Thornton Donovan School of
New Rochelle Visits Coney.
On Thursday, October 9th at 11am, 112 students and faculty
members from the prestigious Thornton Donovan School of New
Rochelle arrived on a beautiful autumn day to Steeplechase
Plaza greeted by Coney Island Tours founder Michael Quinn,
staff members of Luna Park as well as Tom Basgil representing
the Alliance for Coney Island.
Headmaster, Douglas E. Fleming who has been in charge of
running the upscale school since 1968 told us that the school
whose visitors ranged from the 6th to 12th grade focuses on
thematic education. “Our students learn about a piece of
history or part of the world then we go! We take our learning
on the road!”
The students were able to enjoy a ride on the historic B&B
Carousell (yes,two LL’s), Coney Island’s last custom made
carousel labeled “the world’s most expensive carousel” since
being purchased in 2005 for $1.8 million by the City’s
Economic Development Corporation. The Carousel was shipped to
the last remaining factory for restoration in Marion, Ohio
located on a former military base.
The tour included the history of custom made carousel carving
in the United States. Along with studying about historic Coney
Island in the classroom the students have also been learning
about Danish history. Since October 9th was Leif Erikson Day,
the students were honoring the Danish explorer who some people
believe was the first European to discover North America.
Many students were interested in learning about Charles Looff,
the Danish furniture maker turned carousel carver who in
around 1875 installed Coney Island’s very first carousel at
Vanderveer’s Pavilion near West 5th street on Surf Avenue.
During the hour and a half tour the students learned why Coney
Island is considered the birthplace of the amusement industry.
Each student was taking hand written notes while being
fascinated by the quirky narratives about George C. Tilyou,
Paul Boyton, Luna Park founders Frederic Thompson and Elmer
Dundy, Charles Feltman, William H. Reynolds, Nathan Handwerker
and so many others including our present day showman Coney
Island U.S.A. founder Dick Zigun.
Upon leaving Mr. Fleming told us that he will make sure that
all of New Rochelle knows that Coney Island is one of the most
fun and fascinating place to visit. Any time of the year.
Coney Island Theater To Be
Boarded Up?
The city landmarked former Coney Island Loews Theater at 1301
Surf ave. has become a haven for vandals and homeless
squatters. A request has been made for preventive measures to
halt break-ins. After leaving a message with the NYC Landmarks
Preservation Commission last Friday we were able to connect
with Compliance Officer Katie Rice this morning. Ms. Rice
offered us the following statement : “We have contacted the
attorney handling the estate and have issued a violation for
the removal of the windows at 1301 Surf ave.” As far as
development for the site, the attorney told us that we are not
at that stage.” The good news is that there has been some
communication between the Landmarks Committee and Jasmine
Bullard’s Attorney. The first step is securing the building.
Whether or not the Bullard Family will sell the building still
remains to be seen.
The Landmarks Committee will contacting the CIB later in the
week with additional information. We will keep you updated as
things develop. What would you like to see happen with the
building?
Update: Landmarks called me this afternoon to tell me that a
violation was issued this past August. They would prefer to
have the windows replaced instead of boarded up. I will post
more information as it comes in.
Coney Island Town Hall Summit
Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson invites our
community to the Coney Island Town Hall Summit.
Date: Thursday, October 23rd 2014 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Liberation Diploma Plus High School at 2865 W.19th
st.
For more info please contact 718 250 2165
Email: [email protected]
Website: BrooklynDA.org
Johnny Rockets is Trashed!
It seems certain now that popular 1950’s styled franchise
restaurant Johnny Rockets will NOT be coming to Surf ave. The
problem? Trash. The owners can’t find a spot to dispose of the
restaurant’s future garbage. Other businesses along the north
side of Surf ave. dispose of their trash in a narrow alley way
near W.12th st. Since the restaurant is nestled right next to
the subway station there isn’t a spot for their garbage to be
collected. So what will the future be for that site?
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE
Coming
soon…the
Coney Island Blog
official