C.O.C.A. Times

Those who actually wanted a
smoke and "had a pocket full of
money" stopped to check out the
vintage stogies presented by Randy
Osentoski, Toledo, Ohio. Smokers
could choose from a box of Par-
tagas, Havana or Romeo and Juliet
cigars at $1,500 a box or $50 per
cigar. The dealer said he found a
supply of the vintage smokes in a
"dilapidated hardware store with
the roof caved in." Does he smoke?
He said with a chuckle, " No I don't
but I think they're wonderful."
Another Ohio dealer, Paul Voska
of Ferrysburg, attracted marble col-
lectors with his Akra Agates marble
set, complete with original box. The
54-marble set was said to be " most-
ly oxblood" and included the carry
pouch and a price tag of $5,000.
Pool player traffic stopped at
the booth of Todd Dowdedite of
Ortonville, Mich., where restored
vintage slate bottom tables were
featured. Two different models, cir-
ca I 880s- I 900s, could be set up at
home for $14,000 and $15,000. The
dealer said he " enjoyed the show"
and added that he had " about 60
more tables at his warehouse north
of Detroit ."
Popcorn and Coca-Cola go to-
gether and they were both featured
in coin-operated machines brought
to the Chicagoland Show by Steve
Mumma of West Des Moines, Iowa.
An all original 5-foot-tall Venda 44
Coke machine could cool soda at
your place for $4,495, while a 6-
foot-tall late 1930s restored Pop-
O-Matic could make a fresh batch
of popcorn for $5,000.
Collecting gumball and peanut
machines is a family affair for Randy
Razzoog, wife Sue, and daughter, I 0-
year-old Hayley who traveled from
Grand Rapids, Mich., to buy and sell.
They offered a 22-inch-tall Peerless
penny-drop gumball machine com-
bining gambling and vending action
for $1,695 and a 1920s Grandbois
gumball machine made in Kalama-
zoo for $295.
Twenty-eight-year show veter-
ans Jim and Jan Pursell of Herrin,
111., also showed gumball and peanut
machines. A 1920s Supreme with
original finish was priced at $400
while a Superior Confection could
be used at home for $325.
Lights, sound and action were ap-
parent at the booth of Mike Nogle
of Great American Pinball, West
Chicago, Ill. The three-year show
dealer offered " hands-on -action"
with a display of pinball machines
priced from $1500 to $4500. What
machine was the most popular?
Nagel said, "the brand new Spider-
man 2007 tops the list."
You could check your weight for
just one penny with a stop at the
floor model scale display presented
by Bill and Jan Berning, of Genoa, Ill.
Six vintage models were on display
at the show priced from $300 to
$900.
Among the thousands of shop-
pers that filled the isles, Kelly Mc-
Intosh and Alan McDougall traveled
from Keyport, N.J-with a mission.
They were seeking -- and found --
an outside housing or skin for their
'39 Coke vending machine. The pair
said the " 14-hour drive was well
worth it" and added they were glad
they paid the $50 per person entry
fee for early buying on Friday, Nov.
9. Regular admission was $7 per
person on Saturday and Sunday.
The spring show will once again
be held April 4, 5 and 6 at Pheasant
Run Resort 35 miles west of Chi-
cago.
Dealers can get information
from co-promoter Bob Traynoff at
1-847-244-9263. Show information
is available from co-promoter Kevin
Greco at 1-815-353-1593, or www.
chicagolandshow.com .
Promotion of the Chica-
go/and Show is a family
affair. From left are Penny
and Bob Trainoff, I 0-year
old son Samuel and the
newest member, 7-year
old-Nicholas peeking
over the top along side
dad and mom, Kevin
and Dawn Grego. Both
fam ilies were admiring a
Chicago Coin Band Box
rep lica shown by Brad
Frank, Chatsworth, Ca.
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