A Photo Journey Through Coney Island in the 1910s

The 1910s were a decade of profound transformation for Coney Island, Brooklyn’s irreplaceable seaside amusement hub. Navigating a landscape of innovation, catastrophic events, and a World War, Coney Island remained a mirror reflecting America’s broader social and cultural shifts. From the tragic demise of Dreamland to the remarkable perseverance of Luna Park and Nathan’s Famous, this era set the stage for Coney Island’s modern identity.

The Rise, Fall, and Phoenix-Like Rebirth of Luna Park

Luna Park, which opened in 1903, had firmly established itself as a fixture in Coney Island’s entertainment landscape by the 1910s. However, the park faced an existential challenge when a fire broke out in 1911, causing extensive damage. The park’s management, not to be deterred, quickly rebuilt, reintroducing Luna Park in 1913 with even more spectacular attractions, including a 20,000-gallon water tank filled with sea lions. Thus, Luna Park not only survived but emerged from the ashes stronger than ever, echoing the resilience that New Yorkers pride themselves on.

The Final Curtain for Dreamland

In stark contrast to Luna Park’s phoenix-like rebirth, Dreamland suffered an irreparable loss. In 1911, a devastating fire engulfed the park, laying waste to its grand architecture and attractions, such as the Venetian canals and the awe-inspiring Tower. The park never recovered from this catastrophe and closed its doors forever. Dreamland’s demise served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human creations, casting a long shadow over the entertainment culture of Coney Island.

Nathan’s Famous: An Icon Solidifies its Legacy

During the 1910s, Nathan’s Famous continued to burgeon as the quintessential Coney Island eatery. Opened by Nathan Handwerker in 1916, the establishment quickly became famous for its quality frankfurters at an affordable price. As World War I raged on, Nathan’s provided a sense of normalcy and an affordable luxury to New Yorkers. It was during this decade that the annual hot dog eating contest began, further cementing Nathan’s—and the hot dog—as an indispensable part of Coney Island’s social fabric.

The Great War and Coney Island

The World War I years (1914-1918) presented unique challenges and opportunities for Coney Island. While the conflict led to shortages and altered social norms, Coney Island remained a refuge for those seeking an escape from wartime realities. The patriotic fervor of the time was palpable, with many attractions and performances adding a war theme to their offerings. For instance, military-themed attractions such as staged naval battles became a staple, underscoring Coney Island’s ability to adapt and reflect contemporary events.

#1 People at Coney Island Beach on a Cold Day, 1915

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#2 Women Steering a Wicker Basket Ride at Coney Island

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#3 Diverse Boys on Horse Ride at Steeplechase Park, Coney Island, 1910

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#4 Surf Avenue View Featuring Feltman’s Restaurant and Giant Racer, Coney Island, circa 1910

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#5 Brooklyn City Mission Preacher Addressing Coney Island Crowds, circa 1910

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#6 Crowded Beach at Coney Island, Early 20th Century

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#7 Crowded Beach at Coney Island, Early 20th Century

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#8 Iron Steamboat Company Excursion Boat to Coney Island, 1910s

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#9 Night View of Illuminations at Coney Island, 1910s

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#10 Beachgoers at Coney Island, 1910s

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#11 Crowds at Coney Island Beach, 1910s

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#12 Dreamland at Coney Island, 1910s

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#13 Shoot the Chutes Ride at Coney Island, 1910s

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#14 Hot Air Balloon Ride at Coney Island, 1910s

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#15 High-Angle Shot of Dreamland at Coney Island, 1910s

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#16 Boarding the Streetcar to Coney Island at Williamsburg Bridge Plaza, 1910s

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#17 Loop the Loop Ride at Coney Island, circa 1910

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#18 Overdressed Revelers at Coney Island Beach, Early 1910s

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#19 Dreamland and Balmer’s Bathing Pavilions at Coney Island, 1910

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#20 Beachgoers Swimming with Manhattan Hotel in the Background, Early 1910s

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#21 High-Angle View of Coney Island Beach, 1910

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#22 Dreamland and Balmer’s Bathing Pavilions at Coney Island, 1910

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#23 Beer Joint and Pike’s Peak Scenic Railroad at Coney Island

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#24 Luna Park Illuminated at Night by Mazda Lamps

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#25 Luna Park Illuminated at Night by Mazda Lamps

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#26 Reflections on the Lagoon at Luna Park, Illuminated at Night

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#27 Aerial View of Dreamland Amusement Park at Coney Island

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#28 Friends Playing in the Sand at Coney Island

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#29 Family Portrait at Coney Island Beach, January 1915

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#30 Orphans Preparing for a Day of Fun at Coney Island, 1910s

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#31 Orphans Preparing for a Day of Fun at Coney Island, 1910s

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#32 Dreamland Park Fire in Coney Island, 1911

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#33 Orphans Waving Flags on a Truck to Luna Park, 1911

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#34 Sideshow Performer at Dreamland’s Animal Arena, Early 1910s

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#35 Coney Island, Luna Park 1903-1944, Wire Walkers & Chute Boat, destroyed by fire 1910s.

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#36 Coney Island, The Cakewalk, ‘Witching Waves’ & ‘Cake Walk,’ early 1910s.

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#37 Coney Island, Luna Park, ornate architecture & electric lights, early 1910s.

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#38 Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1911.

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#39 Balmer’s Beach & Bathing Pavilion, Coney Island, Brooklyn, 1911.

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#40 Luna Park at night, damaged by a big fire before 1911.

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#41 Dreamland Park fire at Coney Island, 1911, $4,000,000 damage.

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#42 The Teaser, Coney Island in Luna Park, circa 1912.

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#43 Race in Street Clothing at Coney Island, circa 1912.

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#44 Luna Park at Coney Island, circa 1912.

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#45 Aftermath Of The Dreamland Fire, firefighters work, May 1911.

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#46 After The Fire At Dreamland, smoking wreckage, May 27, 1911.

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#47 Coney Island, the “Cake Walk,” circa 1912.

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#48 Luna Park and Surf Avenue in Coney Island.

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#49 Large Crowd Gathered for Baths at Coney Island.

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#50 Beach Goers at Coney Island’s Municipal Baths.

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#51 Beach Goers, great crowds at Municipal Beach.

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#52 Crowds At Coney Island, 1915.

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#53 Coney Island Hospital, exterior, circa 1915.

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#54 Crowded Beach At Coney Island, circa 1915.

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#55 Start of automobile trip to San Francisco from Coney Island Brooklyn, May 15, 1915.

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#56 1915 Coney Island boardwalk, beach, pedestrians, and autos.

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#57 Racehorse Posing In His Blanket, Silver Thread, March 24, 1915.

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#58 Racehorse Posing With Stable Worker, “Sharpshooter,” March 24, 1915.

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#59 Eden Musee Wax Museum on Coney Island.

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#60 Luna Park at Night, illuminated.

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#61 Fatty Arbuckle in Dress, comedy act, 1918.

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#62 Brooklyn Transit Strike, police boat ‘Mayor Hylan,’ August 31, 1919.

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#63 American Red Cross Nurse Collecting from Sailors, Lucy Freeman, A.A.U. champion.

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#64 Coney Island visitors eating a hot dog, 1915.

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#65 Ballyhoo artist at work at Coney Island, 1910

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#66 Visitors enjoying a day at Coney Island, 1915.

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#67 People enjoying a day of fun at Coney Island, May 1915.

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#68 People on the beach at Coney Island throwing balls, January 1915.

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