Entrance To Luna Park 1915
This magic lantern slide is from about 1915 and shows the ornate entrance to Coney Island’s Luna Park. Along with George C. Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park (opened 1897) and Dreamland (1904) , Luna Park (1903) was one of the big three Coney Island amusement attractions at the turn of the century. Luna’s founders, Frederic Thompson and Elmer “Skip” Dundy took over Sea Lion Park which opened in 1895.
Dreamland was destroyed by fire in 1911. Luna Park would suffer a similar fate on August 12, 1944. Steeplechase shut down in 1964.
Having never been to Steeplechase or Luna Park I can only relate the tales of my grandparents who describe old Coney Island as a crowded, glorious pageant of exciting and colorful sights, unique smells and sounds that a person could indulge in on the cheap.
In 1915 the cost would have totaled about 75 cents a person for a day’s entertainment, including food and transportation. It was a great place to take your family or go on a date.
Luna Park 2026
The “new” Luna Park opened in 2010 nearby where the original Luna Park stood, which is now the location of the Luna Park Houses (1958-1962). This Luna Park has absolutely nothing to do with the original park.
I recently visited this namesake of Luna Park on a sultry, overcast Tuesday summer afternoon. I had not been there for about eight years. After buying a couple of seven dollar hot dogs at the nearby iconic Nathan’s, I took a stroll with my friend and his daughter through the midway, game stands, rides and attractions that make up Luna.
The number of workers outnumbered attendees. There were literally no more than a couple of dozen patrons.
The new Luna Park is a poor imitation of what once was. The rides are banal. The main smells are greasy food, the urine of the many nearby derelicts who wander the perimeter and body odor.
And forget taking your family there if you are on a budget. A wristband to go on the rides starts at $75 for adults and children over four feet tall. As the charges mount for bad food and huckster games, figure a family of four will spend at least $400.
No you cannot bring back the past.
If this Luna Park befalls a fate similar to the old Luna Park it will not be missed by any old time New Yorker or me.
