A PLAQUE IN THE FATHERLAND
While visiting San Francisco, a Bavarian couple, who were producers of German film documentaries, read the
E Clampus Vitus plaque and found that the inventor was born in Bavaria. With this connection they envisioned
doing a documentary in German. In the mid 1990s they began their endeavor and contacted the author to assist
in this project. While doing the research for the project the producers visited Vohringen to investigate the city
records and locate the old schoolhouse Fey was born in. His father had been the schoolmaster and an officer in
the nearby church. The latter may have influenced his wife to have 21 pregnancies in as many years. Charlie Fey
was the last born of the litter. The city fathers were enthused to find out that the inventor of the slot machine was
born in their hometown. So much so that they decided to honor the inventor by placing a plaque on his birthplace.
Germans are proud of people from their country that immigrated to foreign lands and achieved success.
The German plaque dedication date was set October of 1997. The Bavarian couple doing the documentary paid
for the airfare for the author and his wife to attend the ceremony. In the City Hall the author signed the Golden
Book, a register for city records dating centuries back, just as his great grandfather had done almost 150 years
before. Then the prominent citizen 's of the city, the German film crew, the author and his wife proceeded to the old
schoolhouse for the unveiling of the plaque
officiated by the Burgermeister (Mayor).
This was followed by a good Bavarian
luncheon where gifts from the city were
presented to the author. The afternoon was
spent visiting the ancient landmarks of
the city, many that were there well before
Augustinus (Charlie) Fey left Bavaria in
1887, at age 15, to begin hi s long journey
to America.
The erection of the marker, "pulled
off'' without city workers and permits,
proves most anything still goes in a city
that was the "Cradle of the Slot Machine"
and 100 years ago home to almost 4,000
licensed slots.
During the dedication in Vohringen the Burgermeister, with his
secretary holding an umbrella to protect the mayor from a slight
drizzle, is presenting the author and his wife, Shirley, a copy of
the plaque shown in the photo at the right. Above Shirley s head
is the city s plaque decorated with a wreath and mounted on
Charlie Feys old schoolhouse.
GEBURTSHAUS
Aaga1tin11 Jo1ephu1 .. Cbirle, .. Fey
Geboreu am 2. Februar 1862 in VGhringe1
Aa1gewandert im Alter ,on 15 J1hren
nach (aliforaiea/USA
The title "Geburtshouse " translates to, "house of birth. "
With a surname like Augustinus Josephus it is obvious why Charlie
Fey changed his name when he came to America. The text reads, "He
was born February 2nd 1862, Migrated at age 15 years to California,
inventor of the "Liberty Belle slot machine, forerunner of todays slot
machine, died on November 4th, 1944 at 82 years in San Francisco. "
Erf inder der ·Liberty Deir Slot Machine.
Vorllnf erin der heutigen Gl11cb1piel1utomaten
Gestorben am 4. Nonmber 1944 mit 82 lahren
in San Franci,co
mriqea Old. 1997
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