Hoyt Exhibition on Coney Island, Regional Amusement Parks

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Arts & Education at the Hoyt is bringing the excitement of Coney Island to town with its latest exhibition, “Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland,” opening Nov. 16 and running through Jan. 13.

For more than 150 years, the strip of sand at the mouth of New York Harbor has occupied a singular place in the American imagination. 

The exhibit uses photos, paintings and artifacts to bring to life Coney Island, from its beginning as a watering hole for the wealthy in the 1800s to its struggle for renewal in recent decades.

Accompanying the show will be a side exhibit about amusement parks in the region. Memorabilia, rides, arcade games, fun mirrors, models and more from Cascade Park, Idora Park, Kennywood, Idlewild and Conneaut Lake Park will be on display. 

The Hoyt’s resident historian and education director, Bob Presnar, will offer added insight with an informal discussion, “A Day in the Park: Exploring the Growth and Decline of Cascade Park” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Hoyt. Admission is free. Reservations are requested.

The public reception for Coney Island exhibition will on Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during the Hoyt’s annual holiday open house.  Popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs and other concessions will be served. Admission is free. Guided tours are available by calling 724 652 2882.

The Hoyt, 124 E. Leasure Ave., is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go to HoytArtCenter.org.

Pictured: A postcard shows the entrance to Luna Park in Coney Island, N.Y.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.