June 18 Twentytwo Years of Beach, Boardwalk, Freakshow & Fireworks

Yes, today is my twenty-second anniversary. I'm pretty sure for the 22nd you give the gift of not spending the day together. Perfect. But I do know that Chrissy has enjoyed the many trips we've taken to Coney Island over the years. For someone who didn't grow up with Coney Island in her life, that is quite impressive. I love this place but I can admit it is not for everyone. So for loving the place because I do I bought Chrissy some salt water taffy from Williams Candy Shop today.  I edited pictures this morning and had lunch at the Smith Union Cafe before heading down to CI. My first stop was the Seaside Handball Courts.

I watched a pretty good game for awhile. But not much was going on there. It was an extremely hot day.
I walked along looking for interesting things to shoot...like a freak.

A big crowd gathered to watch people shoot paint balls at a poor bastard that couldn't find a better job. That said, this is what makes Coney Island unique. Sure it seems wrong but people love it. It is this kind of amusement that can't be found elsewhere that seems to be pure Coney Island to me. Grab a hot dog or a lemon ice and "shoot the freakin' freak!".

I decided to get some shots of the signs around Coney Island. I really didn't feel up to the task and it showed in the lack of creativity in the pictures.

Then I stumbled upon the Gypsy Caravan parked in a lot at Stillwell & Bowery. This provided inspiration and a good laugh.

Once again I have to profess my love for the creativity of all the artists out there. The Gypsy Mermaid was nowhere to be found but she put a smile on my face. Thanks. Once again I found my way to Coney Island USA where Serpentina was kind enough to pose for me.

Then I got to spend some time with two Coney Island icons, Marie Roberts and Charles Denson. I got to listen in as they talked about the past and the not so hopeful future of CI. I strongly recommend Charles' book "Coney Island : Lost & Found" if you are interested in reading about Coney Island. The conversation took place in the Coney Island Museum which only added to my enjoyment and amazement of being part of this scene.

Me having fun with a fun-house mirror.

Marie standing next to her artwork outside the Sideshow entrance. After watching the MC put on a show out front, Kevin & I checked out the show. I highly recommend seeing the show if you are in NYC.

Sorry no pictures allowed during the show. Trust me it is worth the money. Very entertaining family fun...at least for the families that are cool enough to visit Coney Island.

I walked around the amusement area waiting for the fireworks show at 9:30pm. I took this shot of the Cyclone and didn't realize that my friends, Alison & Kevin, were riding in the front seat until I was editing the pictures. It made the picture better for me.

I figured the clams were so good the other day, I'd try oysters today. Nice chilled dinner on a hot night.

This is what I was waiting for...fireworks on the beach. But I still had a couple of hours to kill...so back down the boardwalk toward Brighton Beach.

I found these kids photographing themselves doing acrobatic tricks on & off the boardwalk. They were pretty impressive and a good group of kids just having fun.

Back at the Seaside Courts, I ran into Pirate Mike who explained the rules of the handball courts to me. Everyone seems to know the rules there. I really enjoyed being a part of the crowd at the courts. Definitely ruled by old school New Yorkers especially Brooklynites.

The sun finally sets...

...and the fireworks begin

I started out on the boardwalk then moved to Luna Park

Another late night ride through Brooklyn, another slice of pizza and an Italian ice before bed...life is good.

June 17 I "Heart" NY

This trip isn't a vacation. I'm working every day. It's like I live and work in NYC. I'm enjoying that aspect of this week. I walked through the neighborhood this morning. I loved Court Street. It has about 5 blocks of  the old Italian neighborhood shops and restaurants. I got a haircut and breakfast on Court St. No, not at the same place.

This is my home for the week.

The neighborhood has some incredible front yard landscaping. I walked by the Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church. Where an old lady told me that Al Capone got married there. I looked it up and yes he did.

An outdoor fruit stand in an Italian neighborhood...I'm shocked. When I turned onto Court Street, it was like I time traveled back 50 years. All mom & pop storefronts with apartments over them. No chain stores, no corporate stores. I loved it.

My pumpkin pancake breakfast at Le Petit Café. OK, not every business was Italian. But this place was amazing. I ate outside in the back yard. Below is how they decorated the outdoor seating.

The food was great...the atmosphere made each bite taste even better.

The F line had mid day construction so I walked over to Fourth Avenue to catch the D train. The old fashion Carroll Street bridge over the Gowanus Canal has cables that pull it to the side so boats can pass by it.

I am forever amused by graffiti with a message. The Minuteman decal only adds to my bemusement.

A beautiful day. Feeling refreshed. Looking forward to taking some pictures of the place I love.

Luna Park was just opening the gates when I walked by on Surf Ave.
I ran into Andy and we decided to walk down the beach looking for shots. I ran into my lifeguard friend from Sunday night at Ruby's. I watched Andy stalk the beach looking for photographic prey. Here's a few of my shots.

We found this group of locals on Bowery Street making a video to help save Coney Island.

Andy & I walked down Surf Ave toward Brighton Beach. We stopped at the Seaside Handball Courts. That is where I found another possible storyline. My father played handball as a kid growing up in Brooklyn. He was pretty good at it...so I'm told...by him. I've been fascinated by this sport that I've only seen played in NYC. I spent a couple of hours at the courts shooting pictures and shooting the shit with the regulars.

This game was hard played but friendly. They kept asking me if they were going to be in the newspaper.

He kept insisting I talk to his agent who was sitting on the bench near me.

This gentleman explained the rules to me. Trash talking, money games, who was good, who was all talk. He used to play but is retired. Though he is thinking of coming back. I heard this from a few of the spectators. I learned very quickly that these courts were not for beginners. Serious handball is played here.

This game drew a big crowd and was definitely the A game while I was there. Being a sports fan, I loved watching the players and the crowd. It was hot and the courts were blasted by the sun all day. Because the courts are below the boardwalk there is no cool ocean breeze down here. The intense interaction between teammates, opponents and the regulars in the crowd made me feel like I was watching professionals. I would learn over the next two days that I was watching professionals.

I couldn't eat another hot dog so I took my chances with the clams. The first six went down so easy I ordered another dozen with horseradish and Tabasco sauce. TASTY.

Sure I just ate 18 clams...but I'm this close...I might as well ride.
This is what CI is all about food...fun...sun...sand...salt water...and characters on the boardwalk.

 I had to get to Ruby's Bar where the group was meeting for an evaluation of our work so far. First Andy & Kevin looked over our edits and offered advice. It might seem strange that these meetings occurred in the back of a bar, trust me, this was the perfect place. Then Andy's friend, Karen Mullarkey, showed up. I now know that Karen is a famous photo editor who has worked for Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, New York magazine and Newsweek. At the time I just knew she was a photo editor and I loved her entrance into Ruby's. Upon walking into Ruby's and seeing Andy she says "Christ, I haven't been in here for over 20 years and it hasn't changed a fucking bit." I told Gyula, the photographer from Budapest, that she must be a New Yorker. He asked what I meant. So I explained that New Yorkers tell it like it is, no sugar coating it. If Karen thinks your pictures suck, that is what she'll tell you. She was great with me. I had a famous photo editor offer me advice on my pictures. She thought a few were very good, especially a couple of Marie, the artist. And I was rightly scolded for a few. She did send me off with encouraging words about how to correct my mistakes. As a New Yorker myself, I had to admit she was right.

Alison, Gyula & Kevin at Ruby's.

The famous and extremely endangered Ruby's Bar on the boardwalk. The walls are lined with photos of Coney Island from famous and not so famous photographers. This place has been in business since 1934. The boardwalk would not be the same without it.

Thanks to Marie, I got a ticket to opening night of the circus at Coney Island. I took pictures. Marie sketched.

We also got into the VIP party after the show. Finally some good food. Of course on my way to the subway, I grabbed some dessert at Williams Candy Shop. The coconut covered marshmallows were seductively calling my name. How could I resist?

 I decided to pass on  Nathan's and I grabbed a slice at the pizzeria on the corner back in Brooklyn.

 It seems every night ends with Nathan's. That's because it is across the street from the Stillwell subway station.

June 16 A Shitty Day

I spent the morning editing pictures. I did this at the laundromat where I had trouble with the machines and I'm sure the Chinese ladies working there were goofing on me. While waiting on the washers,  I had breakfast at Frank's Deli. When I walked in the lady behind the counter was cursing at the meter maid and someone in the back, then she turns to me and says "What can I get ya, sweetie?". I had an omelet and edited more pictures. I didn't get to Coney Island until 2pm. It was empty due to the weather. It was a chilly gray day. I found Andy at Ruby's Bar on the boardwalk. There was hardly anyone there. The amusement area was half closed due to the lack of customers. I must have been hungry because I took pictures of food for awhile. Then I walked down the boardwalk to West 33rd Street. The lifeguards were out wearing orange parkas but no one was on the beach except some people in white robes chanting. I had nothing so I walked back on the shoreline and took pictures of them. I had no motivation today. Lack of sleep, dreary conditions. I really didn't feel like taking pictures for the first time in my life. I ran into Handen, Steven and Gyula at different times and everyone felt the same way today. Handen & I were leaving about 8pm when the fog rolled in, I should have gotten off the train to take pictures but I didn't. I went to the Carrol Gardens Classic Diner and had dinner while watching the Mets game. Here's today's pictures.

Stillwell Avenue Subway Station

Andy Levin at Ruby's

Nathan's Hot Dogs

Shish Kebob's at Pete's Clam Stop

Pete's Clam Stop

"This monument honors Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese: teammates, friends, and men of COURAGE and CONVICTION. Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Reese supported him, and together they MADE HISTORY. In May 1947, on Cincinnati's Crosley Field, Robinson endured RACIST TAUNTS, jeers and DEATH THREATS that would have broken the SPIRIT of a lesser man. Reese, captain of the Brooklyn Dodgers, walked over to his teammate Robinson and STOOD BY HIS SIDE, silencing the taunts of the crowd. This simple gesture CHALLENGED PREJUDICE and created a powerful and enduring friendship." Inscribed on the base of the statue at the Brooklyn Cyclones Stadium

PETA put this on the corner where Ringling Bros Circus was set up.

These people chanted on the beach for hours.

Fishing on the pier

a quiet moment on the pier

my favorite game in Coney Island. you shoot paintballs at a guy running around with hockey pants and a chest protector while the carny tells you to shoot the freak in the balls 

someone's always taking pictures on the boardwalk