Arcade, Jukeboxes and Pinball: Where did it all start?

Back in the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's (and even some portion of the 21st century) the “in thing” were arcade games and jukeboxes.  Every kid in town was an outcast if they didn't know how to play arcade games, which were usually present at local shopping malls or store centers nationwide.

There were Arcade, Jukeboxes and Pinball before it all started

Back in the time before PCs and gaming consoles such as Xbox and PS3 were around, arcade games were earning big.  They had a lot of customers.  Customers who would vary from teenagers, kids and even some younger adults would go to places where there was an arcade game.  Many would be hooked on it spending hours playing.  The thrill and excitement over winning in an arcade is so powerfully strong for some that they'd even become  addicted to it.

For the younger set, there were times in the past that music players would come in the form of a bulky and big apparatus.  It required a person to drop coins in order for it to play a specific song from a vinyl record of all things!  Automatic Coin-Operated Phonographs commonly known as jukeboxes were very popular throughout the 1900's.  Restaurants and bars across the country would actually place one near the billiard table or near the dance floor.  People were quite fond of listening to the music and some enjoyed the sound by dancing to its beat.  It was also interesting to hear what other folks would select.

Pinball machines appeared in mass during the early 1930's as countertop machines (without legs) and they featured the characteristics created by Montegue Redgrave.  In 1932 manufacturers began adding legs to their games.  Pinball is making its revival these days thru the computer or a smart cell phone.  Almost all of PC's have some sort of pinball in their system.  But playing the real thing is a very different experience compared to its virtual counterpart.  In playing pinball, one is really cautious not to come to a point where there is a "tilt."  These wonderful games from the past are timeless treasures we can still own today.

Arcade, jukeboxes and pinball are ageless

Finding the right venue and seller for these vintage items would be a breeze if you have the appropriate information.  Many people still enjoy the music and the feel created by a jukebox.  Many still play arcade games.  A number of people still appreciate the good old-fashioned pinball machine.  Remembering and even owning these items that have been a part of our culture and past as well as pleased so many is a good way to preserve some of our heritage that need not to forgotten.

Some people say that as time goes by certain things increase its value.  And indeed it is often true.  Like antiques that are for auction, the original jukebox and pinball machines are increasingly rare things that continue to serve their purpose even though their modern counterparts have evolved.  Arcade games are also diminishing for the reason that manufacturers are decreasing in numbers.  Yes, these items may be old-fashioned for some but it still rings a bell every time others mention arcade, jukeboxes and pinball.

Perfidia by The Ventures on our Wurlitzer 1800 Jukebox