.
Night in Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown for Detroit Publishing Company, c. 1905; image by Trialsanderrors, 14 July 2008 (Library of Congress)
Nothing that he expected but surprises,
Seeking surprise like one at Luna Park
(All the grand ohs as genuine as a claque,
Cigars and dolls, exploded booby prizes);
Given each thing except the thing he wanted
(Like a rich girl who wants to be a boy)
Though what he wanted was the joy of joy
-- If it was that -- since each desire counted
For naught but the false hope that here, at last!...
-- And now? While new illusion shines and rains
Like a bad Spring, what famous game remains?
To praise unmaskers and unmasking, do
With love what they did, trying to be true,
Before the shows and sketches have been passed.
DelmoreSchwartz (1913-1966): When ManyHopeswereDead and MostDisguises, from Vaudeville for a Princess, 1950
Luna Park at night: photographer unknown for Detroit Publishing Company, between 1903 and 1906; image by Trialsanderrors, 16 May 2011 (Library of Congress)
Luna Park at night: photo by Samuel H. Gottsho, 1906; image by Alcmaeonid, 6 May 2011 (New York Times Photo Archive)
Bridge of Laughs, Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, n.d.; image by Fordmadoxfraud, 2 April 2008 (Library of Congress)
Fatty Arbuckle rides on The Whip in the 1917 Paramount film Coney Island image by Postdif, 1 September 2007
Riding a Camel, Luna Park, Coney Island: photographer unknown for Detroit Publishing Company, c. 1908; image by Martin H., i July 2010 (Library of Congress)
Loop the Loop, Luna Park, Coney Island: photographer unknown for Detroit Publishing Company, 1905; image by JustSomePics, 3 February 2012 (Library of Congress)
Vintage postcard depicting entrance to Luna Park, Coney Island: photographer unknown, early 20th century; image by Heresthe casey, 23 February 2008
The Dragon's Gorge (an enclosed roller coaster), Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, n.d.; image by Hugh Manatee, 2009
Shooting the Chutes at Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, postcard published by Hamlin and Moskowitz, 1907; image by Hugh Manatee, 2009
Helter Skelter slide, Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, postcard published by the Illustrated Postal Card Company, 1906; image by Hugh Manatee, 2009
Luna Park, Surf Avenue, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, postcard published by C.S. Woolworth and Company, 1913; image by Hugh Manatee, 2009
Elephant ride in Luna Park, Coney Island, New York: photographer unknown, 1906; image by Hugh Manatee, 2009