So true! I tried to find any modern examples of a similar ride and all I found was something called "The Washing Machine." Unfortunately, there is no washing, tumbling or blowing involved. It's really just a cylinder that spins so fast that you stick to the wall when the floor drops out. We used to call it "The Rotor" - not a ride you want to throw up on. Don't ask.
Thanks again, Rob, for your photos and research! Growing up, I always found Canarsie to be a strange mix - fishing at the pier, visiting some friends at the housing projects, going by the Terminal Market (a much less intimidating neighborhood than Hunts Point!). I always found the Pier to be a nice rest stop along the Belt Parkway, for watching the water.
Thanks for following along C.L.! It's really an interesting mix out there. Being so close to the water completely changes the feel of the whole neighborhood. Make it to the end of the pier or into Carnarsie park and you feel like you are in a different world. And the market is amazing!
That stereotypical "Brooklyn" accent comes up often as a verbal marker of NYC people in cartoons. For example, one narrative of the legendary "Rocky and Bullwinkle" TV show focuses on a Pacific island called New Greenpernt, commanded by King Bushwick "de toity toid".
You led me down a rabbit hole. About to order "You Talkin' To Me?: The Unruly History of New York English" which is full of fun facts like the story that C-3PO was originally written to have a New York accent! Mind Blown
I know! I’m amazed by how many amusement parks there used to be (though it makes sense in the days before we all had tiny amusement parks on our pockets) and the inevitable succession of fires that they were subject to. I can’t imagine insurance companies were eager to do business with these places. I unwittingly chose a neighborhood with another amusement park next week though it looks like wind not fire was the cause of its demise.
Rob, this was so interesting, and I loved the photos. Even though I was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn feels like a foreign country to me. We moved from Bensonhurst to Bayside when I was only 2, so I don't remember a thing about it. Have you written about Bensonhurst? I could learn about my roots, LOL. I loved Bayside and was not in a hurry to move to Long Island at the age of 8 but then I got to love it there, as well, and as an adult I moved to Queens. I've been living in FL for a long time now. BTW....I'm pretty sure you meant that Robert Moses 'razed,' not 'raised.' You're welcome. :-) As Anne knows, I can't help myself. LOL
Argghh! That one always slips by the spell check, maybe I should learn how to actually spell it one day. Thanks and thanks for reading! I haven't covered Bensonhurst yet, but looking forward to it!
I'm glad you weren't offended. :-) I once had a job where proofreading was a part of the responsibilities, and I can't help myself. You know people who can do math in their head? Yeah, not me...but I can do English. Sometimes it's appreciated and sometimes it's not, heheh.
Clearly, civilization peaked with “Human Laundry.”
So true! I tried to find any modern examples of a similar ride and all I found was something called "The Washing Machine." Unfortunately, there is no washing, tumbling or blowing involved. It's really just a cylinder that spins so fast that you stick to the wall when the floor drops out. We used to call it "The Rotor" - not a ride you want to throw up on. Don't ask.
My sister threw up on that ride. So I know, I know.
🤢
LOL, Ann! 🤣
Thanks again, Rob, for your photos and research! Growing up, I always found Canarsie to be a strange mix - fishing at the pier, visiting some friends at the housing projects, going by the Terminal Market (a much less intimidating neighborhood than Hunts Point!). I always found the Pier to be a nice rest stop along the Belt Parkway, for watching the water.
Thanks for following along C.L.! It's really an interesting mix out there. Being so close to the water completely changes the feel of the whole neighborhood. Make it to the end of the pier or into Carnarsie park and you feel like you are in a different world. And the market is amazing!
Have you been to Arverne in Rockaway?
Yes! My first photo project in NYC took me all over Rockaway. I love it out there
That stereotypical "Brooklyn" accent comes up often as a verbal marker of NYC people in cartoons. For example, one narrative of the legendary "Rocky and Bullwinkle" TV show focuses on a Pacific island called New Greenpernt, commanded by King Bushwick "de toity toid".
You led me down a rabbit hole. About to order "You Talkin' To Me?: The Unruly History of New York English" which is full of fun facts like the story that C-3PO was originally written to have a New York accent! Mind Blown
The C3PO story has set off an alternative version of Star Wars in my head. His opening line of “We’re doomed!” is now much fruitier.
Sounds fascinating- I'll see if my public library has it.
I love to read about the history of places, and Canarsie's is stellar -- thank you! And your pictures are fabulous. What a delight.
Thanks Jessica!
I don't know why I expected the sound to be water! Lovely writing and photos -- I'll be thinking about "The Washing Machine"!
Wonderful pictures! As always.
Thank you!
It’s got to the point now that, when I see a funfair in one of your articles, I think ‘fire’. I’m off to research the Jerry Building.
I know! I’m amazed by how many amusement parks there used to be (though it makes sense in the days before we all had tiny amusement parks on our pockets) and the inevitable succession of fires that they were subject to. I can’t imagine insurance companies were eager to do business with these places. I unwittingly chose a neighborhood with another amusement park next week though it looks like wind not fire was the cause of its demise.
Rob, this was so interesting, and I loved the photos. Even though I was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn feels like a foreign country to me. We moved from Bensonhurst to Bayside when I was only 2, so I don't remember a thing about it. Have you written about Bensonhurst? I could learn about my roots, LOL. I loved Bayside and was not in a hurry to move to Long Island at the age of 8 but then I got to love it there, as well, and as an adult I moved to Queens. I've been living in FL for a long time now. BTW....I'm pretty sure you meant that Robert Moses 'razed,' not 'raised.' You're welcome. :-) As Anne knows, I can't help myself. LOL
Argghh! That one always slips by the spell check, maybe I should learn how to actually spell it one day. Thanks and thanks for reading! I haven't covered Bensonhurst yet, but looking forward to it!
I'm glad you weren't offended. :-) I once had a job where proofreading was a part of the responsibilities, and I can't help myself. You know people who can do math in their head? Yeah, not me...but I can do English. Sometimes it's appreciated and sometimes it's not, heheh.
Sadly can't proofread or do math in my head...