I've been photographing Coney Island for the last few years, documenting the changes which take place from year to year. I have focused on what was at one time (before the advent of the Mega-Super-Theme Parks like Great Adventure and Disney World) considered to be grand entertainment, the ultimate symbol of how so many who grew up in the 50s and 60s, and in some cases what symbolized an idyllic summer day's of playing in the surf, eating Nathan's hot dogs, corn on the cob and cotton candy, watching the freak show and screaming on those dare devil rides.

My vision of Coney Island shows an America that we long for, can appreciate, and can still participate in. Coney Island is not America as portrayed by CNN. It is not continually hyped by commercials or mass produced for quick commercial gains. While photographing at Coney Island, I have met people who maintain the amusement park, work the freak show and sell the refreshments. I have photographed the “freak” who works the amusement entitled “Shoot the Freak.” These people are not what you’d call “average Americans" as seen on popular television shows or in franchises that appeal to the masses; yet Coney Island as a physical place and what it has represented to generations of children over a space of about 180 years has lasted longer than any symbol of pop culture.

Coney Island was first settled by the English in 1643, and over time evolved from a beach resort to a resort and amusement park. It has been afflicted by fires (sometimes major fires), neglect, urban renewal, “development,” and historic preservation and endless coats of brightly-colored paint slapped on popular rides and features. Yet, it has been preserved, restored and enjoyed for generations.

I believe that the “Cyclone” which I have included in my series, helps tell the world something positive about America. The historic Cyclone which was built in the late 1920’s was slated for demolition in the 1970’s. It was to be demolished for the development of the land. Against great odds, it was finally saved by the Chamber of Commerce and is now a historic landmark. I have also focused on the other survivors such as Wonderwheel (which opened in 1930), and the deteriorating rides, amusements, and signage that tell stories of past generations.

Gary Beeber, 2005