Guest Post: Lisa Mangels-Schaefer

By Lisa Mangels-Schaefer

I recently had the good fortune to be both a participant and frequent visitor to Green-Wood Cemetery’s exhibit, “W.F. Mangels: Amusing the Masses on Coney Island and Beyond.” It was beautifully staged and well curated, showcasing an amazing assortment of photos and objects, many of which I have never seen before. Speaking with other visitors to the exhibit, and perusing the comments left by many in the Guest Book, I was thoroughly charmed by all the memories and emotions the exhibition had evoked. Many referred to their visit as “a walk down Memory Lane”, while some suggested “such an exhibit should be on display at Coney Island for all to see (hey, I’m all for that!).” The carousells seemed to be the most beloved, but the Mangels ride mentioned most by name was my personal favorite, “The Whip.” With none of the death-defying acrobatics of a roller coaster, the ride still manages to be a thrilling metaphor for the fast turns that life can throw us, and a reminder that it’s always better if you ride with someone you care for to hold on to.

Since being invented by my great grandfather 100 years ago, there have been a dozen or more Whip rides that operated in Coney Island. It’s almost mind boggling that currently, where his factory on W. 8th St. produced some of history’s most memorable outdoor amusements, one cannot take a turn on what was arguably Mangel’s most popular and iconic ride.

Rumor has it there may be some new rides coming to one of Thor Equities’ vacant lots this season. It would be wonderful to see more independent ride operators thriving where we saw only weeds and debris last summer.

I’m starting my wish list for Santa early this year, in hopes that he brings “The Whip” back to Coney Island, where it belongs.