Cyclone Roller Coasterin Coney Island, Brooklyn at Surf Avenue and West 10th StreetAmidst the ongoin

Cyclone Roller Coaster
in Coney Island, Brooklyn at Surf Avenue and West 10th Street

Amidst the ongoing losses of classic New York neon signs, it’s lovely to be celebrating one that continues to shine. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island, though the sign isn’t that old — does anyone know more about the history of the sign? I wonder if it’s from the 50s or so (the pink makes me think midcentury), but I really don’t know. Regardless, it’s lovely — classic densely-tubed block letters topped by a little button cyclone.

This isn’t a great photo since the middle C is missing, but it’s the only one I have with the little cyclone at the top lit, which I love. It’s also one of the few I have from before they added a bunch of LED lights all over the coaster. I understand the addition, they’re bright and gaudy and light up the night, though sadly they rather drown out the quieter glow of the neon. Of course that’s in the spirit of Coney Island — lively and bright — but for me the neon will always outshine the rest.

The actual opening date of the Cyclone was June 26, 1927, so mark your calendar for June if you want to attend the anniversary celebrations.