The Mystery Of the Vanishing Landmark

Part One - The Question

Exhibit "A" - The Steeplechase Baths(house) -- opened in the middle of June of 1901, it was at that time the largest permanent structure directly on the beachfront - located approximately between Beach 98th and Beach 97th Streets and the boardwalk. The structure (built mostly of wood) was over 1000 feet in length, almost four stories in height -- certainly a most imposing sight and was considered to be the most recognizable landmark on the Rockaway peninsula back at the turn of the century. {Postcard from the Stevie S. Stevens Collection}

Many consider it to be the first permanent landmark ever constructed on the Rockaway peninsula. It certainly was massive and definitely unique. It rose almost four stories in height and stretched out for over 1000 feet. It faced the oceanfront and nothing before had ever seemed so regal or imposing on the sandy white beach. It could be recognized by ships at sea and many a captain could and did plot or correct his course depending upon the position in which he saw the large and familiar structure. It had many tall columns, inviting archways, raised open terraces, impressive airy rooms for dining, dancing, or for just relaxing. A substantial and connecting boardwalk was erected at the front of the place - but at the second level -- concealing what we would now consider to be a basement. But above all, this building was functional. It was a bathhouse. Not just any bathhouse, but the best bathhouse on the island. And it had to be the very best, it was the brainchild of George C. Tilyou. Primarily credited with the creation of a major amusement park on Coney Island, Tilyou had a driving quest to be the best, to own the best, and to provide the best. Lets just say that by today's standards, George C. Tilyou would be considered an "over-achiever."

Exhibit "B" -- Too massive in size to have its image captured in a close-up photograph, this summertime postcard shows the structure (on the right) as it appeared back in 1902. The roller coaster shown in the center of the photo was NOT the coaster we think of today (as Rockaway's Playland) but rather it belonged to Wolz and was dubbed "The Thriller" - located at the foot of Beach 104th Street (torn down in 1938). The picture is shown facing east. {Postcard from the Stevie S. Stevens Collection}

- 2 -