A bit of Coney Island indecency

Yes, Coney Island was recalled for being indecent back in 1851. Though I suspect the part about Brother Jay may be another case of 1850s sarcasm. The later description sounds a bit racy to me though!

A REMEMBRANCE.--An allusion made by us to Coney Island, has awakened the "founts of feeling" in the cavernous recesses of Brother Jay's stomach. We had supposed that the incidents were cast among the "bygones," but it seems that we were mistaken. The following from a recent Trentonian, plainly develops the shocking state of Brother Charles's mind. Instead of doing penance for past shortcomings, he still cherishes a latent hankering after the forbidden "fleshpots." Reform, sir ; reform !

Speaking of Coney Island, do you remember, friend Van, that delicious summer afternoon when you gave us a carriage ride "overland," to the white-sanded beach of that notable Island ? Do you remember, you sad old bachelor you, the side glances you ever and anon cast towards the Long Island lassies, as they sat in the old Dutch porches, or looked from the pleasant cottage windows, with eyes flashing through the foliage of climbing woodbine, and intermingling roses? And then, after we passed all these dangers, seen and unseen, and reached the Island, do you recollect those lady bathers, and how the big white-capped waves played at ten-pins with their fair forms, and knocked them down even at our feet ? Whew ! Our flesh fairly creeps as we remember how one big amorous old fellow, came rolling along from Sandy Hook, and caught up in his foaming arms the black-eyed lassie with the dark ringlets, and carried her away out towards the growling breakers! The ugly chap in spectacles rescued her, however, and how meat-axeish he looked when he detected our eye wandering mechanically, to a slight rent in the bathing dress of the New York beauty!

Ah ! friend Ike, the return by way of Fort Hamilton, and the lady you pointed out to us as the heroine who saved the New York dandy from drowning, and those "smashers" at the Pavillion! Ye gods! ere the summer is over we will visit again

"Old Long Island's sea-girt shore,,'

in despite of short finances and long distance. So hold your "gallant gray" in readiness.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Wednesday, March 26, 1851