1880 Souvenir Album of Coney Island
Before George Eastman and his Kodak camera made photographers of us all, souvenir albums were popular in the late nineteenth century, and featured illustrations of destinations of interest from around the globe. With finely embossed and often gilt-stamped covers, these booklets contained fold-out pages, smaller than postcards (approx. 3 1/2” x 5”) with b/w views made to simulate photographs in texture and tone. However, these were actually hand drawn images based on photos, using a technique known as the Glaser/Frey lithographic process.
This particular album, published by the Wittman Brothers in 1880, highlights— with amazing detail — many popular attractions found on the eastern end of Coney Island. The images suggest a Gilded Age seaside resort for the privileged, far removed (in appearance, at least) from the raucous thrill rides, ballyhoo, and side shows that would later define Coney Island, long before it became known as the “Peoples Playground”.
We’re happy to share this rare Souvenir Album of Coney Island, part of the Coney Island Museum’s permanent collection.
While nicely embossed, this cover lacks gilt accents.
The view looking east.
The Iron Pier, located at w. Eighth Street. It would later become the Dreamland Pier.
Top: the Sea Beach Palace, the terminus of the New York and Sea Beach Railroad.
Bottom: Bauer’s Hotel boasted its restaurant could serve 8,000 diners at one time.
A machine that dispensed cold milk — how novel! The Observatory is visible in several plates contained in this album. Three hundred feet high, it was originally built and installed in Philadelphia for the 1876 Centennial of the Declaration of Independance, and later moved to Coney Island.
The Brighton Pier (aka the New Iron Pier), located at W. Fifth Street.
If you enjoyed viewing this selection of images from the Coney Island Museum’s permanent collection, please consider supporting our mission with a contribution. All gifts are greatly appreciated! Click here to make a donation.