Introduction

Millions of people have attended the 'World's Fairs' since the first major events in London 1851 and 1853 in New York.. But what to do with the buildings at the end of the show, after the ball is over? Many of the structures were prefabricated or temporary so why not buy them cheap and make a buck by reusing them in New York's rapidly developing resort - Coney Island? Since the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, many entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and did just that and so Coney Island became the repository for many such buildings.

Recent Visits

On a February 2000 visit to Bensonhurst in New York my flight back to London was delayed by an unexpected heavy snowfall, which closed JFK airport. I was able to stay over for a few days and as we'd not done too much sightseeing, decided one bright day to make a return trip to Coney Island.

Who could fail to enjoy the sea breezes on a sweltering summer's day? On a previous summer visit I had tried my first Nathans and had a good long stroll on the boardwalk, so now was my chance to see the place in it's winter coat.

The winter sun was good on the 'el' platform but after five minutes waiting for the Stillwell Avenue Terminus bound train the icy wind had found it's way through our thick clothing and so we were thankfull when it arrived. We took a walk up West 15th street to take a look at the snow covered beach and boardwalk, an extraordinary sight with everything white and not a soul about, not even the polar bears!

We took a few photographs and made a hasty retreat from the ice cold wind into Nathans famous. Off season, and on that day, the pioneer of cheap fast food made his premises the warm refuge for both of us, who, along with haggard waifs and strays sat in the dining area, nursing delicious warming food in begloved hands.

We purchased some takeout food and made our way back into the vast dark halls of Stillwell Avenue station, built for the summer throngs and ideal for muggers of the mid 70s. The subway came in and the denizens of the local area, including no doubt those from the Luna Park projects alighted. Rolling along back home to Bensonhurst and holding the Nathan's goodies closer to us, we heard a fat boy a few seats behind us repeatedly say out loud 'I smell fries - can you smell fries'? to his buddy. "Who's got the fries?" I could have recommended Nathan's annual July 4th hot dog eating contest!