Coney Island (Parachute Jump)
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Today covered in a coat of red paint, the steel tower of the Parachute Jump is the only remaining sign of Steeplechase Park. In the years during and after World War II, riders were hoisted to the top of the tower in a canvas seat attached to a closed parachute. When they were dropped from the top, only the parachute would slow the descent. Like the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, and Childs Restaurant, the tower is now protected by its landmark status and will remain at Coney Island even after the redevelopment of the area. Like several other steel structures that made their way to Coney Island, the Parachute Jump originated as a ride at a world’s fair (in this case, the 1939 New York World’s Fair), reflecting the often-utopian nature of the ventures that developed Coney Island over its history.
Caption
Stephen Salmieri American, born 1945. Coney Island (Parachute Jump), 1969. Gelatin silver print, Sheet: 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 27.9 cm) Image: 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.5 x 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Edward Klein, 82.201.24. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 82.201.24_PS2.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Coney Island (Parachute Jump)
Date
1969
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Classification
Dimensions
Sheet: 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 27.9 cm) Image: 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.5 x 24.1 cm)
Signatures
Signed in graphite verso "Salmieri"
Inscriptions
Titled in graphite verso "1969 Coney Island"
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Klein
Accession Number
82.201.24
Rights
© artist or artist's estate
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