Growing up in Brooklyn, New York had a lot of advantages, and going to Coney Island during the summertime was definitely at the top of my list. From our humble Flatbush neighborhood, we would get in the family car and drive down the tree-lined Ocean Parkway till the very end, where we followed local streets to that magical land of sun, surf, the boardwalk and amusement parks. It was a kid’s version of Utopia. As we got closer to the carnival-type attractions, my heart began to race wildly, as I imagined going home with larger-than-life stuffed animals that I won through the games of skill and chance.
Coney Island will always have a special place in my heart. It s where I learned to love hot dogs with mustard at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog stand. My family and I would wait patiently in line for their perfectly grilled frankfurters and an order of their crispy and tasty fries. I think Nathan’s made the best French fries in the entire city of New York! It didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, people of all socio-economic classes came to Nathan’s to devour their delicious hot dogs. Nathan’s was the great equalizer — everyone loved their simple carnival food.
During those hot, summer months, the beach was always packed with city folks who made their way to the ocean to escape the heat of their tiny apartments. I remember how difficult it was to find even the smallest spot on the sand on which to throw my beach towel. It was always shoulder-to-shoulder people, but even though you might not know any of them, the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Everyone was always so happy to be at Coney Island on a hot summer afternoon.
Sadly, so much of what made Coney Island great is now gone. But Nathan’s remains as do some structures which stand as tributes to Brooklyn’s great seaside resort. Although the Parachute Jump ride has not been operational for decades, it is a majestic symbol that I will forever remember, just as I can remember the taste of Nathan’s char-grilled hot dogs. I have not been to Coney Island for years, but I will forever remember with extreme fondness my summers there as a kid.
