Episode #53: In the Good Old Summertime: Where the Gilded Age Played
Join returning guest, Esther Crain, author and creator of Ephemeral New York for a look at how New Yorkers stayed cool on summer days in the Gilded Age.
As New York continued its march up the island of Manhattan, there were few places where New Yorkers that couldn’t escape to Newport could find somewhere to relax, play, stroll, and find some shade. The development of the great Central Park provided some much-needed relief but it took some time for it to become a place that was accessible and viable for all of New York’s social classes.
Out on the far coast of Brooklyn, the resort of Coney Island developed rapidly and became a truly great escape with its famous amusement parks where one could find adventure and perhaps a bit of romance. Esther takes us on a journey to visit these spots and spaces where Gilded Age New Yorkers could cool off, forget the realities of life for just a bit and have a really good time.
Carl is joined by special guest:
— Esther Crain, an author, historian, and native New Yorker. In 2008 she launched the website Ephemeral New York, where she writes and publishes stories every week that chronicle Gotham’s past through old photos, newspaper archives, vintage artwork, and other artifacts.
Her first book, New York City in 3D in the Gilded Age, was published in 2014, and her second book, The Gilded Age in New York, 1870-1910, hit bookstore shelves two years later. Both books have been featured and reviewed in city publications and have made Esther a popular source for information on Gotham during the Gilded Age.
LISTEN NOW: In the Good Old Summertime: Where the Gilded Age Played
Related Podcasts:
The Adirondacks and Great Camp Sagamore: Retreating to Nature in the Gilded Age