old friend or two? Many have their AOL screen names or email addresses if you want to try and contact them.

(this page is updated, so make sure you right click on this page and hit refresh a few times to see the new posted emails)

I can't promise, but if you send me an email, it may get posted here

claire.bleiman@yahoo.com     mollllyrose@yahoo.com

Dec 3, 2011  

 I have been reading and rereading postings about growing up in Coney Island with fond memories. I can honestly claim I was a real Coney Islander; I was born in Coney Island Hospital and grew up very happily in Coney Island, first on West 29th Street between Mermaid and Surf, then in the 28th Street side of the elevator building on Surf Avenue in back of the Half Moon Hotel. I actually saw the body of Abe (kid twist) Rellis on the lower roof of the Hotel when he allegedly fell. We then moved to 3109 Mermaid Ave. between 31st and 32nd St. I went to PS 188, Mark Twain, and graduated from Lincoln High School. Since I was born in 1934 I am a bit older than most of the people posting their memories. I have never loved a place more or spent more happy days than I did in Coney Island. We were pretty poor. However, my father gave me a treat I will never forget. He took me to Steeplechase one day when I was eight and let me nag him into getting everything punched on my ticket. I never threw up once, but did come home with a bloody nose as a result of standing right behind him when he swung a baseball bat at a ball to win some prize for me. I had wonderful friends from all over the neighborhood. Gilda, whose family owned Mirrer's Bakery, Cynthia Damond, Richie Hahn, Marilyn Richman, Irving Graff. Who needed a vacation, we had the beach steps from our home. Who needed expensive entertainmen; we had the fireworks on Tuesday nights, while walking the boardwalk. Who needed fancy cuisine; we had Shatzkins and Nathan. I would love to hear from someone who possibly remembers me from this period of time. My name was Claire Rosenbaum, now Bleiman. I graduated Lincoln in June, 1951 and lived in Coney Island until 1955. I moved to Sheepshead Bay after marrying for the first time, but came back to Coney Island after divorcing and lived there with my mother Molly Rosenbaum for a time. I hope this reaches the right place to people who loved growing up there as I did. I also had some friends from Seagate; Sheila Bierman, Naomi Kahn, Irma Freedman, Joan Mindlin, etc. Thanks for listening.

Virginia Steiner vrsteiner@yahoo.com

Nov 20

    I was born in the Coney Island Hopital, lived on Stillwell Ave until Luna Park burned down, moved to West 33rd Street across from PS 188, where I went to school. Mr. Kaplan was the principal of PS 188, and I can almost remember each of my teachers from first to sixth grade. It was the greatest elementary school, and I only wished that my own children and grandchildren could have had the wonderful teachers and the greatest elementary school principal there ever was in my opinion. The summer before I started Mark Twain Junior High Mr. Kaiser the principal died. (I knew of him because my sister attended school while he was there, also a great man). Mr. Sonefeld then became principal, I had several outstanding teachers, Ms Rowan the Music teacher, Mr. Storch (he died when I was in 8th grade) a great science teacher, but my greatest teacher was Ms Lamb (she caught me smoking in the bathroom and took me to NYU to see the bodies of people who died of lung cancer, I never smoked after that). Ms Lamb was the one who took us to the UN, and taught us so much about world government, that to this day I remember so much about her. I went to Lincoln for a year until my Mom took me out of school to go to work. I worked for two years than with the help of others and a work scholarship I went back to school and finished high school and college. I love Coney Island, my memories of growing up are precious. The neighbors who watched out for everyone else, the gang of children playing outside summer and winter time, the knowledge you could walk all over without fear, people talking to you, skating in the park, walking the boardwalk, going to steeplechase, and Feltman's to watch the silent movies. I have only been back a couple of times to Coney Island, but my heart was sadden by the huge ugly city housing, the filth on the street, and the lack of warmth that I knew as a child., this was not the Coney Island that I grew up in , the small bungalow I lived in across from PS 188 was torn down, the few houses that I saw from my past were broken, looking like a bomb had hit them, the friendly faces were all gone, the small town that Coney Island was had been swollered up by a sea of humanity that had ceased to show any resemblance of those who once lived there. We were poor but not hopeless families, who knew what it was to share friendship, we had hope for our Country, and respect for America, something that seems to be missing in the Coney Island of today;but in spite of all that I long to go back to Coney Island, I long to see the ocean waves on the beach, I long to walk along the park by the bay near Mark Twain.

Lynne F. Goldin lynnegoldin@pubdata.com	Nov 3

from CONEYKD CONEYKD@cox.net

 Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 3:45 PM

 subject GROWING UP IN CONEY ISLAND

I may be the oldest contributor to your web site. I grew up at 1609 Mermaid Ave. Went to PS80, Mark Twain and Lincoln. I graduated from Lincoln June 1950. My father had the first photographic studio on the boardwalk in the 1920's. Later he moved the business to Mermaid Ave. I got a real laugh when my brother, who now lives in Sea Gate, advised me that the house now boasts a Mexican restaurant on the first floor. Growing up during WWII was rough. My father and oldest brother were both in the military and while others prospered from the war my brother and I had little. Of interest: The 1939 Worlds Fair included the parachute jump. It was scheduled to be torn down and moved to Coney Island. So as the war raged the ride did move to the boardwalk opposite the pier. The mechanics and engineers in charge rented lodging on the second and third floors of our house. I got to ride the parachute jump for free while they were around. During my last visit to my brother I strolled around Stillwell Ave and saw the framework of the parachute jump disassembled for refurbishment. I know that it has now been put back together on site as a monument, which is great. I will leave you with two questions; did you ever hear of Weepy's pool room on Surf Avenue? What ever happened to the huge replica of the Half Moon (Henry Hudson's ship that sailed into Gravesend Bay yr.1609) that sat on top of the Half Moon Hotel? Attachments 2 photos

 Phil Horn coneykd@cox.net

from	Rvezlvn@aol.com
to	TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com
cc	Helow3@aol.com

Greetings, I've thought about writing on this page for quite some time, but never got around to it. Just recently Face book asked that we post pix we had taken with our Moms and leave them there until Mothers Day. I found this picture of my Mom, me and my brother, Bill, who just passed away on Saturday. So I posted it on my Face book page.Found some other pix of our old bicycle shop on Coney Island Ave. taken shortly before the Great Depression when my family moved upstate in order to survive. This was taken at Coney Island, in 1929. I was three, Bill was 9 months. Mom used to take us kids to Coney on a trolley at least a couple days a week, I have bunches of pictures of Coney. Have pictures of my Aunt Kitty who was the tight rope walker at Steeplechase for many years. I'm 85 now, many of these memories will leave with me, I'm the last of a family and the oldest of four, now all gone. We moved back to Brooklyn in 1942 and I saw the war years from that vantage point, saw the guys coming and going overseas and watched them as they returned. They were prisoners of Japanese prison camps weighing in at 60, 70 and 80 pounds, they tried to walk, unsuccessfully, off their rescue boats. I saw hard times and good times.

Helen P. Low, Yuma, Az.

from Sheila L Bleiman <sheilableiman@juno.com>
to TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com
date Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 2:54 AM
subject coney island and sea gate we hail to 188 january 17 2011

those were the good old days.

went to school with ronnie goodman hadnt seen each other since grduation
from lincoln, class of 62. went to her\ sweet 16 party and now we went to
each others 65th birthdays. hooked up again a year and a half ago. it is
a hoot. we share so many childhood memories and now we are making new ones. she
just had christmas dinner at my house in az. fireworks we get in prescott az. reminds me of coney on tuesdays without
the water. we have snow and major rainstorms.  hail to coney island a wonderful place to grow up. thanks for the website
grew up at 2995 and moved to surf projects when they opened in 55/56.
across from the then half moon hotel. aunts, great aunts and uncles and
cousins galore in coney.

thanks again

sheila bleiman

from Barbaraz111@aol.com
to TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com
date Sun, Jul 18, 2010 at 7:27 PM
subject Coney - Sea Gate
 

Ah, memories.

I lived at 2764 W. 36 St. until around 1952. Went to 188. Friends I remember: Stanley and Warren Targia, Butch and Lloyd Weiner, (parents: Bobbi and Arnie) "Maidele" and "Butch" Steinmetz. Their father owned a radio repair shop and they owned the first TV I ever saw. Stanley and Warren's parents, Joe and Clara, always welcomed me into their home to watch Howdy Doody when TV's were not in every household. Moved to 2114 Mermaid Avenue. Went to P.S 80, Mark Twain 1953-1956 and Lincoln 1956-1959.Friends: Patty Belgene, Eric and Robert Paras ( parents owned Hercules Beauty Salon) Sheila (Alpert) and Ben Yoskowitz, Gloria (Gerard) Paras, Larry Greene, Gary Mandel, Geraldine Rosano Larry Gluck. The Mardi Gras ended around the corner on W.22 Street. Of Beloved Memory: Marilyn Snyder (RIP) Allan Briskin, Priscilla (Smith) Briskin (RIP) Connie Torregrossa (RIP)Sydney Berman (RIP). All died young. I still wonder what the sanitation department was burning at the incinerator on the other side of Gravesend Bay. Moved to 2992 W.31 Street in 1960. Married Stuart Zimmerman from W.19 Street and we moved to Crown Heights. Gave birth to Steven Zimmerman in 1962. HOORAY, BACK IN CONEY. We moved to 2836 W. 35 Street in 1964. (My mother , Mollie De Stefano) owned the house. Howie Vogel lived across the street and a whole lot of Carrubies also live on the block. Mickey Finklestein, a hair dresser, also lived in my building with her son Richard. . Clara and Milton Berman lived next door with daughters Sandy, and Donna, and a son, Howie.  I had two more kids in that crowded house, Iris Ann, 1964 (died in 1970, RIP sweetheart) and Mark in 1968.Moved to Sea Gate in 1970, 4608 Surf Avenue. Gave birth to David while living there.Got divorced soon after. Close friend back then, Charlotte Nelli. In 1980 I went to work as a bus driver for the Transit Authority and loved driving the B36 on Surf Avenue, the Sea Gate Shuttle, and the B68 on Coney Island Avenue and Brighton Beach. I retired and moved to the Poconos in 1997..I still go back to Coney every once in while to visit David in Luna Park and shop for my grandkids in LBJ on Neptune. Mark, an NYPD police officer lives on Staten Island and Steven, a retired NYPD Officer is not too far from me. He went back to school here and became a teacher. If there was ever a Genie that could grant me three wishes, one would be just one more day in Steeplechase, without that nasty midget clown that scared the sh*t out of me when I got off of the Steeplechase horses and had to exit through the theater stage. However, the floor that rocked back and forth was great fun.

from Sadie Grant <gsadie12@yahoo.com>
to TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com
date Sat, Jul 10, 2010 at 7:56 AM

What a treat finding your website. I grew up in Coney Island. I went to P.S.80, then Mark Twain Jr.High School. I rememberMrs. Lamb also Mr. Pedowitz. I knew Randolph McEady, and his sister Mabel. Boy were those the days. My early years were spent on W.16th Street. Every Saturday was stick ball day. I went to chruch with Louis GossettJr.
, also Ethel Mcree who later sang with Ray Charles. I miss Nathan's Knishes and that wounderful Pizza. I now live in Louisville KY.,and I am
a retirer R.N. Nurse. I miss Brooklyn so much I worte a song about it. I married an am now a widow, I have three wounderful children. Both son's have a career in the army. My daughter is also a nurse. My maiden name was Sadie Hawkins. I'de love to hear from some of my old classmates. This is my e-mail. gsadie12@yahoo.com Thank's so much for your web-site.

from Duffy, Jon <Jon.Duffy@merrillcorp.com>
to "TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com" <TheConeyIslandKid@gmail.com>
date Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 1:55 PM
subject RE: Coney Island Memories
 

Hello JK

I grew-up on 31st street between Mermaid & Neptune Avenue's, your website is great. It brought back so many memories. I also went to Lincoln H.S. but back in the early 70's. I remember summers hanging out on the beach @ 33rd street and munching pizza at Larry & Vinnie's. I spent the summers of my teen years working on the rides @ West 12th street and the Bowery, what a great place to meet girls, I worked the Flying Bob's, the Round-up and a few others, man those were the day's. Your website brought back my childhood, my teen years as well as memories of my 1st Love. I am now 53 years old and live in the wilds of PA, yet I never forget that I am at heart a Coney Island kid. Thank you for taking the time to create this site, there was no better place to grow-up then Coney Island.

Thanks Jon Duffy

From: Mark Gornstein <gorney9@comcast.net>
To: jksinrod@aol.com
Sent: Fri, Feb 13, 2009 10:31 am
Subject: THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

I often revisit your site to catch up on new entries from former CI "grads". My name is Mark Gornstein. Through your site & Classmates, I have reconnected with several old CI & Seagate friends, such as Bob (Reuven) Zasler (now living in Israel), Gino Zizzo, Bob Shumsky, Barry Mennen, Mike Nelson, Ken Solnit, and Ron Cohen (from "Sunny Boy" and also now in Israel). My 2 sisters, Jackie Frey & Michelle Frey (who married Barry Ostrie), and cousin Nanette Warley are now out in California, along with Lori Buckler (who I lusted for as a kid!). We lived in Seagate at 3726 Lyme Ave, and our grandparents owned Surf Knishes on Surf Ave. I graduated Mark Twain in '59, (I survived having Kadish Millet and Margaret Lamm as home room teachers), and went to ALHS for a year, before moving to the Boston area. I remember the Rosen Twins, the Sheier brothers, Sandra Gottlieb, Lisa Werner, Tony Werner, the Sulzbacker brothers, Marcelle Strickoff, Ronnie Zwickel, Sid Steigman, the Fortel sisters, Normie Peck, Joe Levy, Anthony DiBenedetto, Bart Friedman, Mike Barshak, Jerome Bravo,and Jane Shiffer (my first "love"). I'd love to hear from any of them.
I recall eating at Carolinas, Lundys, the Huba Huba, and, of course Nathan's. I loved going to the freak show, the really creepy wax museum, and the Wonder Wheel. (you had to take the swinging car.) We loved to see movies at the Loews (pronounced "Low-eeze), and the RKO Tilyou. We got our clothes at May's Department store, and our shoes at either Thom McAn or A.S. Beck. If you had a lot of dough, you'd shop on Kings Highway. A real big deal was going to Alan Freed's Christmas Show at the Brooklyn Paramount. As kids, we used to take our bikes on a sunday morning, ride the length of the Boardwalk, and venture out onto Ocean Parkway all the way to Prospect Park. How lucky were we to have the 3 greatest outfielders in baseball playing at the same time in NY - Willie Mays (Giants), Mickey Mantle (Yankees), and our own "Duke Snider" in Brooklyn! I can still remember the horror of hearing about Roy Campanella's tragic accident, and the aftershock of the Dodgers moving to California. (Doesn't the thought of that wrecking ball crushing into Ebbetts Field still bother you?) There was something very magical about Coney Island in the late '50's and early '60's that can never be replicated. Those who lived it will never forget it. Thanks for the memories!!

From: Bruce Sacks <tandt1954@optonline.net>
Sent: Sat, Jul 18, 2009 7:51 pm
Subject: Old Neighborhood

My memories of my Brooklyn neighborhood brings tears to my eyes. I remember when my toughest choice was what ice cream to get from Good Humor or Bungalow Bar.Oh maybe Mister Softee,Chow Chow Cup or Sal the local ice cream guy. I grew up in Beach Haven across the street from South Highway little league. Stickball was the game as well as slap ball. Stoop ball was great when you only had one of your friends around. The Fireworks were at 9 on Tuesday night.I was allowed 2 ice creams that day because I was outside until at least 9:30 . Catching butterflies in the summer was the rave,and if you caught a Monarch wow. What memories I will never ever forget...B Sacks

From: Larry Niler <larryniler@gmail.com>
Sent: Fri, Sep 4, 2009 2:24 am
Subject: Memories

Just found this website, cause I was telling my wife about Shotzkins, she Googled it, and somehow I ended up here. Lived at 3025 W 32nd from 1959-1969, then moved to Staten Island with the first group of 'refugees' to cross the Verranzano. Went to 188, 288, 90, Mark Twain and Lincoln, but was a junior when we moved. This site brings back many great memories. (The 'Big Park', cooling off in the ocean after numerous games of basketball, stickball, handball, slapball, softball, whiffle ball--what a great place to be a kid!) I left NY in 1977, and ended up in Colorado. I've been living in Utah for the last 20 years. Married with a kid in college. Remember the 'Tenants Patrol'? My dad Marty (deceased) was one of the founders. Although I love the West, I will always hold fond memories of the Projects, and wouldn't trade growing up there for anything. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

Larry Niler

From: Alarming10@aol.com
Sent: Sat, Sep 26, 2009 5:10 pm
Subject: Coney Island --in another life

I used to just get a kick out of looking back---now I'm at a stage where I get a serious tear in my eye and then get compelled to call my best friend of 50 years to reminisce----it's incomprehensible for the kids of today to really know where we're coming from when we speak of how sweet those years were
My younger brother, who I fought with as a kid---never got along as well as when we spent the day together on our own at Steeplechase Park

Rob (Bobby) K ---Marlboro Houses in the 60's

From: Joey D. <joeglennis@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 29, 2009 9:01 am
 

Dear Kim,
Thank you for the GREAT MEMORIES. Everything you describe was perfect and the little thoughts were evern more perfect. thank you, When my best friend Dwayne and i grew up there from when we were born in '62 till i moved away in 79, we have had the best times there. we lived right there at 31st and Surf in the CI Houses. oh by the way. Dwayne and myself remain best friends after 47 years now. Thats what our lives meant to us.
Thank you,
Joe DiGerolamo

From: Larry <lweinb@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun, Jan 25, 2009 1:42 pm
Subject: Coney island

Reading your website-great memories/I lived on the corner of Mermaid & w.25th, address was 2428 Mermaid Ave. in the 1950's-1960's. I remember Sinrods, Sam's Toystore, the luncheonette on W.24th.I went to Mark Twain & then Lafayette High.Used to get my haircuts at Dave's Barbershop on Mermaid. Went to PS 80 with June Kampf, David Louie, Barry Finkelstein, Danny Pisark, Anthony Balogna, David Fisher, a host of others I can't remember now.My sister Ellen went to Lincoln High-was friends with Sheila who's parents owned a restaurant named Kirsch's across the street from Nathan's. Would love to hear from someone who remembers me.

Larry Weinberg
lweinb@yahoo.com

West 22nd Street 
Date: 11/22/2008 1:16:13 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: ileumi242@msn.com 

I just wanted to thank you 
Date: 11/4/2008 5:42:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Steve.Lattman@springfieldprecision.com 

      I grew up in the Surf Projects, from ages 2 through 19, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1971. 
I left New York many years ago, and have only recently returned to NY to complete a business project, which will end soon. I live in Atlanta.
Perhaps there was a hole in the universe, but I’ve suddenly found myself reconnecting to the people of my youth, and I have discovered a couple of fabulous 

web sites which have been incredible reminders of my years in Coney Island. 
Thank you for putting your recollections on line. It was a blast, and I’m happy to have shared that connection with you.

Steve Lattman

Stella's restaurant coney island 
Date: 10/6/2008 9:41:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: ChefNCo 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

Re: coney Island 
Date: 10/1/2008 10:16:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Cigirl10454 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 

                                                                                                        my name is Jodie Degen, now 53 years old.
 

Hi JK,

Just found your website, it is great, I lived in CI from 1949 to 1958. Went to PS 80 and Mark Twain. I started the 6th grade at PS 80 I remember I had Mrs Schulman as my teacher, and when I went to Mark Twain I remember Mrs Lamm and Mr. Rothman as two of my teachers. I lived on W. 27th between Mermaid and Neptune and I remember Al Sinrods Store very well. Ziggy Margolis used to live across the street from me. I also remember an empty lot on the corner of W. 27th and Neptune, it had a big billboard that we used to climb all the time and we used to dig holes in the lot and build a little fire and wrap potatoes in foil and bake them, and they tasted so good. Used to hang out at Kaiser park all the time and I was always on the handball courts behind the school. I remember a raft tied up behind the school and we used to go swimming in Gravesend bay from that raft. I also used to hang around with the twins Henry and Pat Cataffo, who lived on W. 25th, we had some great times together. On Surf Ave. in between Washington Baths and Raven Hall Pools. there was a bar, and we used to go behind the bar and sneak into Raven Hall or Washington Baths by climbing the fence and depending on which pool we wanted to go to that day. Always had a great time at the pools. I also worked on Surf Ave. at the Hot Rods For the Jacob Brothers, who owned a lot of games and rides in the amusement area. Then in 1958 before I went into the Navy, I decided to open my own game on Stillwell Ave, between Surf and the Boardwalk and had a great summer. I used to hang around Bay Eight and just about lived under the boardwalk, they had the Bop House there and we always danced in the sand. What a great way to live. I never went to ALHS, but I had a lot of friends there, I used to go to "Z" Cozy Corner luncheonette on the corner of Ave. Z and Coney Island Ave. and meet a lot of my friends there that went to ALHS. Some of the people I remember well are Barbara Lipschitz, who changed her name to Lipton for obvious reasons. I also see you have an e-mail from Lenny Dunn whom I remember well. I also remember Marvin Frankel and Larry Sklute who used to live on Mermaid Ave. I was one of the greasers that used to wear my mortorcycle jacket and had my DA haircut.

Coney Island in the 50's was one of the greatest places to grow up in your formative years, stay out all day and all night without problems, have the beach, the amusement area, Kaiser Park, all the stores on Mermaid Ave, all the good friends, all good memories. Some of the other friends I remember are Vick Parsowith who I belive lived on W. 33 St. and Alan Finklestein who lived on Mermaid Ave. and of course there was one black kid whom I remember well and that is Randolph McEady who lived on W. 25th St. If there is anyone out there that remembers me, just contact me at j_verdi@msn.com and I will be glad to hear from you.

 
My Name is Jerry Verdi and I am 68 years young
 
Love your web site

j_verdi@msn.com

Hi JK:

In trying to find a yearbook from Mark Twain JR High I stumbled across your website. It just blew my mind away. The first letter I read was from my sister-in-law. In reading all the letters on the website I couldn’t help but write you.  I grew up in Coney Island, my family moved a lot, but I went to P.S. 188 till I was in the fifth grade. I remember Howard Plancher (probably spelled that wrong, I remember Cheryl Strickland, Lorraine Moore, Lorraine DeJesus , Ronnie King, Kathleen Murray. We moved for a few years, but then moved back in May 1962. Went to Mark Twain and finished the seventh grade. I was in 8-9 and 9-10. I still have my autograph book that has so many names of the people I knew. Some good friends was Bernadette, Emily, Vivian, Cheryl, I had Mr. Wald as a homeroom teacher in 9-10 I remember the sounds and the smells during the summer, Nathan’s hot dogs, the smell of cotton candy, corn on the cob, the fireworks on the boardwalk, with the Schaffer Beer barge being towed in. The guy on the beach with a band around his head yelling hot knishes, cold drinks, the Mr. Softy truck, and a time when the man would come with his trucking yelling water melon. Sometimes a truck would come by with a ride on it, usually a little Ferris wheel. We lived on West 33rd, West 37th and finally in Seagate. I remember going to Our Lady of Solace, Fri night dances at the churches gym, father Hassen, Sister Gabriel Marie, just to name a few. Didn’t have to be catholic to go, just have your 15 cents to get in. Winters were cold, but walking on the broadwalk in the winter, everything shut down, the snow covering everything, the sand all white, and gray skies, so eerie and yet so beautiful, so quiet except for the wind sometimes. I remember my mother sending me to Burgers Meat Market for cold cuts, I remember Dr. Wallman, I remember some of those stores mentioned by others. I remember pat Boyle, Kathy Amato, Louie Herturra (sorry if I spelt it wrong), Harvey Fast, Patrick Patterson, Daniel Walters, Vivian Carter, Maria Diaz, Emily Haley, Arlene Burner, James Whitaker, a guy named Jacob M, Alex Olson (who sadly passed away some years ago) I could go on and on and maybe I will next time. Whose knows maybe someone will tell me where I could get a yearbook, maybe a copy.

Thanks for this website, thanks to all who took the time to share there memories. 

My madien name Rosemarie Zverina

Abyss1948@aol.com

hi

Just wanted to let you know that you did a great job with this site. i am reading and having such flashbacks to special places that my family and i really enjoyed. We particularly loved Kaiser park and certainly the beach with Tuesday night FIREWORKS!  My dad and Al Sinrod were competitors in those days. It was Schwartz's Mens Shop or Sinrod's. We were on 25th and Mermaid and Al was on 27th and Mermaid. My sister Rosy (older than me) and my baby brother Steven, always stayed in the store. Some people remember my brother riding around Mermaid Ave with a special bike. It was a copy of a Trotter from the racetrack up in the Catskills. Now, I have 3 children of my own, whom I am very proud of. My oldest son has his own charity called NEFCA.org (National Entertainment for the Cultural Arts) which he created to perpetuate the entertainment/culture in the young Jewish community. He will be producing his 4th annual premiere Purim Shpiel at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway on March 17th ..all the funds raised go to Taglit Birthright. My daughter is in finance and my youngest is in commercial real estate. My husband and I raised our children in NJ where we have lived for 30+ years.

Love to hear and find some old friends.

i am still in touch with Harriet Spiegl from Florsheim shoes on 28th street and Arlene Podolsky from the 25th street Buthcher shop as well as Anita and Morris Berger from the 27th street Butcher.

Thanks again for this great job.

Esther

est5k@aol.com

Dear Kim:

Early this morning in the desert sands of a distant city of the southwest, in the small town of Las Vegas, I came upon your site through the graciousness of a fellow former Brooklynite. Although the boundaries of Coney Island were drawn by the inlets and shores, outsiders from the streets of nearby Bensonhurst and Ocean Parkway were truly part of the Coney Island experience of our youth and still, in our hearts.  remained in that Coney Island state of yesterday by continuing to teach at FDR High School in Bensonhurst. I saw many generations of fads, youngsters and the dawn of the new age that stemmed from the roots of our Coney Island.I was born on West Fourth Street in Brooklyn, somewhere between Bensonhurst and Ocean Parkway, and still recall my very first hotdog at Nathan's that my dear, departed father, Jacques Thaler, bought for me. My parents grew up across from each other on East Third Street, between Quentin Road and Avenue P. My mother was one of the students (Blanche Dinerman Thaler) from the January 1936 graduating class of Abraham Lincoln High School. Many of my paternal uncles and aunts attended Lincoln and I, in my first teaching year, taught at Lincoln. the beaches at Coney Island were not only a retreat for the masses, but salvation for those who were growing up in the Great Depression. My Uncle Chickie (Stanley) sold knishes on the beach to have pocket money when he was a lad. This was many years before my time, I was a child of the sixties, but the wealth of culture was passed onto me through tales and stories that were part of our heritage.  Food - glorious food - seemed to dominate earlier generations, but I loved to go to L & B Spumoni Gardens - Lundy's, Randazzo's, Jahn's, and Brennan and Carr on Avenue U. The cafeterias are all gone, the myriad movie palaces turned to demolition dust and a new population from the four corners of the world have come to call Coney Island their own, just as we did in our times.  I remember - I remember - I remember - yes - memories are what hold us to the ground and let our wings soar into our future lives...take out your yearbooks - laugh and cry at those faces and times - some of them blurred into negatives lost fighting wars of our country and some in wars and battles of their own. We who are able to still reflect are blessed by being able to continue walking that tightrope across the timelines and get the supreme rush of the Cyclone. Though we are in the eye of the storm, those memories are etched and forever chronicled in our minds.

Thank you for creating this site - from a lady who chronicles life daily as a journalist and adjunct professor of film genre at UNLV. Images + words = photos (sepia, black and white, color) = the reality of our existence - that we are still here, surviving another Fourth of July....Now, let your mind's reel roll...

My blessings to all!

Lucille Thaler

lululit0202@aol.com

Thanks for the memories...

I grew up on West 22nd and 23rd Streets. Coney Island was a great place to be during the attending PS 80, Mark Twain days even attending school out of the area, PS 60, Reynolds JH and Sheepshead Bay HS. It was great!  Coney Island has changed. I remember the racial unrest, which contributed to, at the time, an evolving community of color as well as the lack of resources within the heavily populated community of color. Still, as they say, there were the worse and best of times. The Steeplechase, The Parachute, The Wonder Wheel, Nathan's hot dogs, knishes, A great Chinese restaurant on Mermaid Ave, between 24 and 25th streets, Al Sinrod's, Irving's grocery store, formerly owned by the Harris Family, the Jewish Synagogue on the corner of 23rd and Mermaid, The Boardwalk and the beach, The Aquarium, PS 80, mark Twain, Lincoln HS and Our Lady of Solace, the Library on 19th street... and so much more.  My mother, Lilly died in the 70's, my brother, James Williams graduated from Lincoln HS. I am currently in the process of doctoral studies completion at Columbia University and other family members are all alive and well  Although I do not recall many of the people responding to this website, I do realize that we all have Coney Island memories in common, the good, the bad and the ugly. Fond regards to everyone.

Be well,

Umi (Cynthia a Coney Island gal)

ileumi242@msn.com

Coney Island Memories 
Date: 1/13/2008 7:31:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: angiebingo@mail.com 

    I love this website. It has brought so many memories back to me. I was raised in Brooklyn and spent my childhood in and around Coney Island. (1950 to 1967) This was the greatest time to grow up in Coney Island. I went to PS 80, Mark Twain Junior High and Sarah Hale High School. I lived on 25th Street between Mermaid and Surf Avenue. I lived in a house that was once a motel in the middle of the block. I was so young at this time I referred to this house as the Castle House. If anyone has any information or pictures of this building I would be most appreciative if you would email them to me. I have told my family about my fondest memories of this house and I would like to share them. When I was 6 years old, My family and I moved to 24th Street between Mermaid and Neptune Avenue. We lived in the Bungalo near the empty lot, while there we made some great friends (Carol, Janet, Donna, Debbie, Doris, Barbara, Tyrone, Alex, Krucheif, Cookie, Charles, and Rosie etc...) We played Stoopball, Johnny on a Pony, Kick the Can, Punch and Stick ball on the streets. When the games were going good, a car would come by and we would have to stop and then resume again. In the distant we would hear the Mr. Softy truck the game would stop we all ran home to get money from our family to have a single or double ice cream cone. We would then hangout on the stoop listening to the greatest music from the 60's. Does anyone remember Stoopball, Hit the Penny, Oliver Twist with the ball, Double Dutch, Boxball and Most of all the Spinning Tops with the Strings? I have one put away. Mark Twain used to open up during the summer, where the gang would get together and do all kinds of sports and games. We had competition with other schools and we had the best Punchball team. Even when the ball pop out of Carol's hands when she tried to catch it.My brother, sisters and I spent many days on the beach during those summers. We loved being on the beach during the windy days so we could body surf in the high waves. We played on the rocks and we were always getting yelled at by the lifeguards. When the life guard blew his whistle everyone on the beach went running to see what was going on. Saturdays were spent at the Mermaid Theater. 15 cents to enter and 6 cents for a candy bar and 20 cents for popcorn and soda. Does anyone remember the Matron who worked there and her favorite saying when she was going up and down the aile was "Lets be quiet". Nathans and Knishes must I say more. I would give my eye teeth for an Original Coney Island Round Knish in the little wax paper bag with salt in them. We have imitation Nathans on our store shelves in Georgia. Why bother!!!!!

I must get my thoughts together to add more I will close for now, my memories are full of wonders that took place during my childhood. Part two will come soon.

To the Good Memories: Angela, Margo, Phillip and Helen D. from 24th Street

Coney Island et al 
Date: 1/3/2008 5:11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: agrexmd@gmail.com 

Wow.

For the past couple of years I've been working on a screenplay about Brooklyn in 1965. I lived on 13thAve and 46th Street but took the BMT to Stilwell Ave every opportunity I could, hung out on, and mostly below, the Boardwalk. I also used to ride my bike to Bay Ridge to watch the finishing touches being put on the Verrazano Bridge before it opened that year. We moved to Queens in 1966, and I left New York in 1970, only to return last year after a long spell as just an occasional visitor to my parents' home. This past summer I went back to Coney and was so disheartened to see that almost all the old Boardwalk life was gone, the Parks boarded up, the parachute ride rusty. God, I remembered being educated in three card Monte, poker, the proper use of slugs...tossing ping pong balls into goldfish bowls and taking the fish home on the subway in plastic bags.A character in my film will actually be living in her 'Psychic Reading' storefront under the Boardwalk - I'd be interested if you or anybody else has any memories of things like that. Either way, a wonderful web site and clearly a labor of love - I wish I could find some of the old photos and upload them to you. With all the 'development talk' going on right now several people have told me to get the damn script written, and shot, before all the old stuff is razed. Makes me want to round up a few of my old bros and go have a 'talking to' with some of these so called purveyors of urban progress...

Best, and Happy New Year

Andrew Roth, M.D.

Coney Island Memories 
Date: 12/31/2007 4:31:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: jill7lipton@ix.netcom.com 

Reading both your stories and visitor's comments remind me of what life was life all those years ago.

I grew up in Coney Island; living on 35th street right across from PS 188 (which I attended) and then moved to 33rd Street off of Neptune Avenue. I attended Mark Twain JHS and then graduated from Lincoln in 1967. Reading the names of former friends is amazing and it brings me back to a time of innocence. Someone wrote in an email this year about Michael B. and the effects of his rather unfortunate decisions. I remember Michael well as I was a friend of his. There was a mention about Howie Vogel - Howie and I "dated" in elementary school. He gave me the nickname "Hot Lips" (I think we were in 3rd or 4th grade) David Louie was also a good friend, I wonder how he is doing now. My friends and I got into a little trouble on the Senior trip to Washington and David was singled out by the school and received the harshest penalty. I could make a comment about why but I think it's obvious to those of us who grew up in a less enlightened era. Max Friedman was my boyfriend in my senior year and, with the exception of my husband of 29 years (and counting), I think he was one of the more influential individuals of my life. I don't think I would be what I am or who I am now without his support my senior year in Lincoln.

I suspect that as we close out 2007, I felt like reaching out to all those people who I knew when I understood so little about life.

To all, I wish you health, peace and happiness as we take our legacies of Coney Island and Lincoln HS. into the New Year and beyond.

Fondly,  Jill (Friedman) Lipton

Kensington, Maryland

Hi Kim,

I just came on your website and found it very interesting. I also had lived in Coney Island, and in fact was looking just now for something that I have been looking for, for some time now. It was the Chinese restaurant that was there. I used to live there in Coney Island during about 1961 to about 1962, (or there-abouts). I was only a kid at the time. I have some good memories and some sad memories as well. It seems perhaps I remember some other things not mentioned here. I was perhaps with a different set of kids, and lower down in streets that were mentioned here. I was attending P.S. 80 and was in about 4th and 5th grade. My picture I know, was in the school's yearbook. I wish now that I had one. I wish I could see some of the friends that I knew. Some I still remember the names of. Such names as Karen Mura (Was Japanese), Barry Finkelstein, there was a Judy, Raymond Desoto (or Destefano - something like that), and last but not least, there was a Chinese fellow (From Hong Kong) named David (Last name forgotten), who's parents owned the Chinese restaurant that I was looking for. He was a very good friend of mine!! He had two brothers. One brother had gone back to his grandmother's in Hong Kong about a year. His name was Charlie. I believe the restaurant was about between 24th and 25th Streets on Mermaid Avenue. When I first lived there in Coney Island, me and my family had lived on Surf Avenue right across from the Steeplechase!! Then we moved down to 22nd Street. We lived just a short distance down from a grocery store that was on the corner. I wonder if anyone remembers that? I was there when we got the tail-end of Hurricane Donna. Does anyone remember that? I wish I could find out the name and whereabouts of a girl who I knew as a neighbor to me there. on 22nd Street. Oh yes, there also was a Margaret Weinstein who lived on Mermaid Ave and was in my class at P.S. 80. She was Jewish. Maybe there is someone around who may remember or know of some of these people.

Allen

macallen@operamail.com

    Hi JK, My name is Susan Grodowitz (maiden name). I grew up in Coney Island and lived at various addresses on Mermaid Avenue and
 24th Street in the late 50's until my parents moved us to NJ about 1962. I attended PS 188, PS 80 and Mark Twain Jr. High School. And, 
although Jewish, I often went to Our Lady of Solace after lunch with a young man named Thomas??? And no, I wasn't killed but one time I 
went to confession and "confessed" my Jewish faith only to be scolded by the priest. When I started to cry, he made the nuns give me 
cookies till I stopped as long as I promised never to come back! I never did (too scared!). My BFF was Molly Morgenstern and we were often 
chased up and down the street during a stick ball game by Jeffrey Eagle and Steven Kessler (that is until we all turned about 10!). I would 
love to get in touch with some of these folks! I have often tried to find a connection online but THIS is the first time I think I have 
actually found one! Please let me know if you can help me locate some of my friends! AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU for making my lifelong memories
 so vividly come back to life! You ought to make your stories into a book! Or have you? I am sure there are lots of folks who would enjoy 
reading them as much as I have! THANK YOU again and again! Happy New Years! Susan

 Hi There, What a special treat! I can't believe it! I haven't seen anyone of the "old crowd" for a very, very long time. My parents lost most of our photos in Hurricane Donna...and so these two photos are just priceless to me! YES, we were in Mrs. Sunshine's class.....!!! And Louis Frankel, what a crew we were. My goodness.....all of those memories come rushing in! I have tried for years to find any hit of the old gang on the internet....

This is so miraculous! I can't believe my eyes or ears! I received email from Lauren Singer and, guess who, Steven Kessler. I will include Steven's email here because he has info about David Louie and Molly Morgenstern.....I can't thank you enough for starting this website! IT makes my heart sing!  . Mrs. Sunshine! WOW...that is really special! I have so many memories from her class! ...please keep in touch. I will see if I can find any photos....I love the photos!!! You were sure a handsome group of boys!

 raysa524@aol.com  

   Yes, I do remember...how are you...I lived @2606 w 25th st. between mermaid and neptune jeffrey lived round the corner.. 
I don't remember smashing his grandfathers records,,or the time
in the loew's movie..i spoke to david louie  2 weeks ago , he's selling insurance in china town..
marlene (now marlene brown)moved from nyc to miami several years back.shes doing fine..never
heard a sound from jeffrey since high school. I do remember being in mrs sunshine class in fact Michael falcon contacted me serveal
 months ago and we discussed the seven stevens in that class. I had  a car dealership in nyc for many years and thru those years many classmates + 
friends came by..those coney island days were wonderful and simple i don't remember a bad day..i just went to a news party and carol canter 
from beach haven was there she went to mark twain.happy new year you brought back great memories..steven
 
Steven Kessler
Kessler Auto Group,Inc
www.kesslerautogroup.com

Re: you took me home 
Date: 12/2/2007 10:27:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: dadcheck@gmail.com 

JK, Thanks for responding.  I remember Enid. (just from Blanche) Enid must know Barbara Escowitz(formerly Lashever) I spent most of the day
just reading those letters. I find it so funny I can't remember what happened yesterday, but I remember CI 6 3131. One funny little sorry.
Nathans phone # was CI 6 3161, we use to get about 2-3 a day for them.One night the phone rings, and the guy says NATHAN'S,  my mother said
go take a shit for yourself and hung up. a min. later the phone rings again and my mother made my father answer it.  The same guy say's
"tell your wife to take a Shit for herself" and he hung up. Was there a guy  that worked (maybe owned) the Huba Huba named Jerry? My mother
use to drag me and my little brother to all the shops on Mermaid Av. They were all good friends. I know Blanche and I'm sure Enid, will
know Cissy. Thanks again David Donchek...

I was sitting around tonight and I decided to type in Mermaid Ave. I saw and read some great things. I then had the bright idea to type in
Hubba Hubba Coney Is.  Here I am. WOW I am simply blown away.  I grew up  at 2688 west 33rd street. 4 blocks to the right was the beach and
1/2 block to the left was the bay. I watched the Verrazano Bridge go up. My parents are Phil and Cissy Donchek. I'm David, and Elliot and
Jay are my Older brothers. My older sister is Marilyn.  In 1973 my younger brother Mark was murdered He was 16.  Sinrods was where my
mother bought us our back to school clothes.  I got my Bar Mitzvah Dinner Jacket at Sinrods. All the tuxes for my sister's wedding came
from there also.  Every Sunday my father went to Meyersons for fresh rolls. My mother and Blanche were very good friends. My mother (Cissy)
is 86 years old and lives in Jersey, about 5years now near my sister. she lived for about 25 years in Deerfield Beach Fla. I went to P.S.
188 and than busing came in and was made to go to P.S. 225 I went to Seth Low and Lafayette. Somewhere in the mid to late 60's the City
bought our house and we moved to 501 Surf  Ave. Bright Water Towers. We had the D train on one side and the cyclone on the other. To this
day I can't sleep in total quiet. My mother and Blanche were friends with Lee And Jack Lashever (spelling might be wrong) They had Lee's Specialty Shop. Lee
and Jack moved into Bright Water. Didn't Blanche live there? Barbara and Sidney Escowitz (Lee's Daughter) also lived there. Barbara's son
Hal is a Doctor.. My brother's Jay and Elliot were cops 60 or 62 percent. Both retired from the force Elliott is Vice President of
Security at a Major Brokerage House. I live in Boston now, 2 blocks  from Fenway Park.  I have been here about 25 years and I have become a
Red Sox fan (sorry). It was so great looking at all the neat stuff. I will be sure to turn the rest of the family on to this.  Thanks for
taking the time to do this.  Hope to speak to you soon.  David A. 
Donchek  dadcheck@gmail.com

Re: FW: Mark Twain Reunion 
Date: 11/24/2007 11:27:58 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: CHARNA B1 

 Hi, 
That is the most hilarious story. 
I too enjoyed many hours of fun ringing bells & running. I guess it is a "Brooklyn primal thing."
I am delighted to know it is still as much fun as it was then. Next time try making some phony phone calls !! 

LOL, LOL, LOL. Thanks so much for visiting my dad. He had a wonderful time.
And thanks for the photos (Michael forwarded them to me.)

Charna Ball
Mannie's daughter 
SF, CA

OMG!!!
IS THAT YOU???
That is FABULOUS.
It was one of the Best e-mails I have received.
I received it from a cousin a while ago.
I already sent it to EVERYONE from Brooklyn I know.
I am tooooooo impressed!!!
Wait until I tell everyone.
What a Small world.
Charna 

11/12/2007 5:51:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Kl435 

Dear Kim,
 
Was reading all the emails......my name is Ethel Lenes and I graduated Lincoln H.S. in June of 1952
 
Was in Class Night "GOOD NEWS"  played opposite Louis Gossitt Jr.
 
Looking to chat with any of the graduates of that year.................
 
Just email me

those were the days 
Date: 10/31/2007 7:57:25 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: AdGirl22 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 

Enjoyed reading your web site along with all the email you received.  I was born and raised in CI, attended PS 188(lived across the
 street in the Gravesend projects).MTwain and Lincoln.('72)  We moved to the O’Ddwyer projects as a teenager.  My brother David was 
a lifeguard in Seagate for a few years,  I remember fondly my first love Marty Goldstein of Sea gate.   I remember   hanging at the 
JCC on Surf Ave, the beach on 35th street, Jack’s Luncheonette, of course the Huba Huba –but unfortunately I stayed too long ,didn't’t move
 out till around 1970.  Boy things had really changed by then.  I remember my 1st boyfriend, Charlie Denson, who happened to have written 
a book about CI.  Those were the days my friends. I am still great friends with my very first friend from CI—Sheri Rosenberg(her grandfather 
owned the deli).  My name was Shelley Stern  

Coney is the best 
Date: 10/22/2007 2:43:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Turkbl 

Coney  Island Memories 
Date: 9/25/2007 1:14:55 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Sollevysales@Socal.rr.com 

Coney Island 
Date: 8/6/2007 9:31:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: narnia@nyc.rr.com 

Hey Glassman,

I saw your post on the Yankees newsgroup with the link to your site. I just looked briefly at your website and it blew my mind. I have to
read more when I have some time. Did your family own a store named Sinrod's on Mermaid Avenue?  By any chance are the girls on the bus Caryn Dickman, Tina Perlmutter,
and Nancy with straight blonde hair, can't remember her last name, I think Silverman? I was friends with them, they were all in my class!
My parents were from Coney, and I was born in 1950 and lived on 30th Street. We grew up loving the Yanks and not the Dodgers because my dad
idolized Gehrig. He played ball in Kaiser Park on the weekends, and the only way I could get to see him was to go watch him play ball. I
had no choice but to be a baseball fanatic. My brother played in Kaiser Park too, and one day a special person joined them in the game
- the great Koufax! I have so many terrific memories of Coney Island. It was really a magical place in which to grow up.

~Susan Peters

Coney Island 
Date: 8/6/2007 9:12:14 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: speters@si.rr.com 

Hi! Great website.

I grew up in Coney Island in the 50’s & 60’s. We moved form 30th street to Luna Park. I met my wife in the Surf Projects in 1960. I went to Mark Twain and hung out in Kaiser Park and then Sea Gate. I was friends with Mark Horwitz, (note the spelling) whose father Sam owned the Mermaid Theater before he became a City Councilman.

Are you related to Al Sinrod, from the clothing store? I may have rented a tuxedo from him. I may have even met you!

Steve Peters

Your site is just wonderful, reading the stories and emails, just brought back so many memories. Memories that I can remember like they were yesterday,that all the good times and life were so simple back in those days as compared to now. So sad that the children of today have to experience the new age and not able to experience the simple ways as we all knew it. I didn't grow up in Coney Island but can remember once a year as a little girl, going to Steeplechase Park, hoping that when they punched my ticket, they would make a mistake giving me a chance at another ride. Not worrying if I wasn't too far from my parents, it seemed like we had full rein of the park in those days. And those nasty ugly clowns zapping everyone coming off the horse ride. The SCRAMBLER which thrilled us all. The Swinging cars of the WONDER WHEEL and the CYCLONE ROLLER COASTER. I can remember when my dad would pile us all in the 1956 Green Chevy, and going to Nathans for some hot dogs and french fries in the cup and washing it all down with that ice cold orange drink. And my Uncle introducing me to FROGS LEGS. The cotton candy, jelly apples and just the smell in the air. You always knew you were getting close to the beach, because as you came closer the tar roads would turn into the old cobblestone, and the cobblestone road meant you were there. I remember taking the train with my mom, carrying all that beach stuff, seemed like a mile walk from the Stillwell Station to the boardwalk, and then another mile from the boardwalk to the shoreline where we always liked it best, and all of a sudden how the tide came in, washing your stuff all over the place. Losing your favorite piece of jewelry in the sand and not being able to find it, how devasting it was at the time. The good humor guy selling ice cream, and how fast you had to eat it before it melted away. The seagulls stealing your food. Then leaving, all that sand stuck in between your toes and have to do all that walking again. The fireworks, ride the cyclone, stand and watch the laughing FAT LADY and everyones reaction. Such great times we had. Growing up playing SKULLY, KICK THE CAN, MOTHER MAY I, READ LIGHT GREEN LIGHT, JOHNNY ON THE PONY and how to make a scooter out of old skates and a crate. Zip guns, the ones you made with rubber bands and a clothespin, we use to use old pieces of linoleum floors and shoot them at each other, actually we had some pretty good wars with each other. Stoop ball, stickball, and of course roller derby, use to use the sewer plates as the turning point. Sidewalk chalk put in socks, throw it under a car or bus to smash it so you could swing the socks and make marks all over the place. Bicycles with baseball cards to hear the clicking on the spokes, balloons worked just as well. Then in the winters...skitching..remember that, hanging onto the car bumpers and sliding in the snow. Then running like heck when the driver realized you were doing it. So many things back then, and your MOM yelling out the window when to come home, or throwing out a dime in a tissue wrapped in a rubberband when the GOOD HUMOR or BUNGALOW BAR ice cream truck came around. The rides, they were the best, the WHIP, the HALF MOON. The Mr Softee ice cream truck, that use to have what was called DING DONGS..vanilla creamy ice cream with the chocolate syrup? anyone remember those? For every 5 ding dongs we bought we would get a little coupon..collect 5 of those tickets and get a free one. Even with good humor ice cream at one time, collect certain pop sticks and you would get one free. When was the last time anyone saw a CLARK BAR...remember those? Great candy. Then let's not forget MURRAY THE K..and the SWINGIN SWARAY..at the FOX Theatre on Flatbush Ave. Driving through bensonhurst at anytime would always make me think of the GODFATHER...the guys sitting outside with their suits and cigars playin cards on wooden crates, how about the men in the parks playin BOCCHI BALL, no one would ever think of messin with those guys. White t shirts, rolled up sleeves with a pack of cigarettes, black garrison belts with the buckle to the side and black shoes and LEE dungarees with the leather patch on the back. I can remember anytime my mom sent me to the store to buy Camel cigarettes, the pennies in the pack of cigarettes? Nathans, and the panhandlers can't forget about those guys. The hookers on Mermaid Avenue. Well those were the good times, however the neighborhodd went from good to bad in such a short time. The beaches weren't crowded like they use to be, it was dangerous to walk along the boardwalk or for that matter go anywhere down there. Even to go to the sholck vendors that overtook the area. Then in the 90's the neighborhood seemed to be getting better, they brought back the fireworks in Coney Island, and people were out and about. It was better before I left Brooklyn 4 years ago and moved to Las Vegas, and still to this day, I yearn for the smells of the ocean air of Brooklyn, and most of all, I miss MY FAMOUS NATHANS.

Diann

diannwingsiii@yahoo.com

    I just received the link to your website and it brought so many memories back for me and tears and of course laughter. I use to live at 34 Corbin Place in Brighton Beach and I went to PS 225 on Oceanview View Ave. and Brighton 12th Street and my phone number back then was NI 6 7389 which of course was as we know it now 646..my years growing up in Brighton Beach were some of the best times of my life. Stoop ball, basketball in the school yard, handball which I played for hours till my hands and arms couldn't take it anymore, paddle ball, oh geezze all those great times, and remembering hearing my mom call me to come home for supper. Now all you hear is...moms yelling get off the computers. I use to work in Benny's fruit market on Brighton Beach Ave, right off Corbin Place, and I can remember it being so hot that I would sit in the freezer to cool off on those hot summer Brooklyn Days. Some of my friends from school was Ira Schuster, Mitchell Moskowitz, Melvin Pisscoss, Gregory Reid, Larry Learner, and of course lets not forget the Alfatick twins..(not sure of the spelling of the last name) Richie and Robby the twins, their father owned the grocery store on Brighton Beach Ave, which as of a couple of years ago was still there, Richie owning and running the store. And of course my dear friend Richard Jacoby, who's father use to own the picture frame store on West End Ave. I still keep in touch with Richard as of this day, but would love to hear from anyone if they read this. I moved from Corbin Place to 2765 Bragg Street, and loved those nights in Coney Island. Of course how can we not forget those Tuesday nights going to Nathans and eating as many hot dogs as we could eat. Then going on the bumper car rides and hanging out on the boardwalk. Those memories of Steeplechase Park, the clowns, the parachute jump, which I never went on, because I was too young at the time, then before you know it, Steeplechase Park was closed down, and the only thing remaining was the parachute jump. Each time I looked at the Parachute, I could always hear the sounds of screaming people as it was coming down. I can still hear in my mind, the people on the crowded beach at Coney Island in the summertime. You always had to be there it seemed at the crack of dawn to get a spot on the beach. I use to hang out on the famous BAY 1, I was the guy that use to anchor my air mattress off of BAY 1 and the Esplanade and bath in the sun all day on those hot SUMMER DAYS. Oh the POOL room on Brighton 8th street, boy did we have a good time there, and the Brighton Beach Baths, we use to go to the roof and look down at the solarium where all the naked woman would be and try to think of which one would be our FIRST...lol. The endless train rides, jumping the turnstiles, going to Manhattan and back. Least but not last, the MILE MARKER STONES on OCEAN PARKWAY, and the CONCRETE ISLANDS in the middle of the intersections on OCEAN PARKWAY, which everyone use to hit with their cars, and the trolley cars on Ocean Avenue. I can go on and on....but I think I have said enough for now. Thanks for the great site and memories,

Jan Friedman

janwingsiv@cox.net

PS...I live in SIN CITY LAS VEGAS NOW....LOL THE PLACE TO BE WHEN RETIRED.

Kim and the rest of the Coney Island Crew,

Thanks for the nostalgia check-in. Always great to have someone fire a few old brain cells up – at least what’s left of them. Having lived at 2402 W.24th St., I can still picture all the stuff on the shelves in the store. Any of you used to hang out at Harold Goldkank’s shop between Mermaid and Neptune on 24th. Where he used to build his radio controlled airplanes? I always liked the smell of the ‘dope’ that he’d used on the nylon stockings he used to cover the wings.  Anyone remember the name of the Chinese restaurant on the North side of Mermaid between 24th & 25th? Golden Dragon, Golden Budda??  I remember during the winter when they’d let us our for recess at the Yeshiva (hated that place), one kid would distract the guy selling the chick peas and another guy would swipe a bunch from his cart. One of my happiest days at the Yeshiva was the day in the middle of the school year I got kicked out and had to go to PS80 with Anthony Pinto, Howie Edlestein and others. Next year I went to PS205 then Seth Low, then Lincoln. The neighborhoods changed a bit from when we we’re playing stickball in the streets Reminds me why I move to the Left Coast. Hopefully some of the attached photos do the same for you.

Though I was class of ’68, I’m not proud. I might attend a class of ’67 get together.

Regards….Andy

ALHS Class of 1967 
Date: 8/4/2007 11:28:44 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: condor@metrocast.net 

I am honored to check in and "report for nostalgic duty" on my Coney Island years......  Those 5 cents soda machines near Jerry's knish on the boardwalk, Carolina restaurant (now a Chinese buffet),
West 5th street handball courts, Gargulio's restaurant (both still going strong), Atlantis Bar (Willie Nelson, eat your heart out), Stillwell & boardwalk, and YESS...those naked zaftig ladies at Washington Baths !!! 
3,300 graduates, ALHS class of 1967 (Loews Kings - Flatbush, now a Baptist Church). Honorable mentions: Mike Fandal, ex-NYPD, Sal Licastri & Warren Richman, USPS, and class 
president Michael Blutrich serving time in a federal institution. Fond remembrances of David Louie's family restaurant, Mermaid & W. 24th street, the 85 cents
three course lunches, Sam's toyland, Louie's (10 cents a slice) square pizza, and the Shorefront "Y" where everyone attended day camp.
Good to see Maurice Bank (a fellow Yeshiva alumni and maverick dodgeball player in his time) checking in. Nice to also see the likes of Steve Kessler & Larry Sobelman (everyone's favorite
boy scout). Where is Howie Vogel (the Eddie Haskell of Coney Island) these days? Sadly, the only good knishes left are in Manhattan (Y. Shimmel's or Zabars). No more good deli's
or bakeries anywhere, other than Lower East side. When you are ready for a Coney Island reunion, count me in !!!
 
Ken Rick - 
Northwood, New Hampshire

Date: 7/13/2007 9:02:36 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: Cotnermsbabbles@aol.com

   I sent you a nice email about the wonderful story you posted.  Well done, indeed!  You forgot Pasqaul and Calito. I remember Yosso
cheating at cards.  Should have bopped him one, but I couldn't punch my way out of a paper bag then.  You had to do all my fighting
for me. Thanks for that! 24th street, the snowball fights and Larry Zeller's pee in the bottle.  Yuk! I read your story with great joy and 
tears in my eyes.  The one about the string is the one i told my girlfriend about.  You could have used me for my memory as we would not
have missed a thing in the story of our growing up in Coney Island. The music was marvelous and so well choreographed, as if you didn't know.  
I have terrible arthritis in my neck but i refused to stop reading your wonderful stories, and so now i am in terrible pain, but for the first
time not minding it.  remember ________,  i said his dad was drunk and i didn't come out for a week afraid he would kill me?  (lol) 
So much to talk about,  That guy you buried in the sand, me or zeller?  koenig's father yelling out to him to come up "Joe"!!!!! 
Your dad, "Jordan"!!!! or my father, "Muris, Muris"!!!!  Write again when you can.  For now, well done, and the next time i send a donation
to a Jewish organization i will honor your mom!

regards, 

Maurice Bank

hubba hubba tee shirt 
Date: 7/6/2007 11:05:34 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: sheilableiman@juno.com 

after reading all the great memories of coney island, i looked at the pictures my parents had given me from my days in coney island.
i found pictures in my hubba hubba tee shirt, pictures from 1949 ,when i was 5 years old of me on the tar roof of the pre world war 1 building i
grew up in on 29th street, the fireworks every tuesday night from july 4th to labor day must have cost a fortune to show,but i dont think i ever missed one. i could go out on my rooftop or to the boardwalk to see them.
the elevator building at the corner of 29th and surf seemed like the mark hopkins hotel in san francisco.i lived at 2995 w 29th st and michele
Stein (then Feldman) lived at 2954 w. 29th st and the two of us are still in touch and get to see each other every few years. oh the kinishes, ices, custard stands and the rides and all the wonderful
things the coney island had to off offer people. WOW and of course  nathans and the chinese restaurants in brighton beach.
went to all the same schools as everyone else. heres to you coney island and all the great memories. now i live in az. an article appeared in the newspaper by a howard
seftel. the headlines "Brooklyn kin sink choppers into Chompies" but  nothing can compare with nathans and all the delis of new york. i love
the hotdogs most. still am so loyal to nathans franks. wish every child could have spent at least one year of their childhood living in coney.

sheila

Your Website.. 
Date: 7/7/2007 10:16:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: merlinproject@gmail.com 

Brooklyn 
Date: 5/28/2007 12:47:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: rpixley@bellsouth.net 
Reply To:  
To: jksinrod@aol.com 
 

 
Subject: coney island 
Date: 5/18/2007 4:23:55 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: sheilableiman@juno.com 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod@aol.com 
 

i grew up in coney island and wow does it have good memories for me. i moved there when i was one year old and lived at 2995 west 29th st. when the surf ave projects opened i think in 1956 we moved there to 3028 w 29th. my phone number was es3-1336. i lived on the 10th floor, went to 188, mark twain and lincoln and then brooklyn college. had lots of friends in coney , lots in seagate and lots in beachhaven and further down the beach. i used to play stoop ball when i lived at 2995. it was great. remember the blizzard of 49 when i was 5. thought it was the cats meow, getting to build snomen was a novelty. when i was about 9 my dad decided to give me a treat and we walked the entire boardwalk and stopped at every frozen ices stand and tasted each one to see which was the best. i still love only nathans franks and just the original kind.dont like hebrew national. they taste like imitations.used to walk to the bowery with my friends and some years i had friends who worked them i used to ride for nothing. also had friends who worked frozen ice cream or custard stands and would get for free too. i remember the tidal wave that flooded the streets from the boardwald to the bay. i loved to watch the hurricanes. my friend rickeys sister married neil sedakas cousin, barry. dont know if they are still married. i am in touch with many friedns who went to 188, mark twain,and lincoln. my name is sheila bleiman and it was then.

Growing up Coney Island 
Date: 4/22/2007 1:29:06 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: zastzimm@comcast.net 
 

Your Site 
Date: 3/21/2007 11:49:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: Phil.Wilentz@us.penguingroup.com 
 

With Coney Island soon to become a pale shadow of its former self, it's great that a site such as yours with it's spot-on reminiscences will
carry on those wonderful memories. I grew up in Brooklyn Heights and my memories of taking the elevated train out to Coney on a hot summer day
will forever be etched in my brain. The smell and breezes of the ocean that would come in through the windows of those old trains (the ones
with the wicker seats) are still fresh in my mind. Being a parent myself now, I have imbued my love of Coney in my young daughter 
Great site, great memories. Thanks

Memories
Date: 4/21/2007 4:58:42 P.M. 
From: Ms1Showbis

CONEY ISLAND DAYS 
Date: 1/3/2007 10:31:38 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Lionsgatefarm 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

Thanks for the memories 
Date: 1/1/2007 10:00:10 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: acrocky@msn.com 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod@aol.com 

I grew up in Coney Island on W 21st Street, between Mermaid Ave and Surf Avenue, when it was so safe that we never had to lock our front door. It was a grand childhood and one I cherish and appreciate the ability to share your site with me children. I graduated from PS 80, Mark Twain and then Abraham Lincoln HS in 1961 when there was the sweet shop where Warbass housing now sit. It was wonderful time, a wonderful place and lots of stories I still tell my children.  I remember the Tuesday night fireworks that we watched from the front porch, skating down the street and the wonderful smells of our mothers cooking. I did not matter your background all were welcomed and everyone's mom looked out for the rest of us as they stood on the porch and watched our coming and going.

Your efforts in compiling this information in one place is appreciated.

God Bless

(formerly)Rochelle Karey

Thank you!  
Date: 8/31/2006 11:53:48 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Sidney_Harrington@swissre.com 

JK. I was sitting around a dinner table with friends weeks ago when I relayed my recollections of my one and only experience at Steeplechase
Park. I was all of 10-11 years old and spent a glorious summer with a girlfriend at her grandparents home in the Bronx. We did all of the tourist
junk...which included a day at Coney Island. Margo and I were hell-bent to ride the Steeplechase horse ride, we had no idea what we were getting
into...As I retold the story of our shear terror when we realized this ride exited the building. We clung to each other and anything else we could get
out hands on. We had no idea this thing traveled, seemingly high above the park, as it made its way around the building. My friends didn't  believe a
ride like this could exist in the 60's. You re-telling of your experience helped confirm that  I didn't make this stuff up. Thank you for a wonderful
site.

Your terrorized tourist friend from North Carolina, Sid

Sidney A. Harrington / Swiss Re

Coney Island/Brighton Beach 
Date: 10/7/2006 4:08:52 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: gg73@houston.rr.com 
Reply To:  
To: jksinrod@aol.com 

Years of Tuning in.......... 
Date: 7/29/2006 7:34:02 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: MARINOMKTG 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

PERRY'S ICE PALACE 
Date: 7/8/2006 1:28:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: DianeRNOCN 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

no subject) 
Date: 7/8/2006 4:11:24 A.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Coney EL 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 

Coney Boardwalk 
Date: 6/30/2006 9:48:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: fven2ra@yahoo.com 
Reply To:  
To: jksinrod@aol.com 

A Better Place 
Date: 6/22/2006 5:49:27 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: jules@tampabay.rr.com 
Reply To:  
To: jksinrod@aol.com 
 

4/23/2006 6:04:52 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: BASHAH 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

4/23/2006 1:56:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: SPARKLIE109 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

4/23/2006 11:49:26 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time 
From: IU Mom0418 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

4/17/2006 10:27:16 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time From: alper@ozemail.com.au

Reply To: To: jksinrod@aol.com

Like you I grew up in Coney Island. I lived on W 17th street between Mermaid and Neptune from 1951, when I was born til 1956, then W
19th between Mermaid and Neptune till I left the country in 1973. I   attended Our Lady of Solace and Brooklyn Tech then College on Staten
Island. Reading your site brought back many many sweet memories. My favorite games were stoopball and ringolevio. Stickball was played
in the school yard of PS 80. Ball hitting the ground floor was a single if not caught. 2nd and 3rd floor were doubles and triples and on the roof
was a home run and the end of the game! My great aunt had the concession on the 19th street side of Ravenhall Baths and used to
sneak us in when I was a kid. I remember the Sod-A-Mat and the  waffles with three scoops as well as Jerry's Knishes next door on the
Boardwalk. I also remember playing little league baseball at Kaiser Park  when young. I too remember the Mermaid theater and the serials that
played there on saterdays until the mid 60's. I also remember the last  trolly line in Brooklyn, whose barns were under the el on Stilwell avenue
and riding on them when I was a kid with my father. I have to stop now  or I could go on all night long. Just one last thought; There was no
place like it and there will never be a place like it again.

Best regards from Australia!

A.J.Lepere DDS, FADSA, JP.
Diplomate, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology (USA)
Senior CLinical Associate, Sydney University, Faculty of Dentistry
Honorary Clinical Consultant, Oral Health Centre of W.A., UWA
Perth, Western Australia


 

Coney Island 
Date: 4/1/2006 10:42:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: lisa1031@ptd.net 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod@aol.com 

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.My fondest memories were when I used to go on the Wonder Wheel and see the naked
women in the Brighton Beach baths walking around naked in the womens  locker rooms.LOL
 

from: texasmike@houston.rr.comTo: jksinrod@aol.com

Kim, Rock On Man 
Date: 12/30/2005 3:40:10 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Jack.H.Markowitz@phila.gov 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod@aol.com 
 

Kim, sorry you and I were never able to hook up back in the day. We must have crossed paths a milion times without ever knowing each other, from Coney to Brighton to Park Slope to Manhattan and every beach from Montauk to Sheepshead Bay. I also was part of a street corner singing group - jack and the beanstalks - and we were good too. Ms. Edelman was my favorite teacher as well and she helped salvage my future as a writer. Very much appreciate your writing and recollections. Loved the photos. My blood flows candy apple red. I was a full fledged PINKO from all the cotten candy. What a mixture, salted sea air, cotton candy, and taffy. Ambrosia. The ultimate high. We were kings and queens of the universe but too full of the juices of life to appreciate it at the time. As Dylan Thomas has said, "Time held me green and dying, yet I sang in my chains like the sea!" May God bless you and your family. Kim, keep on keepin' on, brother! Break on through to the other side...after all, isn't that really what life is supposed to be all about? Just ask Jim Morrison the next time you see him. If you meet him before I do, give him my regards. I promise to do the same for you and for all the kids from Coney Island who grew up "Under the Boardwalk". Farewell for now, Amigo. Peace.

Coney Island 
Date: 12/29/2005 8:35:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: Howpert 
Reply To:  
To: JKSinrod 
 

This really brings back the memories. I grew up in Coney Island in the sixties. I lived in the Coney Island Projects on 3002 surf avenue. I remember Coopies Corner right across the street. My father worked there part time for a while. I also remember riding my bike on the boardwalk early in the morning to Mr Lippy's (English teacher) house in Seagate, during the 1968? school strike. That was when I attended Mark Twain Junior High. He was kind enough to open his house to some of the students. I remember the Good Humor man at the entrance to the beach from the "big park". That park was great. I remember that it stretches from the 1st to the 5th buildings. Larrys and Vinny's pizza right next to Sam's Kinishes on the boardwalk. That must have been about W 35th street. We did some crazy things when we were kids. I remember flying a kite out of the 3rd floor window of my friends house, overlooking the boardwalk and water in the middle of a blizzard. The kite snapped, but we found it days later block away stuck in a tree.  During the summer, my friends and I would play tag throughout the 5 buildings. We would check out the fireworks from the boardwalk every week. I wound up moving out in 1969 to Sheepshead Bay, to a private house. I had a great time living there and going to Sheepshead Bay High. My mom still lives there. They were some great memories. I'm glad to have been able to share them with everyone on this site.

Coney Date: 9/30/2005 2:12:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time From: rubyz@bezeqint.net

Reply To:

Brooklyn

 Date: 8/10/2005 7:55:46 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: FeetOne

Loved your web site

Date: 8/8/2005 11:16:07 A.M. Eastern Standard Time From: lsobel@sfwmd.gov Reply To: To: jksinrod@aol.com CC: sobelman@bellsouth.net

 Date: 8/7/2005 10:15:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time From: Rmsavino1472

Hi Kim, I am still living in Brooklyn and most of all still go to Coney Island. I love it and I think the beach is better there than in Jupiter, Florida. I was 14 years old and started going alone with my girlfriends to the beach. My mother's warnings were always there about the evils at Coney Island. When we wanted to be really cool we would dance under the boardwalk at the Bop Houses. I used to think the best place to live was above the Loew's Theatre across the street from Nathan's. Sheer heaven. Rose Marie

Date: 8/5/2005 5:00:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: mchasin1@optonline.net Reply To: To: jksinrod@aol.com

Kim Memories from Brighton were similar. I lived off Coney Island ave, near Neptune. We had trollies on Coney Island ave and on Neptune we had older trollies, then buses. Walked to Lincoln High, graduated in 1953. A recent visit to boardwalk in Brighton revealed that "Under the Boardwalk" no longer exists. they filled it in with sand. In Brighton we had three movie houses. One on Ocean Parkway was the Tuxedo. On Brighton Beach Ave, by 11th Street was the Oceana. On Brighton Beach Ave, under the El, at 3rd St was the Lakeland, which was always called, "The Dump". It was a dump. The rear portion of the roof collapsed and instead of closing for repairs, they advertised "Open Air Theatre". It later became a fruit store and then a Russian night club. My wife and I later moved to Sheepshead and now to NJ. Still have friends from both Sheepshead and Manhattan Beach. Recently went to a Lincoln 50th reunion in Coney Island, and to a 50th wedding anniversay of two of our Brighton friends (in Fla). Good to see all the old pictures and remember a time unlike any today. In our day, almost any kid could open any door on the block without a key. Which we did for the ladies who lost their keys or left them at home. Neither they, nor we, ever gave a thought to our using this skill for nefarious purposes. We locked door only to protect against outsiders. Strangers who lived on other blocks. It was a different world. Still we have imparted something of our love for the area's ambiance to our kids. My daughter once said she wouldnt go to any college that wasnt near an ocean. I will pass this website on to several Brighton friends now living elsewhere. Mike C

Patti Brown, Fort Lauderdale Date: 7/28/2005 5:12:31 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: PattiBrown@fortlauderdale.gov Reply To: To: JKSinrod@aol.com

Coney Island Date: 7/17/2005 1:48:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: SaintNibor Reply To: To: JKSinrod

MIRRERS BAKERY 
Date: 7/16/2005 10:04:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time 
From: poppys2@closecall.com 
Reply To:  
To: jksinrod@aol.com 
CC:  
BCC:  
Sent on:  
  

(no subject) Date: 6/10/2005 9:21:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: IMNXTZ1 Reply To: To: JKSinrod

C.I Date: 6/8/2005 11:53:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time From: TufTuf617 Reply To: To: JKSinrod

Coney Island Date: 5/27/2005 4:47:16 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: JMF4039 Reply To: To: JKSinrod CC: BCC: Sent on: Sent from the Internet (Details) Internet Address Card Attached

     Just wanted to thank you for that great article on Coney Island..... I guess I was one of those girls who said YOU WISHED??? That brought back so many memories good ones, maybe our paths crossed on that boardwalk or under the boardwalk........I came from Williamsburg until I married then moved to Westchester, I now live in Arizona and love it here. I am going back to New York next month I would love to fit Coney Island in but I dont think so. Well thanks again for all those good memories wish we could go back sometimes... Mary Ann Fusco

CONEY ISLAND MEMORIES Date: 5/26/2005 9:01:30 A.M. Eastern Standard Time From: phuffell@optonline.net Reply To:

Dear Kim,

      This is Paula (then Feinstein, ex-Mancher, now Huffell). My sister Audrey (still married to Myron Dunayer) just sent me the link to your website. Please add my applause and thanks to the myriads you have already received for the great job and wonderful Coney Island Memories. I note that replies have been coming to you since 1998. I even saw one from my brother (Stew Feinstein) delivered to you in 2001. So, in the spirit of “keeping them coming”, my family moved to Coney Island in 1945, when I was 6 years old. We had a 3 room apartment at 2819 West 37th Street, opposite Sea Gate. My sister, brother and I slept in the bedroom while my Mom and Dad opened a studio couch every night in the living room. We didn’t know we were poor because we were too busy having fun at the beach, on the boardwalk, Steeplechase, and in “The Bowery” (which is what we called the area where all the rides, games and food stands were located). Does anyone remember the trolley car depot inside Sea Gate near Surf Avenue? In the evenings, after the trolleys stopped running and were parked in the depot (with the doors open), a bunch of us kids would climb into the cars and search for the nickels and dimes that were occasionally dropped during the day. Once I found a quarter! I also remember the Mardi Gras and Floats that went parading down Surf Avenue once a year. Nathan’s. Shatzkin’s. Hubba Hubba Luncheonette. Mirror’s Bakery. Goldberg’s Appetizing with pickle barrels and home made white fish salad. Cresco Club on Surf Avenue (where the elite used to meet). Handy’s Luncheonette on 22nd and Mermaid made the biggest and best ice cream sodas until it became a hangout for junkies. The Mariners in their shocking pink and black satin jackets, duck’s ass haircuts and pegged pants were awesome to any girl under the age of 15. The Amron’s clubroom is where we did the “fish” and other “dirty dancing”. I went to P.S. 188, Mark Twain JHS and graduated Lincoln HS in 1957. I’d love to hear from anyone who would care to correspond. In the meantime, love and fondest memories to Coney Island, from Oceanview Avenue to Surf, and all who were there with me. Paula

Madeline Nett Solis Denara. A coney Island Girl Date: 5/24/2005 8:51:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: Madeeny Subject: Madeline Nett Solis Denara. A coney Island Girl Date: 5/24/2005 8:51:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: Madeeny Reply To: To: JKSinrod CC: BCC:

Hi Kim,

     after the tears dried I had to write. It was just wonderful.My husband is Myron Dunayer from "Windy's" and I am Audrey his wife of 52 years.I spent the entire day reading your website and enjoyed every moment.I took e-mails from some people I think will remember us{we are much older than you}.If anyone out there knows what happened to Phyllis or Florence Yagerman,please have them contact me. Most of my female friends are still around, and we are still in touch, but Jerry Shaine,Mel Honig, Gooch{Seymour] Copperman Windy and Rusty Coopersmith, Stan Suckaloff have passed on as has my sweet Sheila {Meisner} Copperman,Klabber. If any of you are alive and remember us lets hear from you. Audrey Feinstein Dunayer e-mail curlyhari@aol.com Myron Dunayer e-mail dunny1346@aol.com We live in Saint Lucie West, Fl

DEAR KIM,

       WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD TO GROW UP IN SEA GATE AND CONEY ISLAND.I WENT THROUGH ALL THE SAME SCHOOLS MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE TO YOU.MARK TWAIN, LINCOLN, BROOKLYN COLLEGE,COMMUNITY COLLEGE.GRADUATED IN 1957 FROM LINCOLN.MY NICKNAME WAS KING SIZE-FRIENDS WITH HOWIE LESH[MAY HE REST IN PEACE],ANDY LERNER[MAY HE REST IN PEACE],SHELLEY STERN,MARTY GOLDSTEIN, FREDDIE GAINES,LARRY GOLDBERG,REESE KAFKA,ARLENE WASSERMAN,ARLENE BECKER,FERN HAMMERSMITH,LOU STALLMAN,JERRY KAPLAN, JEFF MILLER,STEVE KORNFELD,JUDY ROSENBERG,AND WE HAD A CLUB CALLED THE SPARTANS-OUR RIVALS WERE THE CENTAURS.WORKED IN NATHANS WHEN I WAS 14,GREAT MEMORIES.JUST RECEIVED YOUR WEB SITE TODAY.KNEW DICKIE SINROD FROM SEA GATE-AND OF COURSE AL SINRODS SHOP.WENT TO THE SURF THEATRE WHICH TURNED INTO A BOWLING ALLEY.MANY TEARS HAVE COME TO ME FROM READING YOUR GREAT STORIES AND PICTURES.HOPEFULLY SOME OLD FRIENDS WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH ME-ME E-MAIL IS NOW KINGSIZE186@YAHOO.COM AGAIN THANKS-LET ME KNOW WHEN YOUR BOOK COMES OUT.

 

Coney Is Date: 3/21/2005 7:19:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: foxmanh@adelphia.net

Well I moved from Brooklyn in 1949 just before I was 13, however I do remember living at 2890 W21st in Coney Island. I used to walk to all of the places that you show in your photo clips. My Dad and his brothers used to belong to a club I think the name was the Cresco Club, it was about a block form the Half Moon Hotel, and next to a Knish place that made the best that I have ever eaten. After the War my Dad bought his first house in Midwood, on E12th between Ave J & I, near Coney Island Ave. PS I also remember the trolley cars that ran from the BMT line the length of Coney Island. Thank for the memories.

Sea Gate
Date:	9/28/2004 7:31:10 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:	Lenntek
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

re: coney island
Date:	9/9/2004 8:27:42 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:	KESSLERMOTORCARS
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

Coney Island
Date:	8/28/2004 7:30:26 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:	Trumansfield
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

Wow Kim,

What a great review.  It brought back many memories.  I visited Coney Island every summer with my grandmother, and that was my favorite place to go.  We spent many hours there. And did you know that Steeplechase ended up in Florida, it is gone now, but, I was able to take my children on it.  It wasn't as big as it was in Steeplechase but still fun and brought back the memories too.  Nathan's was our first stop, then  get corn on the cob, around the corner, somewhere.  It was cooked in big , big  rounds pots and then it was into Steeplechase and cotton candy and the rides.  And then outside to the  wonderful rides out there.  And Charleu ruse----No one in Florida, had any idea what they were, and they were so good.

Thanks for the nostalgic trip---I did Coney Island in the 50's

Trudy

Re: Coney Island
Date:	8/26/2004 8:02:43 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:	MarMNan
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

I haven't read every single line of the pages but I loved seeing all the pictures. My Mom and Dad knew your parents (or whoever owned the tux shop). My parents owned Coney Island Florist for over 50 years. My Dad passed away a few months before I opened my Stained Glass Shop but my Mom is still very much with us. My sister took her back to NY this summer as a surprise visit for her 85th birthday. She went to see our former home on Avenue T & Coleman St in Marine Park. My father built the house over 50 years ago and the new owner was nice enough to let Mom inside to visit! Then they went to Coney Island but the last location of the florist (1616 Mermaid) was boarded up and looked nothing like it used to. So then they went to Nathan's and sat around the boardwalk eating hot dogs and reminiscing about the decades they spent in Coney Island and how they watched it change. It sure is a small world huh? You and I are around the same age and I wonder if perhaps we may have crossed paths somewhere on the beach, the boardwalk, the rides and especially on the horses in Steeplechase.....my MOST favorite ride! Hmmmm.

JoAnna Vitale
Cooper City, Florida
www.artglassconnection.com

Date:	10/7/2003 4:52:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:	CIVIBABI
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

               THESE MEMORIES HAVE BROUGHT SAD AND VERY FOND MEMORIES BACK I ONLY WISH I KNEW WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW  TO GET BACK A LIFE THAT ONLY FEW HAVE EVER KNOWN  "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"

Date:	10/6/2003 11:28:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:	a33067@bellsouth.net
Reply To:   To: jksinrod@aol.com CC   BCC:   Sent on:

Date:	10/5/2003 12:15:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:	TBAG5
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

i grew up in coney island and then we made the big move into seagate when i was 11- (ps188-mark twain and then lafayette) and i loved your site- sent it to my mom in virginia- i am now an architect living in staten island and have very found memories of nathans, shatskins, playland, the tilyou, the mermaid, steeplechase,, the beach, the boardwalk with fireworks on tuesday nights. do you remember the back room at nathans where you had to put a nickle in the silver box to get into the bathroom (unless the waiter let you in with his key) thanks for taking the time to put the site together-
                                                                                                                                                mark

Date:	10/3/2003 4:59:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:	LFRIED@CVM.FDA.GOV
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod@aol.com CC:   BCC:   Sent on:
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Internet Address Card Attached

Hi!

            My name is Lowell Fried.  I lived on 23^rd St between Mermaid and Railroad Avenue from my birth in 1946 until Nov. 1957.  My parents decided it would be a good idea to move into the Marlboro projects.  I went to PS 80.  Once we moved I finished my public education at JHS 228 (Boody JHS) and Lafayette High School.   I remember your parents, Nat and Libby and your older brother,  Eugene.  I also remember your uncle's store on Mermaid Ave.  My parents, Harry and Lena, used to take me shopping at Al's clothing store.  I remember when my dad bought me a Mackinaw style jacket there.  I wore it so long that my arms stuck out to the elbows.   My parents' friends moved out of the area in the late 50's or early 60's usually to Sea Gate or other parts of Brooklyn or to Queens.  I remember almost all the stores on Mermaid Ave around 22^nd through 24^th street and some others.

            I'd like to reminisce with you some times.  My home web page is lsjafried@comcast.net.  Your site is awesome.  Happy holidays

                                                                                                                    Lowell

Date:	9/13/2003 7:30:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:	Catdog620
Reply To:   To: JKSinrod

Delighted that so many have been touched by your wonderful recollections; would that our children had something of the same. Sadly, they don’t.

Much love 

Christopher R. Kerr chriskerr@parsonweems.com

First up:Man,whatta vivid chunk of history have you there-here's hoping you've got the movie rights nailed down!! Even more seriously,Coney's vital
function as NYC's safety valve cannot be taken lightly-as I've witnessed during my youth in the very early 60s.Seeing the restoration in progress-no
small thanks to Coney Island USA-and thousands of Coneyphiles worldwide-will keep many happy memories going for ages to come.By 1963,I was able to do some traveling solitarily,via the IND-Remember the tricked-out motorcycles,the barking of the ride operators,the Atlantis(hope someone
shovels the sand out of the lower level and revives it),the gum-popping greaserettes-and WMCA's Good Guys over someone's radio in the distance...The demolition of Steeplechase was a hell of a blunder-wish I was older-and had the resources to put up resistance.The taste of ice cream'n'waffles at Philip's comes back every now-and-then.Despite my ability to duplicate it here in Phoenix,somehow,it's better under the El or wlile walking across Surf to the Boardwalk.....Once again,Kudos-keep it coming!!!              -Bruce Thorpe


 

From: JYosso@Netzero.net To: JKSinrod@aol.com

Mark Twain and other JHS stuff:

Subj: WOW  Date: 5/8/2003 12:48:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: purchasing.nj@bendheim.com To: jksinrod@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Subj: thank you  Date: 5/4/2003 8:14:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: MinINAgram To: JKSinrod

for the 'trip" around the island with people of various generations. i lived in Coney Island 1935-1956, but the only names i recognized was that of Irwin rosenberg, of Rosenberg's deli. my mother was friendly with the Rosenberg family and also with the Gottleibs whose lovely daughter,Minnie,married Irwin's older brother. (i also remember going with Irwin to his HS prom at The Copacabana. Yesterday,5/3/03, i attended my 50 yr Lincoln HS reunion, at Gargulios, and enjoyed the day, but i really went to re-connect with childhood friends from PS 188, MarkTwain JR HS, and west 30th street. Ina(nee Gress)HI, my name is Ina(nee gress) and i grew up on w.30 street, between neptune and mermaid aves.attended ps188, mark twain jr hi, graduated 1952 from Lincoln hi. recently attended reunion of lincoln class of '53 but did not see many coney islanders.( 20 or less)would live to hear from them, especially from thos with whom i went to mark twain jr high (graduated 1950) as those were really active/fun times for me.  thanks for your website; i did recognize name of one friend on it and have just emailed him. ina

Posted to a message board:

I don't know how many folks have taken the time to visit JK Sinrods' website...I just took the tour now and I wish I had done it earlier. This is such a delicious romp through the good old days...It has all the makings of a novel...I visited Coney Island in the early 50s with my cousin Jerry who lived in Brooklyn...Being from a small Canadian city (Winnipeg) I could not imagine what was waiting for me at Coney Island.  We ate at Nathan's...Rode the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel and
Steeplechase.  JK this was such an excellent diversion from the bullshit that is plaguing most of us today...I urge each of you to not only visit the Sinrod Website and check out the Sinrod Studios but please visit the Coney Island Memories...It will take you mind off everything and make you really warm all over....Thanks JK.

Chuck H.

Subj: Brooklyn Forever  Date: 1/29/2003 8:50:30 PM Eastern Standard Time From: RomanRosa To: JKSinrod

As Jackie Gleason used to say  "HOW SWEET IT IS"  but for me now living in NJ ; I have to say How sweet it was (Bklyn)....Grew up in Bensonhurst..where the "boys ' were.. Yep Coney Island was a big part of my life  My,Dad took me and some of my friends there pretty regular. what memories. Feltmans,Luna Park  Custards Carousel RIDES, the WONDER Wheel..Trolly Cars to and from sometimes having to change
at Ulmer Park,Once Got separated "Lost' AND WALKED ALL THE WAY HOME by following the trolley tracks......pretty clever....when we went to Coney with the Guys n Gals Bay 17th was our "hangout"  remember changing to dry clothes on the beach while your buddies held the blanket around you Remember another time I had a badly scraped knee that would not heal..Dad finally took me to a Dr in Manh ( His cousin) he pulled off the scab  prescribed some salve and said let him swim in the Ocaen (Salt Water) well it worked  good ol Coney Island.. I could go on and on but will say Ciao 4 now..Mr.Cesare

Subj: No Subject  Date: 1/5/2003 3:49:26 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Barbphotog To: JKSinrod

I'm 70 years old; lived in CI; but attended the High School of Performing Arts in NYC. There was a very big fire on 34th. St. and Mermaid Ave. on Oct.15th, 1948; I was 16 years old and badly burned; the yeshiva at the corner stopped the fire; in the end,13 houses burned. I spent one year in Coney Island Hospital. When I ran out of the house; I went into the bakery around the corner, on Mermaid; it was early Fri. morning; 3 AM and the chalahs were piled high. I was helped a lot until the ambulance came; the bakery was overflowing with people who had fled their homes. I later went on to marry Albert Greenberg, from the same block; his father, Julius Greenberg, was the Sgt, in charge of the private Sea Gate police. I also remember an old boyfriend, Bobby DeLuca.
I enjoyed so much reading all the emails; of course, my memories are very bitter sweet. I wonder if there's anyone who remembers the fire?
Barbara (Konzak)

Subj: CONEY ISLAND  Date: 1/2/2003 10:24:07 PM Eastern Standard Time From: yettazim@bellsouth.net To: JKSinrod@AOL.COM Sent from the Internet (Details)

WHAT A NICE SURPRISE YOU WROTE UP ON CONEY ISLAND.  THAT WAS  REALLY "THE GOOD OLD DAYS" I LEFT CONEY ISLAND 1948, BUT I SURE REMEMBER THE SINROD TUXEDO SHOP.  WHEN I WAS ABOUT 12 I RENTED A GOWN FROM THERE FOR A HOLLOWEEN PARTY.  WILL NEVER FORGET THAT GOWN.  BRIGHT RED AND LOMG, LONG.  WE HAD A BAKERY ON 21ST AND MERMAID AVE CALLED ZIMAND'S BAKERY.  2 STORES DOWN FROM SPIEGEL'S FLORSCHEIM SHOE STORE, MY COUSIN.I'M A LITTLE OLDER THAN YOU.  MOVED TO MIAMI BEACH IN 1948 AND MET MY HUSBAND, WHO VERY COINCIDENTALLY WAS FROM  CONEY ISLAND (30TH AND RAILROAD).  IT REALLY WAS MEANT FOR US TO MEET BECAUSE OUR PARENTS KNEW EACH OTHER.  IT WAS FUN READING ALL THE INTERESTING PLACES IN GOOD OLD CONEY.  I SURE MISS THOSE GRAND OLD DAYS.THANKS FOR BRINGING ME BACK IN TIME

SHEILA ZIMAND(MAIDEN NAME) MARRIED TO LAZER ROTHENBERG WHO PASSED AWAY IN 1980 AND AM NOW RE-MARRIED.

Subj: No Subject  Date: 1/2/2003 5:29:50 PM Eastern Standard Time From: BPGaines To: JKSinrod

Lived in CI until I was 7 then we moved into Sea Gate. Graduated Lincoln in '54. Worked at Nathans 4 summers, married Bernice Ziller from 36th Street and am still in touch with 5 guys from my "crowd". Your site is a magical trip back - thanks so much. Phil Gaines

Subj: Coney Island Memories  Date: 8/4/2002 1:03:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: ItsaBlast To: JKSinrod

Thanks so very much for writing all that you have about your Coney Island childhood.
I grew up in Brighton (Trump on Neptune and Ocean Parkway).  We used to ditch school and run through the Trump parking lots to Coney Island to spend the day just hanging out.  We had a blast! 
I moved from Brighton in my senior year (1970) of High School at Lincoln and am now living in Santa Monica, Ca.  There is no way to really explain to my 15 and 17 year old kids what life as like growing up in CI and Brighton.....now I can have them read your words.....What an unbelievable road back to my childhood.

Again, thanks so very much
Linda (I used to be.....Holberg)

Subj: CI Memories  Date: 8/3/2002 9:36:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: GnsuMN924 To: JKSinrod

Hi Kim,
Your site was forwarded to me by my cousin in Farmingdale. I grew up with my three brothers in CI on Neptune Avenue between 30th and 31st. Went to PS 188, Mark Twain and was the first class of students at the brand new FDR HS. and graduated from Brooklyn College in 72. Left NY and have lived all over the country. My grandparents lived in the Half Moon Hotel between Surf Ave and the Boardwalk, within walking distance to Steeplechase. My uncle owned a luncheonette on the corner of 31st and Neptune which later became a Jehovah Witness temple. Didn't realize how special those memories were until I viewed your website. You really have a gift and not usually a sentimental guy, wanted to thank you.
Marc Nagoshiner

Subj: Coney Island Memories  Date: 7/31/2002 5:36:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: mgornstein@amasia.com To: JKSinrod@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Subj: Coney Island Memories  Date: 7/29/2002 1:32:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: dnjonesmd@comcast.net To: jksinrod@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Really enjoyed your web-site Kim.  My grandparents  (Rose and Max Singer) and their sons (Jerry, Murray( my dad), and Paul   grew up in CI (Mermaid and 33rd).  Max and Rose owned the grocery store right inside the gate for Seagate (i think it was at  Mermaid). It was called Met Food, Jet Food and other names in earlier years (1940 through 1975 or 80).  When my grandparents died, Murray and Jerry ran it until they sold out.  My dad, Murray retired to Ft. Lauderdale and Jerry went to work for Batampte.  I had a great childhood spending time in Seagate and CI beach, bike riding on the boardwalk, Nathan's, peeking in through the cracks in the wood for the Aquarium, and hanging out at my dad's grocery store.  Your stories brought back great  memories from growing up in the 1960's ( I was born 1955) and spending time in CI.  If anyone  reading this knows the Singer Family, please send me your emories.If anyone wants to find a long lost friend from the old days, let me know.  My sister has been locating missing people for the last 20 or so years and has a business called SK Investigations.  She has reasonable prices and loves to hear stories of the old days in CI also.  If anyone wants to find someone, you can direct them to me and I'll pass it on to her, as I haven't told her about your web-site yet. sincerely,     Lori Singer Kisler

My sister in Savannah just called me and told me about this web site.  My family are true Coney Island babies.  My Mom and Dad both lived there before I was born.  When I came into the world we lived in a basement apartment in Sea Gate.  That was July 4, 1946.    About 1949 we moved to an apartment house at 2845 West 30th Street between Mermaid and Neptune Avenues.  We were on the top floor (3rd) and there was no elevator.  When you came home from school every door was open and you could smell what everbody was going to have for dinner.  I remember stopping along the way up to our apartment to sample the goodies. My Mom was a beautician and worked at Molly's Beauty Shop (her husband Hymie had the Barber Shop in the front of the store.  That was on Mermaid Avenue between 29th and 30th Streets.  If you have any female family members that are over 70 they should remember my Mom.  Catherine Alexander (or Kitty as   she was sometimes called).  My grandmother, also Catherine or Kitty was a waitress all of her life and did work at the Hubba Hubba and the Sweet Shop in Sea Gate.   If you ate there, she probably waited on you.  It was great reading your memories and I'm going to print it out so I can give it to my Mom to read.  Talk about riding the trains at 12 years old. How about going out at 9:00 on Tuesday nights to watch the Fireworks when you were only 9.   About the Surf Theater.  My friends and I would get kicked out by the matrons because we ran around too much.  Oh well, it was only a quarter. I remember the Sinrod store.  Wasn't there a deli across the street on the corner?  I think the name of the Deli was Rosenbergs.   I used to go there every Saturday to buy deli for Saturday night.  We would watch Zacherly with the scary movie.  That went on after Palladin and  Gunsmoke.   Boy, these memories are really coming back fast.  I also remember Bernsteins Bakery. There was a fruit store on the corner of Mermaid and 30th.  Also a knitting store on Mermaid between 29th and 30th.   Have to get back to work now.  By the way, my name is Ginny Alexander and I went to P.S. 188 and Mark Twain JHS.   Graduated in 1960.  Family moved out of Coney that year so I was separated from my friends and went to Madison High School with all of those "Rich Kids".   I was truly a fish out of water. My childhood in Coney has gotten me through many challenges I've had to face.  You're right. It never did get any better.
Thanks for the memories.Ginny

This is Lenny Dunn.  Born in Coney Island in 1940.  3516 Mermaid Ave. Thanks so much for the beautiful memories.  I went to P.S. 188   Mark Twain J.H.S. and Abe Lincoln H.S.  I grew up with Zigy, Neil Billy, Maxwell, Burt, Lowell, Joe, Jerry, and so many many more good friends and good times that I never will forget.  I was good friends with Richard (Dicky) Sinrod. We went to dances and clubs together. We were members of the Coney Jents- a young boys club.  We played stickball, punchball, ringaleaveo, softball every day.  We hung out in front of Hy and Arties candy store on 33rd st and mermaid ave. Neil and Lowell had cars and they drove us around Coney Island and Ocean Parkway and it only cost me $1 for gas.  We hung out on the boardwalk between 32nd and 33rd st (larry and Vinnie Pizzareria). We sang rock and roll in groups. We had a group called the Duvals. I sang lead for the song "Your driving me Crazy".  We hung out on the beach the entire summer.  We sneaked into Seagate, I think it was called the Pavillion where we  danced to music with the Coney Island and Seagate Kids.  I can go on and on.  I love the memories. Thanks so much for your web-site.  It is really great. Mention my name to the Coney Islanders that you are in contact with. Many of them will remember me.  Lenny (short-blonde hair-  fast runner).  I won the 40 yard dash in 1954 at Mark Twain Field Day(first place). Take care  and please give my regards,
Regards to Dicky Sinrod- my friend

THANKS FOR MAKING THIS 61 YEAR OLD FEEL LIKE 16 AGAIN!!    WHEN I OPENED MY E MAIL AND STARTED GOING THRU THIS IT BROUGHT BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES....THE SUMMER I WAS 15 YEARS OLD I USED TO GO TO CONEY ISLAND ON THE BRIGHTON LINE (GOT ON AT THE CHURCH AVENUE STATION) AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK.....WASN'T MUCH FOR THE RIDES BUT LOVED THE GAMES (EVERY GIRL I KNEW HAD AT LEAST ONE  STUFFED TEDDY BEAR THAT I WON).....ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS ON THE BELT PARKWAY (AROUND OCEAN PARKWAY) ABOUT LUNCH TIME AND I DECIDED TO GO TO NATHANS FOR LUNCH....THINGS LOOKED A LOT DIFFERENT. HOWEVER THE FRENCH FRIES AND THE CHOW MEIN ON A BUN (WHERE ELSE IN AMERICA CAN YOU GET CHOW MEIN ON A BUN?) TASTED JUST AS I REMEMBER THEM...I SAT IN MY CAR EATING MY LUNCH, CLOSED MY EYES AND I WAS 16 AGAIN....WHAT GREAT MEMORIES!!  HOWEVER, TO THIS DAY I CAN'T PASS A PLATE WITHOUT THROWING A NICKEL IN IT AND EXPECTING A PRIZE.

       Just finished reading Coney Island Memories, which was terrific.  Thanks.  You did a great job.  Sending it to all my friends (we too grew up in Coney and have very similar memories although we are slightly older than you.  We were friendly with  Eugene.  Thanks again.  PS - My name is Jackie Auerbach Bernstein.  My uncle Frankie had the barber shop on Mermaid Avenue between 32nd and 33rd St.  Regards.

I really enjoyed these pages. I lived in Marlboro Projects where I brought up my five children. Your pages just brought back many memories of all the times we spent in Coney Island. If anyone is from the projects I would like to hear from them. We are the Klenetsky family. If there is any more pages like this, please send it to me.   Thanks, Marilyn

My sister-in-law (who also grew up in C.I.) forwarded this to me & I was so glad she did. Always told my children that Coney Island was the greatest place to grow up in. My brother Joel & I grew up on W. 32nd between Neptune & Mermaid. I went to PS 188, Mark Twain & then Lincoln & graduated in 61. Would need hours to talk about great times down the bay, hanging out at the candy store on 29th & Surf, days (& nights) at the beach, etc. Still keep in touch with some Coney Islanders and saw lots of names I regonized. Will keep checking to see if anyone else I know sends a message. Keep writing stories, they're great! Marilyn

Just found your web site. I grew up in Coney Island (27th and Railroad Ave)  I bore everyone with details of my terrific childhood. My mother used to drop me off at the Mermaid Movie theater on Saturdays. Remember the Hubba Hubba? Sunday dinner was either Chinese or Italian at "The Carolina".

Thanks for the Menories.

phylw47

Just had your website sent to me what fun.I lived in Coney Island for 26 years and have some wonderful memories.I also went to 188 and Mark Twain and then to ALHS.My husband of 46 years asked me to be his girlfriend on the Wonder Wheel.I remember when the library wasnt on 19th st but across from the subway and I used to walk to it from 33rd st where I lived.My husband is also a Coney Island boy and tells of how his mother used to send him over to the deli on 33rd st.It seems nothing tastes as good anymore as the deli we used to get.I tell my children about the days of growing up there and of the freedom we had,there were no locks on the doors and our moms didnt worry about leaving us out on the streets to play.I remember the hot summers before air conditioning when everybody was out late at night in the park or on the beach.Steeplechase was our best playground.I can remember going there when it opened and staying all day until it closed on 50 cent when our tickets were all punched we would wait by the gate and ask the older folks for there left over rides. Thank you once again for bringing back some old pleasant memories.Lenore Faltz than

I want to thank you for the beautiful web site you made.  You really brought back many memories from the past. I was born and raised in Sea Gate from 1944-1970 when I moved to Sunrise Florida. Went to PS 188, Mark Twain and Lincoln High School.  If anyone remembers me please write.  My name is Francine Erlichman Gross and I lived on Neptune Ave. by Seagate Avenue.

My e-mail is Franeebabe@aol.com

Hope to speak to someone soon.

Fran

So many memories were brought back by your website.  What a great blast from the past.  My husband Howard Heyman was
born in Coney Island Hospital in 1940 and was raised in Coney Island.  My maiden name is Eileen Goldblatt--we married in 1963.  We made many contacts with some past familiar names. Howard remembers Al Sinrod--tuxedo store--how is he related to you.   We also remember Lee's sportswear and Rand's Bar called the chop house.  I graduated Lincoln H.S. in 1961.  The memories and music was fantastic and brought us back in time.
Thanks again,
Eileen & Howie

Jordan
      Hi..it's Joyce Raymond.  Wanted you to know that due to your website, I've been contacted by several people.  Also, when I wrote you about my memories of Coney Island I inadvertently left names of some wonderful, good old coney island friends.  I would appreciate your "putting" an addition on to me "memories".   I have wonderful memories of a friend named Barry Rogers and the beach crowd. Barry used to make a "human" pyramid by holding up 4-5 guys by himself.  Each climbing and making a pyramid.  We had so many laughs and good, clean fun.  Girls were shown respect.  Barry was a real good looking muscular guy. And, still is to this day ( I do tend to exaggerate.)  Also, had other terrific friends such as Abby Brander, Sheila Kirsch, Rita Dunne, Arlene Altman, Marcia Miller, Marilyn Goldstein, and too many others to mention now.  
      Your stories still warm my heart and, if possible, hope to see you and a whole slew of people at Nathan's this Sunday, 3/25/01 from 12noon-2:00pm.  G-d bless you.
            Fondly,
            Joyce Raymond  (BaileyBen)

i  grew   up in seagate  then beach haven , linclon  59,sang  endless doo   wop on the boardwalk,  and then  as  a member of  the Concords- what  a world  we grew up in .I share  your love  and memories- one   question has plagued  me for  years- Do  you ,or anyone   remember the Surf  theater outside  the gate? On Sat   they had kid shows and  showed a short  slap stick kind  of  race  film   (bikes, foot , heavy folks ) and  you got a number  cheered  your head off and  if  you # won got a prize. Does any one remember that , and where   are those Films ?   thanks Dick  Goldman

Hi,
 Gee , my wife told me about your website. what memories you have found for me. I lived on 35th and Mermaid Ave, moved to the projects on Neptune Ave, then moved to Luna Park. I graduated from Linclon in 1966 and so did my my brother (Martin) in 1969. I got married and moved to Queens in 1970, then bought a home in Plainview L.I. in 1975. I still live on L.I. in my third house still in Plainview. my wife and I are both NYC school teachers and have our own party business for the past 15 years. I shopped in your father's store, ate at the HUBAHUBA, saw many flicks at the Mermaid theatre, played stick ball, punchball,stoopball,skully ,street hockey etc. hey do u remember this big thug named THEADO who used to terrorize the kids in C.I.?? Well I could write for hours, got to go great website  bye RINGALEEVIO 1..2..3..............Bobby Goldberg

I grew up in brighton beach, born in 1945 and enjoyed my teen years in coney island by the cyclone and in sea breeze park. Use to listen to the trasnsistor radios and waited for our dedications on the radio. Loved it. The poker roll was also a great place for us to hang out. I am constantly thinking of my life then and it brings tears to my eyes as my kids now can't imagine what a great time was had by all. I miss it so much. Your pictures and stories were wonderful. Thank you.

Carole Levy (then)

Born 1944 in Sea Gate until age of 13 (1957) grew up on Surf and 30th, Coney Houses.  Pals were Gail Katz, Cindy Rosenberg, Shelly Gingold, Joyce Raymond, Elaine Sazoff, Sheila Kirsch, Barry Katz, Richie Katz, Barry Babisch, Steve Krafchik, Eileen Goldblatt, the Mighty Adam, George Hubbard and my sister Nancy Turk.  The greatest bunch of friends.  My husband, Neil Siegel and our children and their families now live in Arizona.  We still go back to Brooklyn for reunions and family events.  Thank you, Barbara.

Hey Kim,
The names Marty Hubert. I lived in Brighton Beach and Sheapshead Bay between 1957 to 1980 with a couple of years in between that I lived in Queens. My experiences spanned most of the area covering Coney Island/Seagate to Flatbush and Church. My heavy hangout places was "40 Thieves", at Brighton Beach & Coney Island Aves., The boardwalk and bay 3, Manhattan Beach,Trump Vllage shopping center and Beach Haven. I still have good friends that I still see from that era. I dig your site. It makes me realize how many people I really never came across in my travels. Went to Yeshiva of Brighton Beach between 57' and 65', then to Lincoln from 65' to 69' then to L.I.U. Brooklyn Center from 69-73'. Funny how we never bumbed into each other at any of those places. Always went to Fillmore concerts, hung out at the Electric Circus and "Dynamite" on coney Island ave just north of Midwood and always checked out the crowd near Rainbow on Kings Hwy.. There was so much more than that. Now I'm in N.J. up in the Englewood area, but I still come into Brooklyn every so often .
Drop me some lines when you get a chance.

Marty Hubert
Tenafly, NJ

THANK YOU, I GREW UP ON 33RD ST. KNEW DICKIE VERY WELL. REMEMBER WATCHING AL DO ONE HAND PUSHUPS. MY MOTHER HAD A BEAUTY PARLOR ON MERMAID & 29. SALLYS .    ROSENBERGS DELLY WAS THE BEST..PLAYED BALL DAY AN NITE, THE BEACH WAS THE BEST. THE PLACE WAS THE BEST...THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT ALL BACK. JAJERRY1

DEAR KIM,
    i CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW I FEEL AFTER READING AND PRINTING OUT YOUR MEMORIES OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! i FANTASIZE THESE GREAT TIMES IN MY MIND, AND WONDER WHERE DID THEY ALL GO!! Does IT ALL MEAN THAT IF THERE IS A LUMP IN MY THROAT AND TEARS IN MY EYES, THAT I'M GETTING OLDER, AS NOW I'M CONSIDERED A BABY BOOMER!! THOSE WERE SUCH GOOD TIMES, NEVER TO BE REKINDLED, BUT BURNS IN MY MIND UNTIL MY TIME COMES.     THERE COULD NEVER BE ANOTHER BRIGHTON BEACH BATHS, MRS. STAHL'S KNISHES, STEEPLECAHSE PARK AND PIER, THE FIREWORKS, NOR LINCOLN HIGH FROM WHICH I GRADUATED IN1967. MY NAME WAS LORRAINE PORCELAN, NOW LEHMAN. I LIVED ON 145 SEA BREEZE AVENUE, AND WENT TO P.S.100 AND 225.
    HOW I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM MY PAST FRIENDS. THOSE ARE TRULY FRIENDS YOU WANT TO KEEP FOR LIFE!

Hi Jordan
My name is Linda Reventlow Midtlyng. I want to say that I cried and laughed and cried some more reading your web site. I just came upon it from Shelia Lober.  I too went to Mark Twain, Lincoln and graduated in '67
The girls you rode on the bus from Seagate named Nancy, Tina and Caryn, could they be Nancy Silverman, Tina Perlmutter and Caryn Dickman. I knew them all.  Is Alan, Alan Harris.  He was my very first big "Crush" in Mark Twain.  And Danny Sweet, we were in 7-1, 8-1, and 9-1. Oh, what wonderful memories.  I too have put you site in my favorites to read again and again. If you have the Landmark, please look for my picture and let me know if you remember me.  I do remember you. I even married a guy from Coney Island. Please respond.
Linda

This web page was forwarded to me from someone in California.  I grew up in CONEY ISLAND FROM 1937 UNTIL I GOT MARRIED IN 1953.I WENT TO PS80,THEN PS188, MARK TWAIN AND LINCOLN H.S.  GRADUATED LINCOLN JUNE 1948.  i MARRIED A BEAUTIFUL GIRL FROM CONEY ISLAND NAMED JUDY.  wE HAVE TWO SONS AND THREE GRANDCHILDREN.  I LIVED ON W.29 STREET AND SURF AVE.  I LIVED ABOVE KIRSCH'S  RESTURANT, AL KIRSCH WAS MY UNCLE.  MY GRANDFATHER OWNED THE WORLD CIRCUS SIDE SHOW ON STILLWELL AVE.  HIS NAME WAS SAM WAGNER.  (THEY CALLED HIM THE PROFESSOR).  MY FRIENDS WHO ARE STILL ALIVE AND WELL ARE DAVID CARDON, MARVIN FINKELSTEIN, JEROME (SHAKY) DWORET, WE STILL SEE EACH OTHER EVERY OTHER WEEK.  tHE ONLY FRIEND I LOST WAS ELLIOT ELLENBERG ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. MY BOTHERS STANLEY AND HOWARD ARE DOING GREAT AND MY SISTER GINNY LIVES IN FLORIDA, SHE LOST HER HUSBAND LAST YEAR, IZY EINHORN (FROM THE EINHORN FAMILY THAT OWNED THE TYPEWRITER STORE ON MERMAID AVE.)  mY WIFE IS RELATED TO THE LITT'S (DORIS,JULES,AND BRUCE). KIM I GOT MARRIED IN A SINROD TUX BACK IN 53 .  YOUR STORIES ARE GREAT.  MY WIFE AND I REALLY ENJOYED THE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.  DOES ANYONE OUT THERE NO STANLEY ROSENBAUM, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM HIM IF POSSIBLE.  THANKS AGAIN FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES.   JOEY

By the way, the name of the pizza parlor on Mermaid Ave. and W.23rd st.was Bosco's Nosha Pizza. The other Pizza place was Johnny's. These memories that I have of my coney Island childhood were rekindled  for me when I read your wonderful narrative account of a childood much like mine. I graduated from Lincoln High in 1961. If anyone remembers the Morochnick family I would be happy to hear from them. lol Mark.  p.s. I still get down to the handball courts on W.5th and Surf.