Summer Has Always Been Coney Island's Season
By Laurie Lewis
When Henry Hudson made his historic 1609 voyage on the Half Moon, he came upon an island hopping with rabbits. Intent on finding a water route from Europe to the Far East, Hudson continued to a river that would later bear his name. The island probably got its name from a term for the four-legged inhabitants.
Coney Island, which like other islands of New York City was later joined to land to create a peninsula, saw its first development in 1829 with the opening of a posh seaside resort. After the Civil War, the once-rural area of Brooklyn became a summer getaway for middle-class New Yorkers wanting to escape the city heat. Charles Feltman had plenty of customers in 1867 when he created the hot dog, served on a bun to avoid dealing with plates and utensils. Revenue from his hot dog stand was so good that Feltman was soon able to open a restaurant. Over subsequent decades, Feltman expanded his property to include multiple eating venues and an entertainment complex with a roller coaster and carousel.
When Henry Hudson made his historic 1609 voyage on the Half Moon, he came upon an island hopping with rabbits. Intent on finding a water route from Europe to the Far East, Hudson continued to a river that would later bear his name. The island probably got its name from a term for the four-legged inhabitants.
Coney Island, which like other islands of New York City was later joined to land to create a peninsula, saw its first development in 1829 with the opening of a posh seaside resort. After the Civil War, the once-rural area of Brooklyn became a summer getaway for middle-class New Yorkers wanting to escape the city heat. Charles Feltman had plenty of customers in 1867 when he created the hot dog, served on a bun to avoid dealing with plates and utensils. Revenue from his hot dog stand was so good that Feltman was soon able to open a restaurant. Over subsequent decades, Feltman expanded his property to include multiple eating venues and an entertainment complex with a roller coaster and carousel.
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We've Been Writing!
From its earliest days, New York has been home to many creative, inventive people. They introduced an amazing array of innovations that were the first of their kind in the nation. Read about them in New York City Firsts, a book by Laurie Lewis. For purchasing information, see www.nycfirsts.com.
Central Park is one of the jewels of New York City. Alan Cohen wrote text to accompany full-color photographs for Central Park People. For information about purchasing the book, contact the photographer at [email protected].
About "Take a Walk New York" Tours
We are a group of New York City licensed tour guides offering a New York experience that is beyond the standard fare. Let us take you on a walk through the greatest city in the world, and discover why New York is a place like no other.
