C.O.C.A. Local Gatherings
Cleveland. Ohio • Raleii!h. North Carolina • Washini!ton DC
C.O.C.A. members and friends got together in Cleve- thing that you would expect to find in a country store is
land, Ohio; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Washington there. Another side room has two old crane games and
DC for our first local C.O.C.A. gatherings. On Septem- looks to be a future penny arcade. Chuck does all of
ber 17th, we met at the home of Bill and Loretta Lippay his own restoration and is great at it. He is also on the
near Cleveland. A backyard full of people from 3 states lookout for a Jennings $1 light up slot if you know of
enjoyed a sunny afternoon together. Bill showed us his one for sale.
great collection of slot machines, trade stimulators, and
In December, eight members met at the townhouse
music boxes. For someone who has only been collect- of Ken and Jackie Durham located ten blocks from the
ing a few years, he certainly has an extensive display. White House. Everyone was able to meet the challenge
We even got a peek into the workshop and back room of finding a parking spot in the middle of the city. The
filled with future projects that await Bill's skilled hands. afternoon was spent exchanging coin-op stories and
With a long background in auto restoration he can make contacts. Even those who thought they knew every-
a machine look like it just left the factory. If you go to one in the area met collectors they didn't know. There
the Chicago show make sure to stop by his booth and were several machines for sale, lots of food and drinks,
Christmas decorations and even more conversation.
look at his work.
Ohio has a great group of members that like to have
Coin machines are placed in every room of the
fun and talk coin-op. We had plenty to eat and drink, house, even the kitchen which featured appropriately
thanks to Loretta, and many stayed quite late enjoying the Baker Boy gum vendor. The living room had sev-
the hospitality. Members were encouraged to bring ma- eral versions of the Wizard gambling clocks that look
chines for sale or just for show and tell. A nice Dandy like mantel clocks instead of gambling machines. Even
Vendor and a Jennings Target changed hands along with the bathroom featured a Masters Condom machine,
a DeLong Slot/Gangster carving. There were several Jergens Lotion dispenser and Bulls Head perfume dis-
other machines for sale including two trade stimulators penser. The basement had wall to wall displays of coun-
ter machines. The most popular items included Jackie's
that none of us had ever seen before.
On October 7th we journeyed to Raleigh to the new collection of coin operated Regina music boxes which
log home of Chuck and Betty Friedman. More than 14 she played for all.
Sincere thanks go out to The Lippay's, The Fried-
months in construction it was a very impressive sight.
The home sits high on a hill with a large lake in the man's and The Durham's for hosting the first of what
backyard. We were joined by many C.O.C.A. members we hope will be many more local C.O.C.A. gatherings.
and friends along with about 30 or more of Chuck's We are looking for members to serve on the local gath-
neighbors, friends and family. Chuck fixed up some of ering committee or to host a gathering. C.O.C.A. will
the best barbecue I have ever tasted. We were all asked promote the event via the website, and magazine. These
to bring a side dish so there was quite a nice layout of events are designed to be a social opportunity for mem-
desserts as well. Machines for sale included a Jennings bers and guests to share some time together. It is up to
Dutch Boy, Jennings Club Special, and about a half the host of each event to determine how many people he
can accommodate. Members from all over the country
dozen trade stimulators and table games.
Chuck has filled the entire lower level with some are invited to attend. When calling the host to make a
great stuff. The walls must be at least 12 feet tall and reservation you should ask the host what you can bring
are adorned with antique advertising of all types. One to the party. Once a host has maxed out his capacity no
wall is lined with slot machines and there are large dis- more reservations will be accepted. If you would like
plays of trade stimulators on shelves. A miniature pool to see C.O.C.A. grow in your area please help out by
table sits in the middle flanked by a complete original contacting Bill Petrochuk (Bill@mebtel.net) or Ken
soda fountain and antique back bar. One entire room Durham (durham22@bellatlantic.net) and volunteer for
has been converted into a country store complete with this committee or to host a gathering.
front porch, screen doors and glass showcases. Every
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