Postcard:Coney Island Waterfront

On warm summer days between 1897 and 1964, many New Yorkers flocked to Luna Park, Dreamland, and Steeplechase Park, Coney Island's legendary amusement parks. Visitors enjoyed varied experiences at each park: rides and attractions ranged from breathtaking to bizarre. Although each park closed by the middle of the 20th century, the immensely popular Luna Park reopened in May 2010-its main entrance modeled after the 1903 original. This postcard documents one visitor's memorable experience, with an inscription on the reverse side which reads: "Dear Aunty Edna, I rode on a elephant twice and his name was Judy. I rode on a pony and he was on a gallop. It's lots of fun to ride on an elephant."