1944 Lincoln HS graduate and former West Brighton resident
Alvin Dorfman, a 1944 graduate of Lincoln High School, was raised on Seabreeze Avenue in the West Brighton section of Coney Island. Dorfman recounts here his memories of the military presence in Sea Breeze (now Asser Levy) park and of life in Coney...
Content type: Oral History Item
First visit in half a century.
The day Ron brought his wife for her first visit to Coney Island was the first time he had been since his years there in the late 40's and early 50's. He recalls being unafraid riding the Parachute Jump when he was 10 years old.
Content type: Oral History Item
Juilliard trained musician whose family owned Washington Baths
José Beth Smolensky, born in 1927, describes growing up working for the Washington Baths, her family's Coney Island business. Her father, Harry Smolensky had high standards for cleanliness and kept the baths open for a longer season than most....
Content type: Oral History Item
Former president of the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce
Charles was a former president of the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce, a formidable organization until the mid-90's. At the height of its power, it had about 150 members and its various committees were responsible for tasks like keeping the...
Content type: Oral History Item
Organist and grandson of B&B Carousell organ doctor
Ed Radonic is a professional musician who plays the organ at Our Lady of Grace in Gravesend, just blocks from Coney Island. His grandfather, Dominick Brugnolotti installed and maintained the mechanical organ at the B&B Carousell for decades. Ed...
Content type: Oral History Item