The Coney Island Cyclone is one of the most famous attractions in Brooklyn, New York. The first rides of the historic roller coaster began on June 26, 1927. Over 80 years later, the Cyclone is still thrilling thousands of riders each year.
Brothers Jack and Irving Rosenthal commissioned the legendary Vernan Keenan to design, and Harry C. Baker to construct, the preeminent wooden-tracked roller coaster. The design had to be exceptionally tight and steep because of the relatively small ground space that was available for the attraction.
The construction of this masterpiece began on a historical site which was significant in the world of roller coasters -- the Cyclone graces the place which contained the world's very first roller coaster, LaMarcus A. Thompson's Switchback Railway.
When the Rosenthal Brothers left Coney Island to operate their newest property, Palisade Amusement Park, they turned over the operation of the Cyclone to Chris Feuchts, who lovingly maintained and ran the ride for decades. Eventually, ownership of Cyclone was acquired by the City of New York, and it was operated by the City's Parks Department.
Every roller coaster enthusiast around the world has heard of, has ridden or hopes to ride The Cyclone. This historic roller coaster graces virtually every "top roller coaster" list and publication. Roller coasters may have gotten bigger and faster, but they have not gotten any better than The Cyclone. Time Magazine quoted Charles Lindbergh as saying that a ride on the Cyclone was more thrilling than his historic first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Emilio Franco, a mute since birth, regained his voice on the Cyclone, uttering his first words ever -- "I feel sick"!
An official New York City Landmark since July 12, 1988, Cyclone was listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places on June 31, 1991. National Historic Landmark status followed, on June 26, 1991. On April 14, 1992, Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden issued a citation to Jerome Albert and the late Dewey Albert for their operation of both Astroland and the Cyclone, saluting them for being the primary energizing force in the regeneration of the Coney Island Amusement District.
The Cyclone, now faster than ever, is the heart and soul of Coney Island, birthplace of the American amusement industry, and going strong for over 150 years!
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Coney Island's Cyclone Roller Coaster To Open Sunday
Brooklyn, NY − Coney Island's world-famous Cyclone roller coaster will kick off its 2009 season Sunday, April 5. The first 100 people in line on Sunday will be treated to a free ride on the roller coaster.
A team of fourteen have been polishing track, painting cars and performing maintenance to ready the historic wooden coaster for its traditional Palm Sunday opening.
The opening festivities begin at 12 Noon with Miss Cyclone and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz breaking a bottle of authentic Brooklyn chocolate egg cream against the coaster's lead car.
New York City's legendary street brass party band, The Hungry March Band will also perform to make the party complete.
The Cyclone roller coaster opened on June 26, 1927. The 2009 season will be its 82nd year of operation.
Adjacent
"Astroland is in storage for the time being," said Mrs. Albert, who added "but everyone in Coney Island is working hard to make sure that this summer is an enjoyable one. Keep in mind, we have a beautiful beach in Coney Island, and the beach is free."
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