Current Exhibit

Enjoy an amusement park experience in the
Museum Cove of the Northport Public Library

February 1 - May 31, 2007

          Welcome to the wonderful world of Coney Island in the Museum Cove of the Northport Public Library.  Coney Island was more that just an amusement park.  It was a fantasy world where thousands of people escaped for fun and adventure.
          We are very pleased to be partnering with Paul Brigandi, an ardent Coney Island fan, who has an extensive and fascinating collection of Coney Island memorabilia in his home. Mr. Brigandi grew up in Brooklyn and started visiting Coney Island when he was seven months old. As he grew, so did his passion for Coney Island and anything that he could acquire from the different parks.
          Coney Island was actually composed of three different parks. In 1895, George Tilyou opened Steeplechase Park and showcased a large ferris wheel as well as the famous steeplechase horse ride.  There were also numerous other rides and attractions.  Steeplechase Park burned in 1907, but Tilyou rebuilt it, and it operated until 1964.
          In 1901, Tilyou enticed Frederic Thompson and Elmer Dundy to bring their Trip to the Moon ride to Steeplechase Park. After breaking away from Tilyou, they opened Luna Park in 1903. Built like a modern fairyland, the park had over 1,300,000 electric lights, a fantastical architecture of spires and minarets besides numerous rides. The last of the parks, Dreamland, was opened in 1904 by Senator William Reynolds. It was famous for its 375 foot Dreamland Tower that was illuminated by 10,000 lights and could be seen for miles. 
          The Museum Cove at the Northport Library is delighted to present New York’s very special amusement park – Coney Island.