F 
 
 •oest and Quickest to tlie beu. 
 
 I 
 
 vy 
 
 THOMPSON'S 
 
 ONEY ISLAND, 
 
 GUIDE, 
 
 BEING 
 
 A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THIS FAMOUS AND POPU- 
 
 LAU WATERING PLACE, SHOWING ALL POINTS OF 
 
 INTEREST, AND HOW TO FIND THEM, 
 
 AND OTHER INFORMATION OF 
 
 OF AN INTERESTING 
 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED 
 
 A BRIEF REVIKVf OF CONEY ISLAND IN THE PAST. 
 
 EDITED Br 
 
 THOS. L. EUSSELL, Esq. 
 
 EDITION OF 188L>. 
 
 PUBLISHED AND PUINTED BY 
 
 J-. F- TE.^A.C'X" Sc CO., 
 
 78-80 Cortlantlt Street. 
 
 .e Coney Island Olympic Clnb^ 
 
fiiss f I ^ u 
 
" CarmansYille Park Hotel." 
 
 (Formerly JOHN FLIEG'S.) 
 Bet. 8th k \nh Aves. Last station on 6tb Av. "L" R. R. 
 
 Grand Concerts Every AflernooD and Eveniiig. 
 
 MUSI© MJkEtLif 
 
 Yeranda Summer Tent 
 
 In the midst of cool and shady woods. 
 Nearest, Most Convenient and Clieapest Point for 
 
 SUMMER PLEASURE SEEKERS. 
 
 First-class Ladies and Gents Restaurant. 
 
 Every inducemeut for comfort and enjoyment. ; 
 
 Open to the public daily, and books open for private 
 
 parties or pic-nics. 
 
 CHAS. F. SCHLUND, ) ^ . , 
 GEORGE REU13ERT, f ^ roprietors. 
 
Thomas McKay, 
 
 (Successor to GEO. MICHELS.) 
 
 Fasbionakle 
 
 ^ENGySH '^' FREN6H1V 
 
 Boot 
 
 Maker, 
 
 And Manufacturer of 
 
 Patent Leather Fumps, Baiters, and Fancy Slippers 
 
 Of Every Description. 
 No. 192 BROADWAY, 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 Imported Black in{>; and Patent lioather 
 
 VarniMlics. 
 
laihattai Fail 
 
 AND 
 
 DANCING 
 PAVILION 
 
 155tli Street, near 8th Ave., 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 JOHN WRIGHT, - - Manager 
 
 Srerj Accomodation for Fic<Nic Parties. 
 
 Base-l)all Grounds free to amateur clubs. 
 
 Athletic Games, etc., etc. 
 
Strangers 
 
 Who visit NEW YORK should 
 not fail to see the 
 
 55 West 23(1 Street. 
 
 B9t 5th & 6th Ave. 
 
 Trip Around the AVorld in GOO Stereoscopic 
 views— Lincoln and his Generals. 
 
 CHASVI3ER OF HORRORS. 
 
 Men of all Times-The Rulers of the World. 
 
 Concerts every Afternoon and Evening. 
 
 Open from 6 to 11. Sundays, from 1 to 11. 
 
 Admission, - - 50 cts. 
 
 Children, 25 cts. 
 
WINDSOR HOTEL, 
 
 Coney Island. 
 
 Via New York & Sea Beach R. R. from Piea 6, N. R. and Iron 
 Steamboat from 23cl St. and Fieri, N. R. 
 
 This Hotel is delightfully situated within 
 ten minutes' easy walk from the Iron Pier, 
 toward Norton's Point, containing sixty hand- 
 somely furnished rooms, and is in every re- 
 spect adapted for the comfort and conveni- 
 ence of permanent or transient guests. 
 
 Stages run continuously from West 
 Brighton to the Hotel. 
 
 Being surrounded by beautiful shade trees 
 and a well-kept lawn, having the finest bath- 
 ing beach and fifty first-class bathing houses, 
 renders the " WINDSOK " the most eligible 
 Hotel on the Island for families desiring per- 
 manent summer residence at the Sea Shore. 
 • There are two Cottages connected with the 
 Hotel, each having separate bathing houses. 
 
 TERMS REASONABLE. 
 
 Address or apply to 
 
 EBERTH & AMSLER, 
 
 Proprietors, 
 
 "Windsor Hotel, Coney Island. 
 
THOMPSON'S 
 
 «« 
 
 CONEY ISLAND 
 
 GUIDE 
 
 BEINO 
 
 A COMn.ETE DESCRIPTION OF THIS FAMOTTS AND POPU- 
 
 I-AK WATKItlNO PLACE, SHOWING ALL PiUNTS OF 
 
 INTEUEST, AND HOW TO FIND THKM, 
 
 AND OTHER INFORMATION OF 
 
 OF AN INTERESTING 
 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED 
 
 A BRIEF REVIEW OF CONEY ISLAND IN THE PAST. 
 
 EDITED 1 Y 
 
 THOS. L. RUSSELL, Esq. 
 
 EDITION OF 1885. iWi-VRiiMr. ^Ij? 
 
 ""'Y ? 1885 ' 
 
 runLISIIF.D AND PRINTED BY " f r U/. ...ntC-^^l 
 
 7H-,S0 CorHiUi.lt Stre.'t. 
 Ojjyiiij'ut Hio by J, P, Tiwcy. ; 
 
T\\n(\ Tabliis To ami From CONFY ISLAND. 
 
 Iron Steamboat Co., the oiily all-wuter route to tl.^ 
 island, landing at the great iron ocean pier/ 
 Boats leave W. 23a st., N. K., 9, 10, 11 a. m.; 
 12 m., 1, 2, 2.45, :5.30, 4.15, 5, G, 7, 8, 9, p. in. 
 Leave pier 1, N. B. (Battery Place) 30 minutest 
 later. Faro 40 cts. ; Excursion, 50 cts. 
 
 Manhattan Beach. Direct Route via 34th st. ferrj'^ 
 leaving G.15, 8.30 and hourly from 10.20 a. m. to 
 7.20 p. m. Leave E. 7th st. ferry every 20 min.j 
 and James Slip Ferry, every 30 min. from 7 a. m. 
 to 7 p. IB. Leave Manhattan Beach, 7.35, 10 
 a. m. and hourly from 11.25 a. m. to 8.25 p. m. 
 Excursion tickets, 50 cts. Via Bay Ridge. Leave 
 foot of Whitehall street, (terminus of all elevated 
 railways) hourly from 9.12 a. m. to 7. 12 p. m.; 
 returning, leave Manhattan Beach hourly from 
 8.15 a. m. to 8.15 jx m. 
 
 Prospect Park and Coney Island R. R. Brooklyn 
 depot, 9th ave, and 20th st. Trains leave depot in 
 Brooklyn for West Brighton at 6.30, 7.35, 9, 10, 11, 
 a. m., 12 m., 12.30, 1, 1.30, 2, 2.30. 3, 3.30, 4, 4.30 
 5,5.30, G, 6.30, 7, 8, 9 p. m. Returning trains 
 leave West Brighton at 7, 8.05, 9.30, 10.30, 11.30 
 a, m., 12.30, 1, 1.30, 2, 2,30, 3, 3,30, 4, 4,30, 5, 
 5.30, 6, 6.30, 7, 7.30, 8.30, 9.30 p. m. Excursion, 
 25 cts. ; children over 5, 15 cts., under 5, free. 
 
 New York and Sea Beach R. R. (by steamer from 
 New York to Bay Ridge) boats from New York 
 every 20 and 40 minutes, according to the neces- 
 sities of travel, from W. 22d st., W. 10th st., and 
 Pier 6, N. R. Excursion, gentlemen 40 cts. ; La- 
 dies, 30 cts., children, 15 cts. 
 
 Brooklyn, Flatbush and Coney Island Railway. 
 Brookly depot, Bedford Station, cor. Atlantic and 
 Franklvn avenues, whence trains leave for 
 Brighton Beacb, at 6.55 (Sundavs ex.), 8.30, 10, 
 11.30, a. m., 1.30, 2.30, 3.30, 4.30 and 5.30, p. m. 
 Returning leave Brighton Beach at 7.55 (Sundays 
 ex.), 9.30, 11, a. m,, 12.30, 2, 3, 4, 5 and G.IO 
 p. m. Sunday trains run every half hour from 
 1.30 to 6, p. m. Excursion 30 cts. Single trip, 2Uc. 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 LoNo IsLAN'D, who's '•' sea-girt shore" stretches for 
 one hundred miles along the Atlantic coast, has with- 
 in the last decade come into prominence as the great 
 watering district of the American Continent ; and 
 probably no territory from Baffin Bay to Terra del 
 Fuego, presents attributes for the establishment of 
 summer resorts to so great a degree as this Island 
 where-of we speak. From the village of Bath to 
 Montauk Point, the southern shore is almost one un- 
 broken sandy beach, where the bather can plunge in 
 the surf and frolic among the breakers to his heart's 
 content ; while in the many beautiful inlets and 
 bays on the northern side, the more timid can lave 
 in placid waters, and dip in the salt sea without the 
 many misgivings awakened by the roar and foam of 
 the billowy Atlantic. 
 
 To wade upon the silvery sands at Orient, to stroll 
 along the pebbly strands of Peconic Bay, or meander 
 amid the boulders and cliifs of Montauk, and listen 
 to the weird music of the wild sea waves, is delight- 
 ful beyond measure ; to ramble throughout the diver- 
 sified landscapes, and picturesque scenery of the 
 interior, its pastoral fields, its beautiful villas, its 
 hills and dales, its dells and dingles, its rills and rivu- 
 lets ; to loiter by its babbling brooks, and hearken 
 to the murmunngs of their rippling waters, to cull 
 the flowers that blossom on their borders, to angle 
 on their shingly bottoms, while the melodies of wood- 
 land song birds are warbled in your ear, is cnch mt- 
 C3) 
 
4 GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 ment to the KcntimcntMlist , a relaxation from the 
 cares, toil, struggles, and turmoil of city life, nowhere 
 to be more completely cnjoj-ed, than on this Island 
 by the sea. Yachting, boating, fishing, shooting, 
 and driviLg can be most profitably indulged in by 
 those whose tendencies carry Ihem to this line of 
 sport. 
 
 Geographically considered, Long Island has many 
 advantages ; its close proximity to the great Metrop- 
 olis makes it accessible from all the important cen- 
 tres of the eastern and middle states ; the same high- 
 ways that bring the countless numbers to New York 
 City being the direct routes to Long Island. Here, 
 also, nature has been most bounteous in bestowing 
 her favors ; the low temperature, the salubrious air, 
 the invigorating sea breeze, the piscatorial wealth, 
 the delicious bivalves, the unexcelled garden pro- 
 ducts, and the abundance of pure crystalline water, 
 gives health, comfort and recreation to the summer 
 sojourner. 
 
 As the Island upon which oiir little volume treats 
 is a portion of Long Island (an island within an is- 
 land,) we thought it would not be amiss to make the 
 above allusions ; from observations made during 
 many reconnoiters from Bath to Montauk, we feel 
 all we sav to be true : and for the benefit of the 
 Metropolitan it cannot be said too often. 
 
 Space not permitting us to extend this theme fur- 
 ther, we shall proceed with our real task, and try 
 to render our readers an intelligent description of 
 the popular summer resort of the western world 
 — Coney Isi^and, 
 
CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 liETnOSPECTITE. 
 
 On the south-western extremity of Long Island, 
 where the waters of the noble Hudson flow through 
 the Lower New York Bay to join the Ocean, is situ- 
 ated this now celebrated resort, the " ultima thule '■ 
 of the pleasure seekers expectations. 
 
 Beginning at Gravesend Bay, a cove designated 
 on the map by that title, it presents for five miles 
 in an easterly direction, a gi-adual sloping beach 
 which, to the whilom New Yorker, was the ideal spot 
 to enjoy the caresses of the old Atlantic. From the 
 eastern end of the Island,- what was known to the 
 writer as Pelican Beach, now Manhattan Beach, and 
 where within his recollection, and he is not very old 
 either, snipe, plover, and other game were plentiful, 
 -projects a narrow point of sand, forming a bay 
 famous as a fishing place, called Sheepshead Bay 
 after the delicious fish c.f that name which in re- 
 mote ages was supposed to have harbored within its 
 borders. From Sheepshead Bay in a westerly direc- 
 tion runs Coney Island Creek, to Gravesend Bay, 
 thus making the circuit of the Island- a barren 
 sandy waste, metamorphosed by capital and enter- 
 prise, into an island of enchantment, so far as en- 
 chantment is compatable with business principles 
 In former years the attractions that lured visitors 
 to the island consisted of a sail down the bay in a. 
 
b GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 (lilapidated steamer, a clash in the surf, a proiDonacle 
 upon the sands, a carousal, the exhilarating sea 
 breeze, and a good fish or clam dinner at the hostel- 
 ries, if the unpretending sheds, "vvhere good fish and 
 bad whiskey were dispensed, could be dignified by 
 such a title ; these places were few in number, and 
 situated towards the M'est end ; the entertainment 
 they afforded was not calculated to please the fastid- 
 ious taste ; the dainty found no morsel to their 
 liking, and the elite, when thej' sought the pleasures 
 of the Island, enjoyed them sub rosa. Wyckoff, Van 
 Sicklen, Felter and Rodger, were the famous publi- 
 cans of the time;Wcykoff was admitted to be pioneer; 
 but it was a matter of contention which was " King 
 of Coney Island," they all reigned by turns, t'is be- 
 lieved, although history has neglected to chronicle 
 the realm in this regard. 
 
 During midsummer when old Sol tormented the 
 busy denizens of the city with his unremitting rays, 
 as many as a thousand persons have at one time 
 here sought the cool comfort of the sea side ; but 
 generally the excursionists numbered much less. 
 An impromptu dance at the hotels to the music of a 
 fiddle, was the Terpsichorean feature ; and a straj' 
 trio of Ethiopian minstrels Mith banjo, bones and 
 tambourine, or an itinerant pipor, harjiist or violin- 
 ist, furnished the orchestral display. 
 
 Adjacent to the hotels were rows of bathing 
 houses, looking like rickety sentry boxes, for the 
 accommodation of bathers, to be hired including 
 towel and bathing clothes, for two shillings for each 
 person. 
 
6tJl©a To CrtMEY IKLANI). 1 
 
 Daring tlio aiiniinor nfttirnoouH life and merriment 
 prevtUed, sometimes verging into debauchery ; the 
 bur rooms were well putronized, and sports and 
 buffoonery incidental thereto carried on. Frequently 
 a Iracas occurred between thofee of diverse opinions 
 and combative instincts, but being generally con- 
 lined to the " Buffer" element, in and around the 
 bar rooms, seldom marred the pleasures of the 
 orderly classes ; with the departure of the evening 
 boat the Island became comparitively desolate ; ex- 
 cept from the hilarity of bathing parties, the orgies of 
 drunken brawlers, and nocturnal poker players, the 
 night was dismal enough. 
 
 From a point in the town of Gravesend, adjacent 
 to where is now located the Prospect Park Fair 
 Grounds, ran the Shell Eoad, the popular drive to 
 Coney Island, and for years the only approach to the 
 frequented portion of the beach available for 
 vehicles. This road was from the city by two avenues 
 namely: the Fort Hamilton lload, and the Flatbush 
 Turnpike, equally pleasant routes. The former pre- 
 sented a full view of New York Bay, and the latter 
 passed through a fertile district abounding in 
 quaint old homesteads, neat cottages, and well 
 planted gardens. By the way of Fort Hamilton, wo 
 went through State Lane— in the town of New 
 Utrecht by the old stone church (still standing,) 
 at the junction of the Bath and New Utrecht roads, 
 to the King's Highway, thence to the "Old Shell 
 Koad. By the Turnpike, we passed over Prospect 
 Hill, paid toll at Valley Grove, rode through the 
 villages or Flatbush and Flatlands, through the town 
 
g GUIDE TO CONEt ISLAND. 
 
 of Gravesend to Shell Road, and down Shell Road, 
 over the bridge at Coney Island Creek, to the Beach. 
 The Fort Hamilton Road, was the choice of New 
 Yorkers, the Turnpike, of Brooklynites, though the 
 faces of many old time sports from both cities, since 
 gone " over to the majority," were familiar on both 
 roads ; so too, like the many kindly spirits that were 
 wont to enliven the scenes with their jolly presence, 
 has the glory of the old roads departed, and where 
 once the fleet trotter coursed over graveled road- 
 beds, the rumble of the dray, and the thud of the 
 truck, is heard on heavy pavements ; and even the 
 " Old Shell Road" echoes the snort of the " Iron 
 
 Horse." 
 
 In more recent years Coney Island Road was 
 opened, and travel to the beach deserted the old for 
 the new road, which became the popular drive to 
 the shore, and so remained until about the year 1858, 
 when it was given over to the Horse Railroad, (still 
 in operation.) During the later years of its popular, 
 ity, it became notorious for the number of vile 
 houses that offered inducements of an immoral kind 
 to the thoughtless and the vicious ; shunned by the 
 respectable, and obstructed by the railroad , it soon 
 came to disuse, save by that class who were not 
 over particular in their pleasures. On the comple- 
 tion of the boulevard known as the Ocean Park Way, 
 (of which we shall speak hereafter,) Coney Island 
 Road passed from existence as a drive. 
 
 For several years prior to 1875 the Island was in 
 disrepute, as it was to a great extent the rendezvous 
 roughs and rowdies ; disorder, gambling, drinking 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 9 
 
 and lewdness were the prevailing characteristics ; 
 the Sweat Cloth, Roulette and Monte were operated 
 openly upon the beach without fear of interference 
 from the authorities as there seemed to be no author- 
 ity to interfere ; Thimble Eigging, the Patent Safe 
 Game, and kindred swindles, were pLiyed ujion 
 the credulous and unsophisticated, whom chance 
 seemed to place at the mercy of the human vultures 
 who thronged the beach in quest of prey. But M'ith 
 the year above mentioned, a new era dawned upon 
 this favored place ; a number of enterprising Gentie- 
 men and Capitalists secured control of the eastern 
 end,--or Manhattan Beach,— with a view to the im- 
 provement thereof, and the erection of the mam- 
 moth caravansary that was opened to the public in 
 1877. 
 
 The plan for the development of Manhattan Beach 
 embraced the building of a railroad connecting New 
 York City with that place ; and so quietly and unos- 
 tentatiously was these plans matured, that the hotel 
 and rail way with their appurtenances were comple- 
 ted before the general public was aware that even 
 the construction of so important an undertaking 
 was contemplated. Minerva-like, it came into exist- 
 ence, " all armed and ready for the fray," if we may 
 be permitted to use that phrase to express the friend- 
 ly contact that took place during the opening sea- 
 son between the thousands of visitors and the pro- 
 jectors of the enterprise. 
 
 The success at Manhattan Beach gave an impetus 
 to other sections of tlie Island ; other railroad facili- 
 ties were constructed ; spacious hotels and minor 
 
10 GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 places of amusement sprung up in all directions ; ex- 
 cellent police protection was inaTiguruted ; the rowdy 
 element ^vas forced to succumb to law and order; and 
 that prosperity, unexampled in the history of water- 
 ing places, was begun, that has made "Coney Island." 
 as familiar as a household word, in every portion of 
 the land. 
 
 • * 
 
 * 
 
 Desckiptive, 
 
 Ten miles from the City Hall in New York City, 
 in a southerly direction, is situated Coney Island. 
 It is five miles in length, and varies in width from 
 a few feet to nearly a mile, the greatest width being 
 at the central part, and the narrowest being at the 
 extreme eastern end. It is bounded on the ncrlh by 
 Coney Island Creek, on the south by the Atlantic 
 Ocean, on the west by Gravesend Bay, and on the 
 east by SheejDshead Bay. It is in the Township 
 of Gravesend, County of Kings, State of New York. 
 
 The Island, in its natural candition, was of sandy 
 soil entirely void of vegetation, as it is at the jiresent 
 time, with the exception of the floral displays at 
 the hotels, for which j^urjiose a subsoil was created, 
 by transporting loam from the interior, and arrang- 
 ing the same into the beautiful flower beds that 
 relieve the eye, and perfume the air. 
 
 The Island is now divided into localities, e:ich pos- 
 sessing some particular feature to engross the atten- 
 tion and augment the pleasurei^of the visitor. These 
 localities are designated asii NqiI^^^p'^ Point. West 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 11 
 
 End, West Brighton, Brighton Beach, and Manhat- 
 tan Beach ; Norton's Point and "NVest End being that 
 stretch of about a mile lying at the western extreme; 
 "West Brighton, that adjoining "West End eustward, 
 and rimning to the Concourse ; Brighton Beach, 
 that commencing at the Concourse continues to 
 Manhattan Beach, which for two miles occupies 
 the eastern division. The attractions of these 
 several places are varied, each representing charac- 
 teristics of their own, of which we shall make special 
 mention further on. 
 
 It is estimated that at least 40,000 persons visit 
 the Island daily, from the opening of the season 
 June 1st, to the close thereof in October ; and on 
 holidays, special occasions and Sundays, the number 
 often exceeds 100,000. It is an interesting diver- 
 sion to sit by the water's edge and decant on the 
 incongruous mass that passes by : the phlegmatic 
 Teuton with "meine frau und kinder alt und jung," 
 the burly Hibernian out for a lark and determined 
 to have it, the complaisant Frank, the inflexible Bri- 
 ton, and the calculating Yankee ; the Governor, the 
 Senator, the Ambassador ; the simpering maid and 
 stately matron ; the happy benedict and crabbed 
 bachelor ; the cooing lovers and prattling children. 
 Here the elements of human natiire do most beauti- 
 fully compound ; here the old, the young, the fat, 
 the lean, the short, the tall, the dull, the gay, resort, 
 to relieve the tedium of city life, and enjoy the 
 blessings of friend Neptune ; so too, at the hotels, 
 during the afternoon concerts, one can lounge on the 
 balcony, or seated at the music stand listen to the 
 
12 GUIDE to CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 deliglitful strains of excellent miisiciiins, and view 
 humanity in all its complex forms. 
 
 No little inducement at the Island is the magni- 
 tude and variety of the cuisine, anything in the 
 edible line from a sandwich to a banquet, can be 
 had, and at reasonable prices ; the daintiest tidbits 
 for those of delicate taste, and the most substantial 
 solids for voracious appetites, are always ready and 
 in constant demand ; for the sea air is no common 
 appetizer, hence a visit to the Island and a feast is 
 one and inseparable. As a dry meal is but an aggra- 
 vation, the thoughtful caterers provide lists of liquid 
 essentials, ranging from " chatty Widow Clicquot," 
 to the discreet soda water, and among which the 
 " foaming glass of beer" holds no minor place. 
 
 Though the prices for refreshments are not exces- 
 sive, yet there are many that seek the jileasures of 
 the Island whose purse will not keep pace with their 
 wants in this direction, that, in the cause of econ- 
 omy, prepare a hamper at home, and bring their 
 lunch with them. There are those who prefer this 
 way from choice ; for these classes there are ample 
 accommodations in every localitj' of the Island, 
 places where tables and seats are set aside for this 
 very purpose, known as '* basket places," and where 
 coffee, tea, milk and other drinkables can be obtained. 
 'Tis often a pleasant sight to watch the family group 
 taking their frugal repast, and see the gusto which 
 the little ones enjoy the good things mamma j>rc- 
 pares ; we have often wondered, as we viewed 
 the bounteous spread of these i)rudeut people, 
 wherein their consistency as economists begins. 
 
GUIDE TO COMeV ISLAJfD. l3 
 
 The conveyances for the transit of passengers be- 
 tween the different parts of the Island are nimierons, 
 and being constantly in motion, add to the coutinii-' 
 ous bnstle, so noticeable and attractive to the stran- 
 ger ; they are of various styles and sizes, light and 
 easy of gear, and peculiarly adapted to travel in the 
 sand ; you have your choice of stage, barouche or 
 carryall, and have no excuse for leg weariness, as 
 the fares are moderate and within the means of all ; 
 besides the omnibuses there are the Marine Rail- 
 ways, which will carry you along the Island for five 
 cents. 
 
 They that prefer to promenade and linger amid 
 the gayety of the hotels, can do so without discom- 
 fiture from the sand, as the areas surrounding the 
 hotels are planked over, making immense platforms, 
 even to the water's edge. 
 
 Nowhere else in the world are the facilities for 
 bathing equal to those of the Island ; large, commo- 
 dious structures, complete in every accommodation, 
 and conducted in the most proper manner, with all 
 the auxiliaries for sea bathing, are at the service of 
 the public, at moderate rates ; Nature and Art seem 
 to vie with each other to serve the public in this 
 respect. Around and about the bathing places there 
 are constantly gathered largo concourses of peoi)lo 
 enjoying the antics of the bathers. Seats are provided 
 for their comfort, and the fun may be enjoyed with- 
 out becoming irksome. It is a common thing on a 
 warm summer's day to see hundreds of men, women 
 and children, splashing and floundering in the water 
 at one time ; while at night under the rays of the 
 
14 GUIDE TO CONEY lSL.\.Kr>. 
 
 electric lamp, one can form illusions of dolphins 
 and mermaids, nymplis and peris, and fancy them- 
 selves in the realms of the Naiads, 
 
 The lovers of music— what a cheerless soul it must 
 be with no love of music,— will find delight in the 
 afternoon and evening concerts given at the grand 
 music stands of the jjrinciple hotels ; the perform- 
 ers are selected with the greatest care, and the rival- 
 ry to secure the best musical talent as general per- 
 formers and soloists results in the organization of 
 orchestras of great merit, and led as they all are by 
 celebrated virtuosos, they present a repertoire of 
 original and selected pieces that never fail to gain 
 the plaudits and appreciation of the multitude ; 
 and the most critical Philharmonist seldom find 
 occasion to speak other than praise of these con- 
 certs. If perchance there should be any who pre- 
 fer to listen to music of a less imposing kind, they 
 that admire the twanging of the hurdy-gurdy, or the 
 ding of the hand organ, there are localities where 
 their musical taste can be satiated, where they may 
 drink in the soul stirring strain of "Nancy Lee," 
 while feasting their eyes upon strange and wonder- 
 ful things that a true appreciation of this kind of 
 music entail. 
 
 All portions of the Island abound with novelties 
 for sight-seers : Horse racing billiards, ten-pins, 
 museums, minstrelsy, necromancy, acrobatic feats, 
 dancing, etc., and the veritable ancient Punch and 
 Judy, with other shows of that kind, are there to 
 amuse and delight the children. 
 
 Many articles of use, and fancy trinkets are ex- 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 15 
 
 posed for sale ; several pliotographic artists, ^\•ith all 
 the necessary paraphernalia of the trade, furnish 
 ^oii a pleasing souvenir of your visit. A well ap- 
 pointed pharmacy with competent attaches adminis- 
 ter to your ailments, concocting, compounding, and 
 prescribing emulsions, febrifuges, correctives, and 
 ;nineral waters, as the case may demand ; also choice 
 perfumery and fine toilet notions are here kept. 
 
 Ivamoved from the bathing pavilions, as we stroll 
 along the beach, numbers of merry children will be 
 seen wading in the water, their little bare feet 
 kissed, as it were, with the spent breaker, while 
 here and there, clusters of little ones pass happy 
 hours delving in the sand, building and rebuilding 
 frail castles, and constructing other works of infan- 
 tile fancy ; the implements for their play,— a toy 
 shovel and pail -can be bought for a trifle, and are 
 vended upon the beach in great numbers. 
 
 In fact nearly every comfort, luxury and amuse- 
 ment for the enjoyment of man, w^oman or child, 
 can be found at the Island ; and although a flying 
 visit may refresh the spirits and lighten the 
 heart, it would require many days to partake of all 
 the pleasures, or see all the sights, its several 
 localities present. Suflfice it to say, that no other 
 resort in the world has so many attractions to meet 
 the public fancy ; no city in Europe and none in 
 America, excepting New York, Brooklyn, and San 
 Francisco, commands within half an hour's ride, so 
 grand an ocean view, or access to so magnificent a 
 beach, as the Island affords. 
 
ic guide to coney island. 
 
 Manhattan Beach. 
 
 'f 
 
 Which claims onr first attention, lies at the 
 eastern end of the Island, and is patronized by l.'io 
 elite of New York Society \vho choose to favor 
 Coney Island with their presence. A greater cen- 
 tal is probably here invested— under one corpora- 
 tion — than in any other watering place upon tie 
 Atlantic coast. The property of the Manhattan 
 Beach Comi^any embraces the Oriental and Manhat- 
 tan hotels, the picnic and bathing jDavilions, and 
 the Fircwork's Park. 
 
 The Oriental Hotel, being that large and beauti- 
 ful structure furthest east, is as comi)lctc in 
 all its parts as it is possible to build a hotel in this 
 portion of the nineteenth centur3\ It has 4G5 rooms, 
 which are furnished in elegant style, and the char" 
 acter of its guests are of the exclusive class. It is 
 run on the table d'hote plan, and its larder em- 
 braces every delicacy of the season. Qniot and refine- 
 ment arc its prevailing characteristics, and although 
 a most delightful retreat for its guests, while 
 there are so many points of popular interest on the 
 Island, the general public find little to draw them 
 to its grounds, save the magnitude and beauty 
 of its surroundings. 
 
 The Manhattan Beach Hotel, the grounds of 
 which adjoin those of the Oriental to the westwards 
 is the center of attraction for the select thousand, 
 that visit this section of the Island daily, and is the 
 especial delight of the opulent and high-toned New . 
 Yorker. In its arrangement and management it is 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 17 
 
 well calculated for the entertainment of the public, 
 ami the comfort and pleasure of its patrons. The 
 restaurant department is served a la carte, and it 
 would be quite superfluous to revert to the excel- 
 lency thereof; the vast dining room can accommodate 
 1,200 persons at one time, and the tables during 
 afternoon and evening are always occupied. Dur- 
 ing the sultry days of midsummer, many thou- 
 sands refresh the inner man at the restaurant and 
 bar ; and upon the room balcony that runs along 
 the entire fagade of the building, the social little 
 coteries to be seen partaking of Manhattan's good 
 cheer, — "otium cum dignitate," as is always the 
 rule here, — would disarrange the equipoise of the 
 most bilious temperament. The *' swells " and 
 "nabobs" of European aristocracy favor Manhattan, 
 and a stray duke, marquis, earl, or possibly a prince^ 
 may be found hovering around incognito. 
 
 The Picnic Pavilion, adjacent to the hotel, is for 
 the accommodation of those that bring their 
 luncheon with them ; the establishment of this 
 place was a necessity, as at times excursionists of 
 this kind would occupy the hotel balconj^ to the 
 exclusion of regular guests. 
 
 The Bathing Pavilion, is as nigh an approach to 
 perfection as the ingenuity of the age can make it; 
 every requisite for the comfort, and every device 
 for the safety of bathers is provided. 
 
 The Grand Music Stand, where daily concerts 
 are given, is directly in front of Manhattan Hotel ; 
 and seats, '* free gratis " for the accommodation of 
 many hundreds, face the orchestra. 
 
18 GUIDE TO CONEt ISLAND. 
 
 In the Fireworks Inclosuke, truly Ijiilliant 
 pyrotechnical disjjlays are given here at stated in- 
 tervals. 
 
 * * 
 
 Brighton Beach. 
 
 This famous resort lies contiguous to Manhattan 
 Beach, and emhrace many qualities that have given 
 Manhattan so exalted a reputation; somewhat more 
 Cosmopolitan however in its character, there is a 
 free and easy going style among its patrons, that 
 makes strangers at home the moment they step upon 
 its domain; it is a favorite trysting i^lace for promi- 
 nent men of all professions. 
 
 The Brighton Beach Hotel. Beneath the eaves 
 of this magnificent building, on the broad and 
 commodious bal-ony, there can be seen dail}', 
 groups of distinguished people discussing import- 
 ant topics and sumptuous dinners, both with equal 
 interest. The broker, the speculator, the inventor, 
 the philosoj^her, the actor, the sportsman, etc., 
 gather here to mingle business with pleasure, and 
 often "enterprises of great pith and moment," are 
 inaugurated. "Within its spacious halls, conclaves 
 of politicians are often held, and schemes of great 
 magnitude are modeled and remodeled, that reverb- 
 erate throughout the entire Nation; within its pre- 
 cincts the Cabinet Minister and the Ward constable, 
 roam with equal freedom; and the uninitiitted that 
 visit the beach, in hope of feasting their eyes upon 
 the magnates of the land, will find it difficult to 
 discern "the t'other from which," so close is the 
 similarity. Bevies of beautiful ladies grace the 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 19 
 
 prom^'nades ami the corridors. The Bill of Fare is 
 an Epicurean Gospel; and Epicurus himself would 
 have solved the problem of his philosophy, had he 
 been permitted to spend a few hours at Brighton 
 Beach. 
 
 The Music Stand, encircled by settees, is directly 
 in front of the hotel, where the public are invited 
 to enjoy the afternoon and evening concerts. 
 The music at Brighton is proverbially incomparable. 
 The Bathing Pavilion, across the esplanade, has 
 accommodations for a great number of bathers; a 
 refectory, a bar-room, a large platform where we 
 may set and eat our home made lunch, a silk fac- 
 tory, making scarfs and kerchiefs, and a dime 
 museum, where the fat woman and the living skele- 
 ton, the giant and the midget abide in content- 
 ment. 
 
 Race Course. The Brighton Beach Eace Course 
 is situated back of the hotel, and during the racing 
 season is well patronized by the votaries of the turf; 
 many exciting contests, between the best horses of 
 the land take place here, whereat the bookmakers 
 drive a flourishing trade. Nearly every day during 
 the season, there are races at this place, or at 
 Coney Island Race Course, which lies a short dis- 
 tance further east towards Sheepshead Bay. 
 
 Fireworks. The firework nights at Brighton 
 call together multitudes, and the display, given 
 openly on the beach, is very grand. 
 
 Leaving Brighton for West Brighton, there are 
 two modes of transit, one by the Elevated R. R., 
 the depot of which is directly east of the Brighton 
 
20 GUIDE TO CONtY ISLAND. 
 
 Hotel; the other bj' the boulevard, called Surf Ave- 
 nue, in stages that ply between these places. It ig 
 a pleasant stroll for pedestrians— the distance is 
 not very great— over the concrete walk to the left of 
 the boulevard, known as the Concouse. Leaving 
 Brighton Beach Hotel, you approach a large struc- 
 ture to the right of the road. This is the Ocean 
 Hotel, to which is attached a bathing pavilion. 
 On the left there is a photographer's studio. About 
 midway on the right the Grand Central Hotel, 
 marks the junction of the Ocean Park Way and 
 Surf Avenue; on the concourse opposite the park- 
 way, a summer house gives to promenaders a 
 chance to rest; a few rods further on is the Sea 
 Side Home For Children, a " sanitarium " managed 
 by a committee of benevolent ladies— an asj^lum by 
 the sea where the afflicted children of the poor may 
 enjoy the same sea air as the offsprings of wealth. 
 
 Here, also, is the terminus of the horse railroad 
 from Brooklyn, or what was once the popular Coney 
 Island road. Several hotels cluster around this old 
 spot, notable the Grand Union Hotel. This house 
 has a commanding and unobstructed view of the 
 Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the popular resorts 
 on the Island. A short distance back, in a clump of 
 trees, stands a relic of the past, Tho:mpson's Hotel. 
 At the junction of this road and the boulevard, is 
 Vanderveers Hotel and stables, the depot for the 
 B. B. & W. B. stages; and if i^erchance in winter, 
 when rude Boreas blows his keenest blast, and 
 Jack Frost mantles the earth, we shall lind our- 
 selves at the Island, we may know there is shelter, 
 
GUlDfi TO CONEY ISLAND. 21 
 
 a warm stove and a knife and fork, at Vander- 
 veers— he keeps open all the year round. 
 
 if 4: 
 * 
 
 West Brighton 
 Is about a mile from Brighton Beach,— west — 
 and is to the democratic masses the real Coney 
 Island. Distinction of class or person never has nor 
 never will be tolerated here, but in the good old 
 democratic fashion, '-you pays your money and 
 you has your choice," and no matter how fanciful 
 you may be, there is variety enough to choose from. 
 In this ''go-as-you-please" district there are no 
 chilling formalities; obey the laws of decency, and 
 you have more freedom and less restraint than was 
 vouchsafed ''Bold Morgan McCarthy from Trim,'' 
 at a " Donnybrook Fair." 
 
 On reaching West Brighton we are bewildered by 
 the multiplicity of inducements offered for our 
 entertainment, both mentally and physically. We 
 hardly know where to begin, and if it is our inten- 
 tion to see everything, we surely can't tell where 
 and when we will end. Conspicuous is the Obser- 
 vatory, towering high towards the sky, from the 
 top of which a broad view of sea and land can 
 be had. If you have come to Coney Island for a 
 "high time," and mean to get "elevated," ascend 
 this tower, and from its summit drink in the 
 beauties of Nature; your spree will be moderate and 
 so will be the expense. The height of this tower is 
 300 feet above the level of the sea. 
 
 Nigh to the observatory will be seen the Great 
 Natural Curiosity, "a live cow stufiEed with straw," — 
 
22 GUIDE TO COKEY ISLAND. 
 
 as we once heard a "jokist" call it— that yields one 
 hundred gallons of ice cold milk per daj'', and more 
 if necessity demands it; milk pure and sweet, like 
 the pretty dairy maids that serve it to customers at 
 a nickle per glass. 
 
 They that choose to ignore the lacteal fluid for 
 something of more pungent taste, will find the 
 dairy flanked on the left by a mill, where sweet 
 cider, "fresh from the press," is sold by the glass; 
 while at a pagoda on the right, a glass of ' ' spark- 
 ling champagne, on draught" is drawn for a dime. 
 Close by, they fizz of soda water at popular prices 
 for the extremely temperate; lemonade, mead and 
 other temperate beverages are also vended. Pie, 
 cake and bon-bon merchants are numerous, and 
 at booths laden with confections the "sweet tooth" 
 is provided for. Under a shed near the observatory 
 a pan of succulent clams await your order for roast- 
 ing; and the fried Frankfurt sausage man is at all 
 times ready with his savory dish. 
 
 That machine, like an antiquated air pump in 
 appearance, will tell your pulling strength ; and the 
 one beside it, your striking force. The man with 
 rueful visage, owns the blowing machine, such 
 wonderful phenoraa in this line has ho met since 
 he came to the Island, that ho mourns the inca- 
 pacity of his machine to test their jDowers— for 
 ordinary mortals his apparatus is adequate to the 
 fiercest blast. You silver-haired Mentor, with pol- 
 ished scales and dignified mien, tells your weight to 
 the exact notch, for 5 cents. 
 
 Would you please the children? then there are 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 23 
 
 swings in which they delight to sway to and fro, or 
 the merry -go-round whirling around to the din of a 
 hand organ; the boys can straddle make-believe 
 horses, and the girls can sit in the carioles and 
 have a jolly ride. 
 
 The box-like building opposite the swings, pla- 
 carded with grotesque figures, is a museum, filled 
 with animate and inanimate wonders. The camera 
 obscura by the road-side, reflects a condensed view 
 of the surrounding territory. Many other kindred 
 attractions take transient quarters in this versatile 
 place, and the cries of the pop-corn and pea nut 
 men, and itinerants of that ilk, add to the general 
 hubbub. 
 
 The Brighton Pier and Navigation Co. owns 
 and controls the long pier at this point, which pre- 
 sents so imposing a frontage. The ponderous 
 looking building by the easterly side of the pier is 
 a Bathing Esta:?:.ishment, Bar and Restaurant; the 
 convcuicnccs provided for the comfort of bathers, 
 and the natural adaptation of the beach, makes it a 
 favorite bathing ground. On the west side of the 
 approach to the pier is situated a large basket 
 pavilion for picnic parties, where such fare as 
 families and excursionists may require, can be 
 obtained. The old Cable Hotel, once the pride of 
 its class, and the first of the "palace hotels" now 
 HO plentiful on the Island, is conducted mainly as 
 a sea-side boarding house, yet transient customers 
 are well attended at the bar and r'^staurant. 
 
 Contiguous to Cable's, is the new depot of the 
 Pkospect Park and Coney Island R. R., constructed 
 4 
 
24: GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 cliiufly for tbo use of passengers by this route, and 
 certainly tlioy are well cared fen-, as the appoint- 
 ments are all of a superior order. On the ground 
 floor there is an eleguntly furnished ladies parlor, 
 toilet, etc., ample waiting rooms; the second floor is 
 used by the company for offices. Adjoining Cable's 
 east is the W. B. depot of the Elevated R. R. 
 
 West Brighton Beach Hotel. On the left of the 
 boulevard, across the broad plaza, is Baueu's hotel, 
 pavilion, restaurant, terrace, billiard saloon, shoot- 
 ing gallery and bath houses. The hotel has 100 
 well furnished sleeping apartments, the restaurant 
 and pavilion can accommodate many thousands, 
 and in the turrets that adorn the building there 
 are elegantly furnished rooms where retired parties 
 can escape the throng below. In the interior of the 
 main building a female orchestra discourses 
 "sweet music;" at the pavilion — encroaching upon 
 the sea, — a military band give day and evening 
 concerts. Bauer's is the popular rendezvous of our 
 German citizens, wine, lager, switzerkase, bologna 
 and bretzels, are served as gracefully as is the 
 '• table d'hote " he prepares. Beyond the pavilion 
 there are ample bathing facilities, and tlie best 
 voucher for their excellence is the constant demand 
 for their use. Several noted singing societies have 
 their masquerades here, during the season, when 
 the buil'.iing, interior and exterior, is most fan- 
 tastically decorated with bunting, garlands and 
 grotesque figures, and the \Anza is illuminated 
 with many-liued lamps; on these gala nights, 20,000 
 people assemble in and around the hotel, the ma- 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 25 
 
 jority dressed in every conccivaLlo garb, from a 
 king to a monkey, " trijjping the light fantastic toe 
 till day light doth appear." The excitement and 
 tumult of these carnivals, are things never to bo 
 forgotten by those who have participated in these 
 festivities. 
 
 Bauer's Club House, on the opposite side of 
 Surf Avenue, is a sort of an addenda to the 
 hotel. 
 
 The Iron Pier. To the east of Bauer's, jutting 
 into the sea for 1,400 feet, by 130 feet in width, is 
 the pier of the Ocean Navigation and Pier Com- 
 pany, established in 1879 as a landing place for 
 visitors by steamboat. This pier has within itself 
 all the adjuncts for a day's pleasure, viz: fine 
 music, a good restaurant, bathing, etc. Many re- 
 main within its limits, finding all that an excur- 
 sionist may desire. The constantly prevailing 
 breeze, that even the heated term cannot subdue, 
 entice passengers by rail to enter and regale them- 
 selves in the invigorating atmosphere. 
 
 Feltman's. The large three-storied building with 
 the conspicuous corridors that meets our view as wo 
 leave the pier, is c^elebrated as Feltman's dancing 
 pavilion. The second flocT is one immense danc- 
 ing hall, w^here Terpsichore presides supreme, and 
 the fiddle is never silent, or at least so it Jippcars to 
 the writer's experience; when mo consider the 
 dancing mania of the age, wo cease to wonder at 
 the largo numbers of gay young people that seek 
 the maze of tho niorry dance under Feltman's pro- 
 tection; it is an animated sijdit to see hundreds of 
 
2^ WllIbM I'O COyEY jHUJ^ij, 
 
 jauntily attircl lack and laa«GS jigr^inr., sliuitiin^y, 
 balancing and pirouetting in the Lancers or whirl- 
 ing and sliding in the Waltz-a daily scene here. 
 
 Consistent with Coney Island ciiBtom, Feltman 
 feeds, as well as fiddles, which fact will be readily 
 recognized by a glimpse at the several departments 
 on the first floor; the mammoth kitchen and victual- 
 ing house being particularly noticeable, also the 
 variety shoM'. 
 
 Leaving Feltman's temple -of variety to the east, 
 we may wander for a quarter of a mile through a 
 succession of covered platforms, concert galleries 
 and victualing houses, and make our selections from 
 an "ollapodrida" that Mould eclipse the make-up 
 of a country fair. Franconia automatons, punch- 
 and-judy, jugglers, tumblers, minstrels, singing, 
 dancing, eating, drinking and games of skilf and 
 chance, greet you on every quarter to lighten your 
 spirits and your purse, at the same time. The gay 
 and giddy can revel in a thousand pleasurable ex- 
 excitements, and the staid philosopher and stoic, 
 cannot fail to be amused. 
 
 The circumspect may be surprised at the appar- 
 ent familiarity of those that consort here, but when 
 they consider that these parties are in a great 
 measure the sons and daughters of toil, out for a 
 holiday, having for the nonce thrown off the bur- 
 densome formalities of every day life to assume a 
 garb of extreme sociabiUty, the better to enjoy all 
 the occasion affords, they will pass upon their 
 frivolity and levity, as the flow of exuberant spirits, 
 freed from conventional restraint. 
 
guide to c'onky isi^and. 27 
 
 Se.v Bkach. 
 Tho pciint \\ here tlic Atlantic Ocean is nearest to 
 New York both in distance and time. In point of 
 fact Sea Beach and "West Brighton are one and the 
 same. 
 
 The Sea Beach Palace Hotel contains over 100 
 rooms, and a complete restaurant, at popular New 
 York prices. A Geniiine Bhode Island Clam Bake 
 served daily on the grounds of this hotel. 
 
 Silver Lake is a Venetian merry-go-roimd, with 
 Italian boats on an artificial Lake directly adjoining 
 Sea Beach Palace. 
 
 The CoxEY Island Olympian Club Koller 
 Skating and Bicycling Rink. This spacious iron 
 andglass structure, is a relic of the Centennial 
 Exhibition, transplanted from Philadelphia to its 
 present position as a fitting attribute to the Island. 
 The Rink is the largest and best appointed of its 
 kind in the world, being lavishly suppHed with 
 electric lights, Ante Rooms, Cloak Rooms, a large 
 parlor, an immense seating capacity, and possess- 
 ing splendid ventilation. The Floor, Skates and 
 Music are in charge of competent persons. A first- 
 class restaurant is connected with the Rink. 
 
 The Colossol Elephant is a New Structure. It 
 stands on a platform 350 feet square, in a feeding 
 position. The height is is 123 feet to the top of 
 the Howdah or Observatory, from which a mag- 
 nificent view can be had of an area of 50 miles of 
 ocean, tlie bay of New York, the cities, and all 
 surrounding villages. Tho "Elephant" is illumi. 
 natrd by electric light and 50 windows. 
 
28 guide to coney island. 
 
 "West End 
 
 Embraces all tliat portion of the Island from 
 West Brighton, to the extreme western end, familiar 
 as Norton's Point. The natural beauties of this 
 locality are superior to any other part of the Is_ 
 land; at the point an extended view can be had; 
 Princess Bay, Statcn Island, the Narrows, Forts 
 Hamilton and Wadsworth, the beautfnl shores of 
 Gravesend Bay, with the village of Bath on its 
 banks, the Jersey Highlands and Sandy Hook in 
 the distance. Capital has not invaded this district 
 in the same ratio as it has the eastern division, 
 hence, its present aspect partakes more of the "Old 
 Coney Island " before spoken of. Several quaint 
 old-fashioned hotels exist in their pristine glory; 
 and there are many Gothamites who so fondly cling 
 to "auld lang syne" that no inducement could 
 swerve their attachment to these ancient sands. 
 
 Scattered over West End there are numbers of 
 small enclosures and sheds, " ydeped pavilions," 
 furnishing light refections and batliing facilitities, 
 where parties that wish to avoid the commotion 
 betake themselves. 
 
 The Windsor Hotel. This house is a first-class 
 family hotel, beautifully situated, and first class in 
 every respect. It is under able management, and 
 patrons will find here a delightful home by the sea. 
 The EossMORE and West End Union Hotels stand 
 close by the Windsor depot, of the C. I. P. E. E. ; 
 towards W. B.,- Eavenuall's, Katen's, Eusher's 
 and Strathmoke, are prominent. Towards the point 
 Point Comfort House has stood the tempest many 
 
GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 29 
 
 years, and still stands to tempt, the thirsty and 
 biin<^ry, Avith its M-ell stocked cupboards. Doylk & 
 Tanzey's fishing grounds, an isolated dock some 
 200 feet off shore, Avhero you may fish until tired 
 for 25 cents, and the old hotel and dock at the 
 ■3oint, completes the ensemble of West End. 
 
 Ocean Park Way. 
 This wide and splendid thoroughfare extends 
 from Prospect Park to Surf Avenue, a distance of 
 about four miles. It is reached by the several roiites 
 to Prospect Park, viz. : from the Eastern District, 
 through Bedford Avenue to Sackct Street Boulevard 
 thence to Prospect Park Plaza, through the jiark to 
 the Park Way; from the Western District, through 
 Fulton or Atlantic Avenue to Flatbush Avenue, 
 thence to plaza and through the park as above. 
 Along this route there are several well kept road 
 houses, at the junction with Surf Avenue stabling 
 accommodations with proper care for beasts will 
 be found. If, on reaching the Island, it is your 
 intention to visit ]>righton Beach, take Surf Ave- 
 nue to the left; if West Brighton or West End, go 
 to the right there are horse sheds at both places. 
 
 On summer afternoons, especially during the 
 racing season, this road is thronged with the princely 
 ecpiipages of the rich, and the high fiyers of turf- 
 men; the hackinen claim a place in the rolling 
 pageant, and their claims are allowed. 
 
30 GUIDE TO CONEY ISLAND. 
 
 GENERAL INFORMATION, 
 
 Season of 1884. 
 
 — o — 
 
 Music— Manhattan, Grand Orchestra, Gilmore, 
 conductor, afternoon and evening concerts, Sundays 
 sacred music. At the Oriental, a recherche pro- 
 gramme arranged for string instruments, daily. 
 
 Brighton — Dodworth's Military Band, (full reed 
 band,) Harvey B. Dodworth, Director. Soloists: 
 G. Yaletti, "Euphonium;" W. C. Bo wen. Cornet. 
 Request Programme, Tuesday Brooklyn, Thursday 
 New York; on these days, any person is invited to 
 send a request to the leader to play a certain air; 
 from these requests the programme will be made up. 
 
 West Brighton— Bauer's, a female Vienna or- 
 chestra in the main building. Madam Roller, con- 
 ductress. Soloists: violin, Marie Roller; xylophone, 
 Virginia Kronauer; cornet, William Rickel; at the 
 pavilion stand, Arbuckle's Military Band. Soloist, 
 Jules Levy, cornet. 
 
 Feltman's — Peter Frank's Band, dancing music. 
 
 Old Iron Pier— Continuous music by full band. 
 
 Brighton Pier— Orchestral music in connection 
 with other entertain in ents. 
 
 ^^* Afternoon concerts from 4 to 6 P. M., even- 
 ing concerts from 8 to 10 P. M. 
 
 At Manhattan, Brighton and Bauer's, the 
 concerts are free to the public. 
 
 Price of admission to Old Iron Pier, including 
 music, 10 cents. 
 
 Sacrod music at Sunday concerts by Arbnckle's 
 and Gilmore's Bands. 
 
OXJXDB 10 CONF-V IKTAND. ^^ 
 
 lisliiuents. 
 
 CoNVEYANXES-Marine Railway from Manhattan to 
 
 ^^^^;a Zi^s^f Jem Brighton to West Brighton, 
 
 ''^StaVeslrom Brighton to West Brighton, fare 5 
 
 """c^uriages for special trips, to Norton's Point, etc 
 can hT engaged at reasonable rates according to 
 Ln.'t of t?p and size of P'^^ty Make yom- bax 
 giliu before starting, and thns avoid disagreement at 
 end of trip. 
 
 ENTEnTAii.MENTS.-Brighton Pier C'-^^i^^^-, .f f^". 
 nees and evening perform^ances daily, tickets, m 
 fludin" admission to pi^'V, 50 cts. . 
 
 Feltiuun's Variety Show, general admission, 
 
 ^ VeUman's Dancing Hall, admission for gentlemen, 
 
 25 cts; for ladies, 5 cts. , . . rn m^- arand 
 
 Brighton llace Course, admission, 50 cts, grand 
 
 stand, Sl.OO; Liidies, r.Octs. 
 
 Museum ul West BnghU.u, admission, 10 cts. 
 
S^ GUIDE TO CONETf ISLAND. 
 
 MuRCTim at Brighton, admission adults, 15 cts; 
 children 10 cts. 
 
 Observatory, West Bri;.;liton, adults, 10 cts; child- 
 ren, 5 cts. Sunday prices, b cts. in addition to 
 above. 
 
 Olympian Club Skatin<]j Ptink, Sea Beach, general 
 admission, 25 cts; use of skates, 15 cts. 
 
 Silver Lake and other merry-go-rounds, 5 cts. 
 
 Camera Obscura, 10 cts. 
 
 Shooting Gallery, Ball Tossing, Blowing Machine, 
 Weighing Apparatus, Striking Machine, etc., etc., 
 5 cts. for one or more trials. 
 
 Refreshments. — A very good table d'hote dinner 
 (with wine) may be obtained on the Iron Pier, or at 
 Paul Bauer's, West Brighton, for $1.00; at Felton's 
 (without wine) GO cts. Tea, coffee, liquors, cigars, 
 etc., 10 cts. Milk, beer, etc., 5 cts. Pie, sand- 
 wiches, Frankfurt sausages, etc., 10 cts. At the 
 Brighton and Manhattan hotels the "menu " is of 
 a superior order, with prices in proportion, though 
 not excessive. 
 
 Miscellaneous. — Telegraph stations are located 
 at Brighton and Manhattan hotels, and at depot of 
 Prospect Park and Coney Island R. R. 
 
 A jDharmacy is located at Brighton, West Brighton 
 and Manhattan Beach. 
 
 Family board at reasonable rates can be had at 
 the Windsor hotel, which is patronized by the first 
 families of New York. 
 
 Fireworks at ]\Ianhattan (Alexandria enclosure; 
 25 cts. ; Brighton Hotel, on the open beach, and at 
 Paul Bauer's, free. 
 
 The extreme western end of the island is called 
 Point Breeze. 
 
 Prolong your visit till evening. Under the 
 myriads of gas jets and electric lights the island 
 presents a brilliant spectacle. 
 
 Preserve our Guide to Coney Island as a souvenir 
 of the season. 
 
L'ANTI, 
 
 Antiseptic Soap, 
 
 Fon 
 TOILET, BATH, CHAFINGS, ITCHINGS, Etc. 
 
 AND AS 
 
 ANTI-EPIDEMIC. 
 
 Excellent Dental Soap. 
 
 Best Soap for preserving ladies' health, improving 
 complexion and softening skin. 
 
 Pre-oiiiiiiently effective in diseases of 
 the scalp and cntaneous affections. 
 
 Removes Pimples, Freckles, King worms, etc. 
 
 N. B. L'ANTI Soap being made from pure, 
 dry castile soap, it is liiglily prized for Babies ' 
 toilet. For shaving purj^oses it is uneqiuUled, 
 precluding always the burning sensation of the 
 razor. 
 
 FOR ^lalaria. Chills and Fever USE 
 
 Syrup of Nascent Phenic Acid. 
 
 LOCAL AGENT: 
 
 OSCAR KRESS, Pharmacist, 
 1(>70 Itroadway, ^KWYOKK. 
 
Harmless, Sure & Quick! 
 
 1 
 
 EXTRACT OF 
 
 Copia, Culelis & \m 
 
 Is a certain and speedy cure. Guaranteed in 
 
 every case no matter how obstinate 
 
 or loni*- standinpf. 
 
 Ji^^^No other Preparation like it. 
 
 The iron used in this preparation, combined 
 with the other ingredients acts hke a charm in 
 its wonderful results and has no equal. It is 
 pleasant to take, does not impare the digestion, 
 and gives tone and strength to the entire system. 
 No need for injection, therefore no need of pro- 
 ducing stricture. &^- TMs is no humbug ! -^sr 
 Price, 81.00. 
 
 Solerroprietor and llanufacturer,C. E. MONELL 
 
 2 First Av. cor Houston St.. 
 
 Sent by mail on receipt of price. Estab'd 1849. 
 
 The above preparation can also be had at the following 
 drug stores in New York City. 
 
 OSCAR KRESS, 1,<;7() Rroadway, cor. Fifty-second st 
 
 C, A. MAKSH, 2,:i0() Third avenue, cor. l'25th street. 
 
 JOHN A. WHITTET, 1(50 Eighth ave., bet. 18th and 
 1 ^Itli strGct-H 
 
 E. J. EHLERS, 134 Greenwich st., cor. Cedar street. 
 
ANTISEPTIC Syrup for Whooping Cough. 
 
 The >VhoopiiiBr Coatrh, a disease affootiug so painfu^'v the lit- 
 tle ones, is radically enrol af er a few days of treatment ^vi!h 
 this Ayri-SEPflC S YRUP. jflarKead carefully the direc- 
 tions printed on the label. 
 
 GLYCO-PHENIQUE. 
 
 Highly recommended for toilet. Bath : it chocks acrid porspi" 
 ration, at the same time softens the skin, improyes the com- 
 plexion, and removes rapidly tlesh worniH. piniploK. etc. Used 
 after shaving with 10 parts of water, it soothes the burning 
 effects of the razor. 
 
 Ladies Hbould for the benefit of their creiiftra! health n^e it 
 once a day in their private ablutions ; about one tablespoonful 
 of tJIiYlO-PHKNK^lK for every pint of lukewarm water. 
 
 A teaspoonful of (iLYCO-l'lIKMQl'E in a glass of water is ex- 
 cellent as a gargle or spray in recent or chronic sore tlirositN, 
 and is of special advantage to persons having a tendency to 
 affections of the throat. Under this form it is particularly 
 recommended to Speakers, Orators, and vocal Artists as anun- 
 8uri)assed tonic and vigorous soother of the vocal chords. The 
 same dilution is used as an ANTISKPTIC nKNTIFUICE or 
 MOl'TH-WASH in prcft^rence to any so-called preparations, and 
 corrects the taste as well as the odors resulting from the use of 
 tobacco. 
 
 Mixed in equal parts with sweet oil or yolk of eggs and ap- 
 plied by a gentle friction on the parts affecfed. it relieves 
 promptly the most acute piins of intlammatory Kheuniatism 
 and Gout. The same mixture spread over Bl!KX8 and SCALDS 
 prevents suppuration and soreness. 
 
 Two tablespomfuls of <lLY('<>-IMiEM(^rE in a pint of water 
 make a superior cheap disinfectant, acting as a preventive for 
 croup, Hcarlet fever, small pox, and any contagious 
 
 EMANATOR OR INHALER. 
 
 A vessel containinf; crystals of lODIM/KI) PHEMC ACID. 
 
 Used in inhalation several times a day for the treatment of 
 catarrh, cold in the head, all diseases of air passag^es and 
 respiratory organs. 
 
 SOLD in every Drug Store 
 
 IN THE UNITED STATES. 
 LOCAL A(iENT : 
 
 OSO-A.Pt KirtESS, 
 1 670 Broadway, NEW YORK. 
 
Use Dr. 
 Evory's 
 
 DIAMOND 
 
 A 
 
 -ni^^iEiiT 
 
 Catarrh 
 Remedy. 
 
 CUKES 
 
 ^^ 
 
 # 
 
 <^ 
 
 ^# 
 
 "^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 S^ 
 
 ^^^. 
 
 4^ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 '<^> 
 
 > 
 
 ^:^ 
 
 It gives immediate relief. It has cured the most stub- 
 born cases, not only of Catarbh, but Influenza, hay 
 Fever, Bronchitis, Deafness, removed Polypus, and 
 effectually exterminates that most offensive Catarrh con- 
 dition, foetid and sickening breath. Eestores the sense 
 of smell, strengthens the voice, eyes, etc. Price 50 cents, 
 by all Druggists. Descriptive pamphlet free to any ad- 
 dress, on application. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Catarrh Kemedy 50c. per bottle. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Blood Kenewer $1.00 per bottle. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Invigorator 50c. per box. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Liver Pills 25c. per bottle. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Salve 25c. per box. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Oil 25c. per bottle. 
 
 Evory's Diamond Hair Tonic & Dresser. ..50c. per bottle. 
 
 A. F. EVORY dt CO., Sole Proprietors, 
 
 lOft Greenwich Ntreet, cor. Cortlandt,^ 
 
 "^^^ A liberal discount to the trade. 
 
 ew York. 
 
STEAM 
 
 Damper and Pressure Regulator 
 
 AN 
 
 Absolutely Indispensable 
 
 ATTACHMENT 
 
 FOR 
 
 REGULATING 
 
 Draft ,or Pressure. 
 
 SECUBBS 
 
 Akolute Safety, 
 
 AND 
 
 Its reputation thoroughly 
 established. OVER 3000 
 IN USE. A Written Guar- 
 antee for Fi\'E Years given 
 with every one sold. 
 
 FRANK A. HINE, 
 
 General Agent of the Eastern States, 
 78 Cortlandt St., NEW YORK 
 
L TIE FL 
 
 226 Bowery, 
 
 79 East Broadway, 
 
 Near Market St., NEW YORK, 
 
 -xV 
 
 CirtistiG 
 
 ' — ' 
 
 Funsral 
 
 ^^ 
 
 Desips^ 
 
 OUR SPEG-mLTY. 
 
 TELEPHONE CALL," 325 Spring." 
 
NEW YORK 
 
 ^'"^ KonserYatory^of^MusiG,-** 
 
 LOCATED ONLY AT 
 
 5 EAST FOURTEENTH STREET, 
 
 3d Doof^ East of Fifth y\vE,, pjEW YOF^K. 
 
 Ii3LC03ri)ODC*a1:eci 1865. 
 
 THE NATIONAL MUSIC SCHOOL AND SCHOOL 
 OF ELOCUTION, FOREIGN LANGUAGES, 
 DRAWING, PAINTING, MODEL- 
 ING AND DECORATION. 
 
 CLASSES AND PRIVATE LESSONS. 
 Open daily from a. m. to J) [). m. 
 
 A Special Training Course for Teachers. 
 
 TERMS. 
 
 CLASSES OF THREE PUPILS, - - - - $10 per Quarter 
 
 CLASHES OF TWO PUPILS, - - . . $15 nor Quarter 
 
 STRICTLY PEIVATE LESSONS, - - - - $30 per Quarter 
 
 The Quarter begins from date of entrance. 
 
 Classes in Harmony, Composition and Sight Reading 
 
 Free to Students, The Conservatory remains open the entire year. 
 
 N. B,— The New York Conservatory, located at No. 5 East 14th 
 St., near 5th Ave. (the first orpanized and only chartered Conserva- 
 tory of Music in the State), is entirely separate and distinct from 
 all other Music Schools which imituto its name and methods. 
 
 S. N. GEISWOLD, President. 
 
 p. R. MAYERK K, Sceiclar}. 
 
f . 1. 0. SmWEME, 
 
 42 East 14th. St., Union Sq-aare. 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 Importer and Manufacturer of 
 
 Camesjofs (S lovelies 
 
 LAWN TENNIS, 
 ARCHERY, 
 
 CROQUET, 
 
 LAWN POOL, 
 
 LA CROSSE. 
 
 BABY CARRIAGES, BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, VELO- 
 CIPEDES, GOAT WAGONS. 
 
 BEST MAKES AT LOWEST PRICES. 
 
 KFdW I AAnC personally selected in Europe, are 
 llv II vivvvllJ J now arriving by steamer every week. 
 
f n