ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
This Must Have Been in the 1920s...
What a find. I believe that was the old St Marks Hotel on the right? In the 60s it was full of artists and musicians. I can still hear the music and smell the oil of the paints--and the red wine I was sipping out of brown paper bag as I walked from one end of Venice to the other.
I read part of your blog. How neat.
Your info on Venice helped me appreciate the old beach town even more. I can tell by your text, your wonderful ability to write well, that you too loved the Venice of yesterday.
I am glad to have met someone who understands the joy of yesterday's memories of Venice West.
Robert L. Huffstutter
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
Childs Restaurant Building
1208 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States
Summary
The Childs Restaurant Building on Surf Avenue in Coney Island was the first restaurant built for this well-known chain in Coney Island, at a time when the area was changing from its somewhat seedy aura of summer amusements to a wholesome, family resort that could be enjoyed year-round. The Childs Restaurant chain, begun in 1889, developed as small luncheonettes that catered to working people, where one could find decent meals for a reasonable price in a clean environment. As such, it was the perfect type of establishment for the “new Coney Island.”
This building was constructed in 1917 in West Brighton near the terminus of the Prospect Park and Coney Island Railway line and close by many of the most famous amusements of the area. Childs Restaurant filled the need for a respectable but not expensive restaurant for the many working-class New Yorkers who flocked to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun. As the area prospered, a second and larger Childs was built at 21st Street facing the new Boardwalk. This first restaurant continued to operate in this location until 1943 when the property was leased to the Blue Bird Casino and restaurant. During the following years the building continued to house restaurants, clubs and other activities related to Coney Island’s amusements.
It was the site of David Rosen’s Wonderland Circus Sideshow and, since 2007, has been the location of Coney Island U.S.A. and the Coney Island Museum, which documents the history of this famous New York City neighborhood. Originally designed by John C. Westervelt who worked for the Childs chain for many years, the building displays elements of the Spanish Revival style, seen in its overhanging red tile roof, round-arched openings and white facade. Its wide arches facing two streets served as grand welcoming gestures to crowds passing by, while the style suggests a warm Mediterranean resort and hint at the fun to be had in Coney Island. This building is a rare survivor from a many years of Coney Island history, beginning when an assortment of amusements and the sea air attracted thousands of pleasure-seekers escaping from the nearby hot city through the present day.
Much more to read. Please go to Guerra's FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM. Click on this link.
Nothing here yet.
You can save a photo or video to a gallery from its detail page, or choose from your faves here.
Comments