Much to our dismay the demolition of Coney Island began in 2007, leading to a billion dollar development complete with mega-hotels and luxury apartments. Gone are all the creepy run down stands and creaky rides that gave Coney Island charm, an ideal set for a photoshoot. Luckily Wig. magazine took advantage of the final days, here are a few of the images.
I was lucky enough to make a pilgrimage in late Spring of 2007 with fellow Cat Party contributor Chelsea and two other friends. They're probably going to murder me for posting photos but that won't stop me. It was a particularly sunny day and we thought we'd start it off right by ordering some of those novelty drinks the size of our heads...bad idea. I cringed when I saw the open unmarked bottle of "rum" sludge with the consistency of motor oil being poured into our foot long naked lady glasses, but went along with it because the experience was too kitchy to pass up. We scarfed down some hot dogs and took our frosty beverages down to the beach to make some sandcastles.
Twenty minutes later one member of our party wasn't feeling too hot, not to any one's surprise. After some much needed nap time we were ready to ride the Cyclone. Most of the rides are a total joke unless you're 5, but the Cyclone is a pretty daunting roller coaster, even for a seasoned amusement park junkie. The boards appear to be original and rattle and creak with every pass, you have to have more than a sliver of badass (or idiot) in you to hop aboard. Of course we did.
Luckily, the Cyclone will remain along with a few other Coney Island originals including Nathan's Famous Hotdog Stand and the Wonder Wheel.
Goodbye Coney Island, we'll miss you.
Edit: an anonymous coney lover just informed me that a lot of the old seedy stuff is still around for the season. If you haven't already, start planning a trip for one last hurrah!
