New York City - a photo on Flickriver

New York City

            The only vestige of Steeplechase Park in Coney Island that remains of that establishment is the Parachute Jump Tower. “Steeplechase - the Funny Place” as the park was referred to by George C. Tilyou the owner who opened the park in Coney Island in 1897 was one of multiple amusement establishments located in Coney Island.  The Parachute Jump’s origin is not as a ride for Steeplechase but rather as part of the 1939-1940 World’s Fair held in Flushing Meadow Queens.  The brainchild of Navy Officer Commander James A. Strong, these type of  towers were initially for military training, but this tower, the 262 foot one created for the World’s Fair, was created as ride for the common man.  The Tilyou family purchased it for the Steeplechase Park (George had passed in 1914) in 1941 and had it moved to Coney Island.  The beacon on top was used during World War 2 for ships and planes as most of the city followed the mandatory blackouts to conserve energy during the war.  The Parachute Jump operated until the Tilyou family because of economic downturn was forced to sell the Steeplechase property to a developer in 1965.  In 1971 the Parachute Jump was put up for sale and its fate became unsure when no buyers could be found and the city was looking to demolish the 170 ton tower.  The chamber of commerce in Coney Island and other groups went to work to save the structure and in 1977 it was designated as official landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.  The Parachute Jump was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and in 1989 it was officially designated as a New York City Landmark.  Lighting which can be seen in this image taken July 2014 was added as well as music for summer nights.
   

Taken in: United States / New York / New York / Coney Island (show map)

Taken on: October 30, 2014

Tags:

NEWYORKCITY

NEWYORK

CONEYISLAND

OLYMPUSE5

STEEPLECHASEPARK

CONEYISLANDBOARDWALK « less

Sets appears in: • Lighter than Air • Reach for the Sky more » • Coney Island Brooklyn New York • 10 or more Likes • Neon Nights • New York City « less

Groups appears in: • New York City • New York, New York more » • New York Photography • New York City Baseball • New York Scenes « less

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