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January 19, 2004 13:31:02
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History of Bath Beach
Named for the famous watering place of Bath, England, this territory consisted mostly of farmlands and forests until the 1870s when affluent families built summer homes in the area. It was considered part of Bensonhurst until the construction of the Bath Beach-Coney Island Railroad, which served to make the area more accessible. For a time, Bath Beach became a stylish amusement park frequented by the upper and middle class. But by the 1930s, unable to contend with the favored Coney Island, it met its demise and all that remained were abandoned mansions and hotels. The end of World War II brought a volume of returning soldiers to the area. Out of necessity, a large portion of the marshland was extended by landfill. Thereafter, rapid construction of homes began. Today Bath Beach is a thriving working middle class community.
Served by Community District 11
Zip Code: 11214
Claims to Fame:
The Nellie Bly Family Amusement Park (1824 Shore Parkway) has provided generations of children with rides and summer time fun. It houses a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, a golf driving range, and batting cages for total family enjoyment.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, (Bath and 18th Avenue) is over 100 years old. Much of its congregation directly descends from men who served as grooms at area racetracks in the early 1900s. St. Finbar (1825 Bath Avenue) and St. Francis Cabrini (35 Bay 11 Street) Roman Catholic churches have served the community for many years.
Vincent Gardenia, noted television and film star, made his home in Bath Beach until his death. 16th Avenue was renamed Vincent Gardenia Boulevard in his honor.
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