Coney Island -- Out of Season — Jim Freund's Blog

During the Fall of 2007, I paid a visit to Coney Island, at a time when its numerous attractions had closed for the year. There was a certain melancholy about viewing America’s playground in repose, bereft of the usual activity and crowds. But it gave me an opportunity to take some offbeat photos of interest, as you’ll see here.

I was struck by how the shuttered attractions, even when splashed by the sun’s rays, emitted a certain sense of sadness.

Here are some shots of the world-famous Coney Island Cyclone – the amusement park’s last wooden roller coaster – which opened to the public almost one hundred years ago.

What’s missing, of course, are the cars holding the excited riders.

I don’t recall where this flag was located, but for me it shared the
out-of-season look so prevalent that autumn.

Without the usual burst of activity to its sprightly musical accompaniment, the colorful figures of the merry-go-round steeds seemed
almost out of place.

Well, here are a few pleasant sights unaffected by the season.

Truth be told, I’ve never ventured inside this attraction – but it’s on my list for next time . . . .

Here’s the famous Wonder Wheel, now in continuous operation for over a century.

In season, some of its cars are stationary, while others are moving – but not on this day.

Over on the boardwalk, no one is lining-up for sausages and franks.

Here’s the Parachute Jump, originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair – a vertical excursion that’s now defunct even in season.

I was fascinated by this pick-up truck, which hoisted junk in that cylindrical container up and over the truck before dumping it in that ultimate receptacle.

Here are two views of the beach, without the summertime crowds of people.

Still, on a nice sunny Fall day, a few souls ventured out to the benches along the boardwalk.

These guys partially stripped down and engaged in some serious game.