Lennie Fogel

Fogel grew up in Coney Island's West End and Sea Gate in the 1940's and 50's, attending PS 80 and PS 188. His parents ran several shops in the West End, providing him with an interesting perspective on life in the bungalow colonies and Jewish neighborhoods. Of particular interest are his recollections of wartime preparations in Coney Island: anti-aircraft batteries in Kaiser Park, radar and sonar manufacturing on West 21st Street, torpedo boat construction on the Coney Island Creek and barracks in Sea Gate. Also of interest are his memories of the African-American community in Coney Island in the 1940's and 50's