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Arts & Entertainment

Ring the Dreamland Bell for a Buck


By

Jen Carlson

Published Sep 7, 2009

Modified Sep 7, 2009


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By

Jen Carlson

Published Sep 7, 2009

Modified Sep 7, 2009


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Just two days after diver Gene Ritter recovered it from the ocean floor, the Dreamland bell that sunk during the iron pier fire of 1911, was being rung again. Temporarily displayed at the Coney Island History Project, where it will remain through September 13th, you can pay $1 to give it a ring yourself—and it still sounds good after nearly a century underwater! They explain that "a hose system was set up to keep the bell constantly wet since it has been underwater for 98 years." Also on display are old images of the bell as well as other artifacts Ritter has recovered, including bottles, china and lamps. See more images here.

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1911

bell

coney island

Dreamland

Gene Ritter

history


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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