g) Freddie Brown: 10 boxes of materials still to be processed - Includes photographs, newspaper clippings, ephemera and suitcases. Brown was born on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1907. He fought as an amateur before becoming a cornerman. This most distinguished of cut men worked the corners of heavyweights Abe Simon, Bob Pastor and Larry Holmes; Nigerian middle and light-heavyweight champion Dick Tiger; and middleweight titlists Rocky Graziano and Vito Antuofermo. Brown was co-trainer with Ray Arcel of the legendary Roberto Duran. Freddie was cut man to that champ's champ and one of the game's great bleeders: Rocky Marciano. Freddie Brown's star turn was the repair job he did on Rocky's nose - which was "ripped lengthwise" by an Ezzard Charles punch - in 1954. After Duran's shocking "No mas!" against Sugar Ray Leonard in 1980, a heartbroken, disbelieving Freddie Brown retired from the sport of boxing.
h) Astroland Collection: 14 boxes yet to be processed - These materials were donated by Carol Albert the former owner and operator of Astroland Park. The collection consists of photographs, ledgers, plaques, newspaper clippings, letters, blueprints and other documents related to the history and founding of this historic Coney Island Park. Astroland was first built as a 'space-age' theme park when it opened in 1962, although in later years a visit was more like stepping into the past than the future." Some of the later rides were similar to regular carnival rides, but others offer a kitsch experience that was lacking in modern amusement parks.
On November 28, 2006 Astroland was sold by the Albert Family for US $30 million to Thor Equities. Under the agreement, the Alberts would continue to operate the Cyclone, the famous wooden roller coaster. After the sale, opposition to the relocation plan emerged. It was announced October 24, 2007 that Carol Albert and Thor had reached a deal, and that Astroland would re- open March 16, 2008. However, after several months when no agreement between the two parties could be reached, Astroland closed on September 7, 2008.
Annual Report 2008‐2009