C.O.C.A. Times

THE IMPORTANCE OF C.O.C.A CONVENTIONS
by Bill Howard
Sadly, it would appear that the great American coin-op
frontier, like the good old 5¢ cigar, is a thing of the past.
As many long time dealers and collectors have voiced,
Mike Gorski and Ken Ruben to name a few, the chance
of beating the bushes and building a formidable collec-
tion has become a rapidly closing window of opportuni-
ty. Antique Malls now resemble wastelands. Auctioneers
today could find a role in a production of "the Outcasts
of Poker Flats" when it comes to attracting coin-op en-
thusiasts. A big event in our world seems to be news of a
large collector liquidation.
So, where are all the machines to be had? They are in
the houses of current collectors.
Another problem I have noticed is the informational
void that has resulted from the deterioration of coin-op
shows and the emergence of EBAY. Through shows and
collector fraternalizing it was once easy to "track" where
good machines were and thery by keep track of their
availability. This ability has lessoned, and EBAY sales
result in more and more machines disappearing into the
night wind.
What, then, do we do. Invade the homes of collec-
tors for a look at machines we don ' t know are there. Fat
chance!
What we can do is embrace good news and a much
needed fresh opportunity - our C.O.C.A. Conventions.
What these conventions allow us is the unique oppor-
tunity to visit homes that open up to us with great col-
lections of machines so we have the refreshing change
to (1) know where they are, (2) enjoy seeing them, (3)
possibly buy or trade for those we seek, or (4) make our
interest known to the host collector if his mind changes
and he wants to sell the machine in the future.
But wait! What sane collector wants to open hi s house
and collection to a herd of buffalos? Organizational and
security concerns are almost mind-boggling.
My efforts in helping the Convention Committee to
set up the first C.O.C.A. Convention in Cleveland in-
volved trying to convince collectors to open their homes
in a safe, organized way to fellow collectors. It was not
easy. Eventually, Mike Gorski, the Godfather of West-
lake, agreed to give it a shot. I think he should be com-
mended for what has become a very successful trend.
Our club members have since had the opportunity to at-
tend two great conventions and visit some of the greatest
American collections without one incident or problem,
and the trend seems likely to continue. Wonderful con-
ventions are in the works for other areas of the country.
So what we have is a new open door bringing light to
the world of coin-op collectors that has seen many doors
of collecting close in recent years. I urge all club mem-
bers to take advantage of this opportunity and attend as
many future conventions as possible.
''Closet'' Collector
Looking to Buy $40,000 to $50,000 Worth of Higher End Vending Machines!
Examples:
"L" Machines, Tall Globe, Lion Vendor, Leebold, Freeport, Early Tall Case Pulvers,
EE Junior Basketball, Breath Pellet Machines, Any rare or Unusual Machines.
Quality Trade Stimulators Also Wanted
If you are ready to sell, I will buy! One machine or a dozen.
E-mail photos, prices and you r phone number, I will contact you if I have an interest.
Desertrat_36@msn.com
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