A Walk Around Surf Avenue (Updated 3/2/10)

Stillwell Avenue

Years ago, the subway station was vibrant with concession stands and a long ramp to the street.  It fell into disrepair.  It became dark, the concessions closed and was not a pleasant or safe place to use (Photo:  A. Sandy (c))

Approxmately 45 years ago, there was a souvenir shop on this street, owned by my friend’s father.  He owned it for over 20 years.  It later became a liquor shop.

Before the Newport sign was the Coppertone Baby, who welcomed visitors.  Times have changed and so eventually did the subway station.

New construction of the old station with a bit of Coney charm.

Surf Avenue (Photo:  Jimvid (c))

Coney Island Souvenir T-Shirt Shop.

Denny’s Ice Cream Shop.

Williams’ Candy Shop, the only remaining candy store in Coney.

The famous Eldorado “Bump Your Ass Off” the music never stops! (Photo:  A. Sandy (c))

The Shore Theater, home to vaudville shows and many other transformations over the years.  The theater has been closed for years..  Murry Zaret’s Animal Nursery was next door.  The nursery had exotic animals as well as house pets.  I adopted a Maine Coon Kitten there.  (Photo:  C. Denson, “Coney Island Lost and Found” (c))

Hone of the minor league Mets.

For those who are really hungry…

Nathan’s Famous

You haven’t eaten a hot dog until you’ve had one at Nathan’s Coney Island, the Original.

The snap of the frank, the toasted bun, mustard, kraut, onions, the long lines, and of course the embiance of eating the best frank and food.  As “they” say… it always tastes better at the beach!

Of course, Stillwell Avenue was home to Philip’s Candy Shop from the 1930’s until the train station closed for renovation.  The shop is currently located on Staten Island.

Another icon, B&B Carousell which closed in July 2001.

Mike operated the Carousell for many years.  He passed away on July 4, 2001.

Magic Bowling now replaces the Carousell (Photo: D. Matlack (c))

Stillwell Avenue & Henderson Walk.

The Coney Island Museum was once located on the Boardwalk and relocated to a store front on Mermaid Avenue.  Dick Zigun and colleagues gave worked hard to turn Sideshows by the Seashore into a beautiful store front on the corner.

The new location of the Coney Island Museum and Freak Bar.

Stillwell Avenue view (Photo:  Jimvid (c))

Of course, there have been additional changes on Stillwell Avenue, be sure to come back for more photos.

 

Memorabilia – Updated (3/7/10)

Memorabilia Collected over the Years

My Grandpa Harry Anderson outside Luna Park (year unknown)

Collection of Post Cards

 

 

Many years ago, my dad had friends who worked at Steeplechase Park, and was given this old matchbook, which became part of my collection

Rubber stamp purchased at a flea market in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Post Card from the Coney Island Hysterical Society

Post Card I received from Coney Island USA for a T-Shirt Contest Entry

This is the Design I Submitted

Sealed Editor’s Copy of Amram Ducovny’s book “Coney Island”

B&B Carousell Ring given to me by Mike Saltzstein.

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