Postcard US-2247916

Surf Avenue, Coney Island, New York (1912). Brooklyn's Brighton Beach and Coney Island were originally resorts for wealthy New Yorkers. As access to the area was made easier by rapid transit, Coney Island was "democratized" and became the city's chief summer amusement area, crowded by rides, restaurants, and beer gardens featuring entertainers and freaks. Luna Park, opened in 1903, was one of the three main amusement parks; the other two were Dreamland and Steeplechase. These were the forerunners of the modern theme parks.