When I was a kid born 1962, my grandfather would take me there from Jersey City on the subways and I loved going there. It’s really so sad there aren’t many places if any like it. None of these places should get run down and abandoned. I feel very lucky that I was able to go many times until he passed away in 69. I miss him and Coney Island very much I would’ve loved to take my kids there too.
My dad took us there once. In 1975. But I use to hear him, my aunt and grandmother talk about the parks. Grandmother couldn't quite remember the name of the third park... Dreamland.
When we saw this documentary in my college class last week, I was amazed by how different and how amazing Coney Island was over 100 years ago! So much beauty with the dazzling light displays and the awesome looking rides, but even our professor had to pause the movie to warn us of the elephant's electrocution. I'm a 23 year old man, but I had to close my eyes. The fact that they filmed it just send shivers down my spine. Plus, it sucks that fire was the main reason why two of the parks had to close. Amazing documentary, nonetheless.
Although I'm English I have always had a fascination with Americana. Just love this sort of freak show seaside wonderland sort of stuff. Even in the UK the gregarious statues, characters, colours & smells. Our equivalent is Southend out on the Essex coast & still today really London's seaside playground. Get's a mention in a couple of Elton John songs as well as he really made his chops down there.
@@imogenimeson664 I was really basing that on where a nation's capital goes to the seaside. I know it's a bit of a stretch down to Washington DC from Coney but it reminds me of Southend in that you'd get thousands of day trippers from London but for Coney that would be NY & possibly Washington. Blackpool would definitely be the bigger though & possibly the nation's seaside destination.
So cool.....I just went to Coney Island for a concert in the Ford Amphitheater. Stopped in the Freek bar-gift shop-side show. Its amazing history and seeing how some things are holding on by a thread. We hope it continues to hold on and reach great come back. My mom went as a kid in the early 1950,s. It was awesome for me to take photos I can send to her. Thanks for the great video. I am learning more and more everyday.
I think Topsy had a right to attack some imbecile who fed her a lit cigarette. Fucker got what he deserved. Topsy, however...did not. They could have just shot her in the head if they were insistent on putting her down. I think the proposed hanging and the ultimate electrocution of the animal were just cruel stunts conjured up to create a spectacle. It is a strange coincidence that the following season marked such a downturn for Dreamland and Coney Island, though. Topsy's execution was the beginning of the END!
I saw this documentary in 1992 or 93. I loved in New York back in the 70's . This video really brings back nice memories. From time to time, I would remember seeing this video, and wish I could see it again. Thanks for uploading it. Greatly appreciated
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this programme - Coney Island always seemed to be something magical to working class Americans. It had the guts to get up and dust itself down and start all over again during the numerous catastrophes that it suffered during the years. Only disturbing thing was the electrocutions first the elephant - so sad. Such a wonderful programme, thanks.
SOURCE: THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. A brilliant documentary by Filmmaker RIC BURNS, made possible by support from PBS, the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, WGBH Boston & its members
Yup, my dad was from Brooklyn NY. Great Grandma (Nana) was 18 in 1900. I remember pictures of her and my grandmother at Coney Island. Dad had stories of going in the 1940s while growing up. He moved to Jersey in 1947.
Edison did topsy to show the dangers of a/c....he was against a/c and all for d/c at the time. Tesla was pro a/c and tried to convince the world that A/C was the way to go. Obviously Edison was manipulating opinion of those who don't know any better. Because in actuality, d/c is more dangerous. But in those times, the average guy didn't know jack about electricity. The salt in the wound is Edison's take-over of Tesla's a/c ideas and built upon them to become the man he is known as today and the top leader in power production.
"The navies of the world coming in and shelling Manhattan and then Admiral Dewey's Naval Fleet going out and sinking every one of them!" That must have been a spectacular show!!! I would liked to have seen it! Though I must say that for Japan's Navy to sail up to New York harbor and begin to bomb the living daylights out of Manhattan they would have had to sail a long distance to get there! I would love to see a map of their journey! LOL!!!! But in make believe this is all possible! Someone should have filmed those battles! Awesome!!!!
I was a little disappointed that they basically skipped the 1920's, but then I suppose that the great individual attractions of that decade (Thunderbolt, Tornado, Cyclone, Wonder Wheel) didn't have the massive cultural impact that the three great parks did.
pause @37.17 my mum always called fat ppl Fatty Arbuckle when i was a kid and i always wondered where she got that name from. we are Australian too so i don't know how she heard of him. Anyway this footage is one of the most fantastic and eerie things i have ever seen. it's like a different world back then. time machine please
After seeing the elephant execution I am reminded of the commandment of Jesus: "Be ye, therefore, merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful." Deer God, help us to be merciful and kind. In Jesus' name.
Could have done without the elephant bit! Jezzz - Feel good story of the week that one! I went to see Paul Mc Cartney & Wings once & at the start of the show they played a 5 min tape of animals (including Topsy) being abused & tortured. Let's just say that didn't set me up for an enjoyable evening! I've got nothing but respect for people who sort all the wrongdoing & abuses out but there is a time & a place.
Yeah,I saw McCartney nack in 94 and he showed a film beforehand of animals being slaughtered and it showed topsy being electrocuted. I get his message but seriously,it was a bad idea.
BingCherry11 because at that point no one believed in electronic chairs and tbh the only reason Thomas Edison was to prove that his electric was powerful.. and killing a large elephant would do him justice
I found the treatment of innocent animals to be utterly horrific. I hope most people at the time felt the same but I fear that may not have been the case. Today we know better.
This was a wonderful documentary, even though they skimped on the 1920s, the Depression era and WW2 era (although if they HAD included these time periods, the documentary would have probably been about three hours long)! The elephant killing was disturbing, yes; however, in that era, if a zoo or circus was going to kill an elephant, it was not uncommon for them to invite the public to come watch it AND even charge admission for it! The animal rights movement was almost non-existent in that era, and because many people grew up on farms, and even some city people kept chickens in their backyard, they were used to killing animals for food, so they would have probably been less unnerved by the idea of an elephant getting killed than many people today would. It's also interesting to note that Topsy's handler refused to help with her execution, even in spite of being offered a significant amount of money to do so, so he must have loved her. I can only imagine how helpless the poor guy must have felt watching her get electrocuted and not be able to do a thing to stop it! Anyway, barring the disturbing elephant killing segment, the rest of the film is an amazing montage of the beauty and delight of Coney's three great parks. If I could go back in time, I would go back into the Edwardian Era to visit all three parks when they were at the peak of their popularity. Luna Park, especially, is my favorite of the three. I imagine that, had it not burned down, it would still be a very beautiful place today!
Hériat M because it really is. A lot of the attractions had an eerie tone and look, the music is very creepy, and it's weird thinking that all this is just gone
Talk about people living "pay-check to pay-check". The social 'safety net' simply is no where to be found. Good luck if you have a deadly sickness or hurt on the job. If you can not report to work you are replaced. Greed on Wall Street is beyond belief .....I should add this is in 1900, not 2021. Sorry for the confusion!
When I was a kid born 1962, my grandfather would take me there from Jersey City on the subways and I loved going there. It’s really so sad there aren’t many places if any like it. None of these places should get run down and abandoned. I feel very lucky that I was able to go many times until he passed away in 69. I miss him and Coney Island very much I would’ve loved to take my kids there too.
My dad took us there once. In 1975.
But I use to hear him, my aunt and grandmother talk about the parks.
Grandmother couldn't quite remember the name of the third park...
Dreamland.
This is one of the best documentaries I have seen. This is how it's done.
Bailey p
I live in Coney Island, and I lived here 12 years (I am 12) The history is the best
Great 👍 documentary 👏 back in the day longtime ago 👍
When we saw this documentary in my college class last week, I was amazed by how different and how amazing Coney Island was over 100 years ago! So much beauty with the dazzling light displays and the awesome looking rides, but even our professor had to pause the movie to warn us of the elephant's electrocution. I'm a 23 year old man, but I had to close my eyes. The fact that they filmed it just send shivers down my spine. Plus, it sucks that fire was the main reason why two of the parks had to close. Amazing documentary, nonetheless.
Although I'm English I have always had a fascination with Americana. Just love this sort of freak show seaside wonderland sort of stuff. Even in the UK the gregarious statues, characters, colours & smells. Our equivalent is Southend out on the Essex coast & still today really London's seaside playground. Get's a mention in a couple of Elton John songs as well as he really made his chops down there.
Deep Heat Just say American Culture, using that other word pegs you as ignorant.
More like Blackpool rather then Sarfend.
@@imogenimeson664
I was really basing that on where a nation's capital goes to the seaside. I know it's a bit of a stretch down to Washington DC from Coney but it reminds me of Southend in that you'd get thousands of day trippers from London but for Coney that would be NY & possibly Washington.
Blackpool would definitely be the bigger though & possibly the nation's seaside destination.
So cool.....I just went to Coney Island for a concert in the Ford Amphitheater. Stopped in the Freek bar-gift shop-side show. Its amazing history and seeing how some things are holding on by a thread. We hope it continues to hold on and reach great come back. My mom went as a kid in the early 1950,s. It was awesome for me to take photos I can send to her. Thanks for the great video. I am learning more and more everyday.
excellent and very fascinating documentary
I think Topsy had a right to attack some imbecile who fed her a lit cigarette. Fucker got what he deserved. Topsy, however...did not. They could have just shot her in the head if they were insistent on putting her down. I think the proposed hanging and the ultimate electrocution of the animal were just cruel stunts conjured up to create a spectacle. It is a strange coincidence that the following season marked such a downturn for Dreamland and Coney Island, though. Topsy's execution was the beginning of the END!
I hope everyone involved in Topsy’s abuse and death burns in hell for all eternity.
It was only the fight of Edison against Nikola Tesla. And nowadays another crook sells e-cars under Tesla's name.
I saw this documentary in 1992 or 93. I loved in New York back in the 70's . This video really brings back nice memories. From time to time, I would remember seeing this video, and wish I could see it again. Thanks for uploading it. Greatly appreciated
beautiful and interesting video.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this programme - Coney Island always seemed to be something magical to working class Americans. It had the guts to get up and dust itself down and start all over again during the numerous catastrophes that it suffered during the years. Only disturbing thing was the electrocutions first the elephant - so sad. Such a wonderful programme, thanks.
Those people who killed Topsy the Elephant are burning in their own special place in HELL!!!
Charles Peter Watson So what?
Along with that guy who fed Her a lit cigarette.
I sure hope so
RIP to all the Elephants who were struck down in their Prime, including the Beloved Topsy..
3:53 Beautiful Music
the most flammable place on earth
SOURCE: THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. A brilliant documentary by Filmmaker RIC BURNS, made possible by support from PBS, the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, WGBH Boston & its members
Coney island is the most magical and happiest place on earth 🌎 And it is where dreams come true,
Very good documentary, enjoyed it a lot.
Wish I cold have lived in New York! My grandfather lived there, but moved away to California when he got married.
Yup, my dad was from Brooklyn NY.
Great Grandma (Nana) was 18 in 1900. I remember pictures of her and my grandmother at Coney Island.
Dad had stories of going in the 1940s while growing up.
He moved to Jersey in 1947.
yes I found the documentary that got taken down for some reason hope this doesn't get taken down
Copy right
Why would anyone thumb this down?
This is actually an edited version. There is another that has another 20 or so minutes including the Elephant Hotel that burned down.
God bless you
Very interesting. As a foreigner I had no idea this ever existed.
Edison did topsy to show the dangers of a/c....he was against a/c and all for d/c at the time. Tesla was pro a/c and tried to convince the world that A/C was the way to go. Obviously Edison was manipulating opinion of those who don't know any better. Because in actuality, d/c is more dangerous. But in those times, the average guy didn't know jack about electricity. The salt in the wound is Edison's take-over of Tesla's a/c ideas and built upon them to become the man he is known as today and the top leader in power production.
Edison = major elite scumbag. The elite scumbags ruining the world today think he is a god. 🙄
"The navies of the world coming in and shelling Manhattan and then Admiral Dewey's Naval Fleet going out and sinking every one of them!" That must have been a spectacular show!!! I would liked to have seen it! Though I must say that for Japan's Navy to sail up to New York harbor and begin to bomb the living daylights out of Manhattan they would have had to sail a long distance to get there! I would love to see a map of their journey! LOL!!!! But in make believe this is all possible! Someone should have filmed those battles! Awesome!!!!
The DVD version of this has more Al Lewis and a different closing credit roll.
Too bad I would have loved to Experience this place back when being naïve and innocent were good things
Unfortunately it is very dangerous over there at coney island..just like it is everywhere . Not like use to be ! Sad!
The only thing that stands scene Steeplechase park is that red tower (A/K/A The Parachute Jump)
A great film from back before Public Broadcasting turned so anti-American. Those were the good old days!
poor Coney Island :-(
I was a little disappointed that they basically skipped the 1920's, but then I suppose that the great individual attractions of that decade (Thunderbolt, Tornado, Cyclone, Wonder Wheel) didn't have the massive cultural impact that the three great parks did.
pause @37.17 my mum always called fat ppl Fatty Arbuckle when i was a kid and i always wondered where she got that name from. we are Australian too so i don't know how she heard of him. Anyway this footage is one of the most fantastic and eerie things i have ever seen. it's like a different world back then. time machine please
It’s really nice now . They had let it get run down for the 70s 80,90 but it’s been rebuilt
Coney Island is an island of broken dreams for many people that live there
I lost some family members to drugs there
After seeing the elephant execution I am reminded of the commandment of Jesus: "Be ye, therefore, merciful as your Father in heaven is merciful." Deer God, help us to be merciful and kind. In Jesus' name.
why are some parts cut off.
does anyone know the name of the song at ( :2525 ) It sounds like ...The sidewalks of new york?
Grampa Munster!❤❤❤
I think that all of those fires in Coney was Karma for what those assholes did to Topsy the elephant.
Could have done without the elephant bit! Jezzz - Feel good story of the week that one!
I went to see Paul Mc Cartney & Wings once & at the start of the show they played a 5 min tape of animals (including Topsy) being abused & tortured. Let's just say that didn't set me up for an enjoyable evening!
I've got nothing but respect for people who sort all the wrongdoing & abuses out but there is a time & a place.
Yeah,I saw McCartney nack in 94 and he showed a film beforehand of animals being slaughtered and it showed topsy being electrocuted. I get his message but seriously,it was a bad idea.
If the ASPCA was able to save Topsy from a hanging how come they were not able to save Topsy from and "Electric Chair" type execution????
BingCherry11 because at that point no one believed in electronic chairs and tbh the only reason Thomas Edison was to prove that his electric was powerful.. and killing a large elephant would do him justice
Now it's Cooney Island 🏝😎.
Yes...really great...human zoos. 😮😢
Alot of those Dreamland attractions were bought & brought from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
I found the treatment of innocent animals to be utterly horrific. I hope most people at the time felt the same but I fear that may not have been the case. Today we know better.
Adrian Larkins h
How would the person who created Luna park would have felt that in the future Luna park would become a Nycha Housing project 🤔😳😕?
No captions.
This was a wonderful documentary, even though they skimped on the 1920s, the Depression era and WW2 era (although if they HAD included these time periods, the documentary would have probably been about three hours long)! The elephant killing was disturbing, yes; however, in that era, if a zoo or circus was going to kill an elephant, it was not uncommon for them to invite the public to come watch it AND even charge admission for it! The animal rights movement was almost non-existent in that era, and because many people grew up on farms, and even some city people kept chickens in their backyard, they were used to killing animals for food, so they would have probably been less unnerved by the idea of an elephant getting killed than many people today would. It's also interesting to note that Topsy's handler refused to help with her execution, even in spite of being offered a significant amount of money to do so, so he must have loved her. I can only imagine how helpless the poor guy must have felt watching her get electrocuted and not be able to do a thing to stop it! Anyway, barring the disturbing elephant killing segment, the rest of the film is an amazing montage of the beauty and delight of Coney's three great parks. If I could go back in time, I would go back into the Edwardian Era to visit all three parks when they were at the peak of their popularity. Luna Park, especially, is my favorite of the three. I imagine that, had it not burned down, it would still be a very beautiful place today!
They CUT some of my favorite parts out 😡😪
Personal injury lawyers would sue that place into oblivion, today
The only thing that remains the same is change.
Fascinating but the audio was horrible.
Looks like Rod Serling had a hand in the quotes of some of these weirdos
Why do I find this creepy...?
Hériat M because it really is. A lot of the attractions had an eerie tone and look, the music is very creepy, and it's weird thinking that all this is just gone
It was the first social engineering experiment that the illuminati did. The evil undertones are there because the place was evil. Follow the money.
@@illuminatidestroyerbear2231 LOLOLOLOL
@@Dzingzing ...when you're a hammer....
Ahh, back when PBS didn't produce pap
Ewaranon sent me.
9 miles from NYC??? Google says 22.1...????
Talk about people living "pay-check to pay-check". The social 'safety net' simply is no where to be found. Good luck if you have a deadly sickness or hurt on the job. If you can not report to work you are replaced. Greed on Wall Street is beyond belief .....I should add this is in 1900, not 2021. Sorry for the confusion!
Grandpa munster!
This doc has been cut! 😡
2:38 I have to agree, there's only ONE Coney Island ... the beloved park in CINCINNATI. New York's "Coney Island"? Nah.
It took them to bizzaro world is where it tooythem