Coney Island Parachute Jump (Ride 1939-1964, card date unknown)
It was a 250 foot fall tower, opened in 1939 for the World's Fair, and operated through 1964. Riders would be raised to the top and then descend on parachutes in a canvas seat, which took about 10-20 seconds. Quite a ride for 1939! There were shock absorbers at the bottom to ease the landing.
The structure hung around long after it stopped operation. Here it is in 2010,
In more recent times, money was spent to stop the structure from collapsing, since it was rusting from sea air exposure, and in the early 2000's it was illuminated at night,
4 replies
I always find something eerie about these giant truss structures
In the postcard, it looks a little like a colossal jellyfish, with the lit up parachutes. That is sort of eerie!
It's still there.
Yes, but the ride is not. Hence, it (the parachute ride) was...
I included recent photos of the structure, and info about modern lighting, so I know the tower structure is still there!