ThoughtGallery.org > ‘Coney Island, Part I: The Heyday of the Amusement Age’ Webinar

‘Coney Island, Part I: The Heyday of the Amusement Age’ Webinar

“It is blatant, it is cheap, it is the apotheosis of the ridiculous. But it is something more; it is like Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park; it is a national playground, and not to have seen it is not to have seen your own country.” – Reginald Wright Kauffman, 1909

Even before the famous boardwalk and Wonder Wheel arrived on the scene, Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY was the greatest amusement zone the world had ever seen. But how did a somewhat remote beach neighborhood become the capital of thrills and entertainment? It’s time to step right up and uncover the incredibly innovative amusement parks that defined Coney Island’s legacy for generations to come.

Join New York Adventure Club for the first of a two-part series that explores the astonishing and transformational history of Coney Island as both a geographical zone and amusement area.

Led by veteran Brooklyn tour guide and Coney Island enthusiast Norman Oder, Part I of our virtual showcase — which will focus on Coney Island up through the 1920s — will include:

  • Coney’s geography and early identity as both a resort for the rich and “Sodom by the Sea”
  • How the World’s Fairs and P.T. Barnum had an influence on Coney
  • The wondrous rides, fantastic architecture, and inventive philosophies behind the three great early amusement parks — Steeplechase, Luna Park, and Dreamland
  • Main attractions of the day, from dazzling “spectacles” that recreated disasters and simulated fire; to the sideshow display of animals, “freaks,” and “exotic” peoples; to the beach, entertainment, music, and food

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Norman — any and all questions about Coney Island are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Norman

Norman Oder, tour guide and journalist, has led tours of Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Coney Island, since 2000. He’s long visited Coney, but has during the pandemic delved deep into the archives to develop a virtual tour of its astounding history.











When: Wed., Jan. 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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“It is blatant, it is cheap, it is the apotheosis of the ridiculous. But it is something more; it is like Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park; it is a national playground, and not to have seen it is not to have seen your own country.” – Reginald Wright Kauffman, 1909

Even before the famous boardwalk and Wonder Wheel arrived on the scene, Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY was the greatest amusement zone the world had ever seen. But how did a somewhat remote beach neighborhood become the capital of thrills and entertainment? It’s time to step right up and uncover the incredibly innovative amusement parks that defined Coney Island’s legacy for generations to come.

Join New York Adventure Club for the first of a two-part series that explores the astonishing and transformational history of Coney Island as both a geographical zone and amusement area.

Led by veteran Brooklyn tour guide and Coney Island enthusiast Norman Oder, Part I of our virtual showcase — which will focus on Coney Island up through the 1920s — will include:

  • Coney’s geography and early identity as both a resort for the rich and “Sodom by the Sea”
  • How the World’s Fairs and P.T. Barnum had an influence on Coney
  • The wondrous rides, fantastic architecture, and inventive philosophies behind the three great early amusement parks — Steeplechase, Luna Park, and Dreamland
  • Main attractions of the day, from dazzling “spectacles” that recreated disasters and simulated fire; to the sideshow display of animals, “freaks,” and “exotic” peoples; to the beach, entertainment, music, and food

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Norman — any and all questions about Coney Island are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Norman

Norman Oder, tour guide and journalist, has led tours of Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Coney Island, since 2000. He’s long visited Coney, but has during the pandemic delved deep into the archives to develop a virtual tour of its astounding history.

Buy tickets/get more info now