The O’Flaherty Family has spent summers on Coney Island since the 1940’s. Pat and Ivy Wismer were the first family residents. After renting a cottage for years, in 1955 Ivy Wismer bought two lots behind the row of camps facing the main beach. A building was purchased, moved from the Geddes resort on the point near the Argyle dock to the interior lot. That was the beginning of decades of summer fun on Coney Island.
Peggy (Wismer) and Kevin O’Flaherty brought their 8 children to the camp on Coney every summer. They spent summers taking swimming lessons and enjoying the freedom living on an island offers. As their children grew to adults, they all purchased their own properties and raised their children on Coney. As a group this generations owns 8 pieces of property in the beach area. Regardless of where any of us lived, we have all felt that Coney Island is our heart home.
Generation number four is continuing the legacy by spending summers on Coney Island with their children.
Generation number five, including 8 so far, who range in age from 26 years to newborn, all love to spend as much time on Coney Island as possible. Through them the legacy will continue.
The O’Flaherty Family are all pleased to be sponsoring a picnic table to enhance the newly upgraded park and to improve the beach experience for residents, visitors to the island and tourists.