Coin Slot

Coin Slot Magazine - #082 - 1981 - December [International Arcade Museum]
dollar out in the Midwest? PETE HANSEN looking very
pale and quiet Sunday AM. — think the "gourmet
cuisine" of the Hilton Skylights got to him — and Pete
thought he had a cast iron stomach! TOM AND HOLLY
KRAHL bumped from a plane in Reno — bragging
about the big refund the airline gave them — but when
he picked up a paper in Pasadena and read of the guy
who got $208,000.00 for being bumped, Tom was not
so happy. After all, he said, you'd have to sell a couple
of vanloads of parts to make 200 G's!! During set-up,
every time an exhibitor with slot parts started to unload
— the other exhibitors mobbed him — trying to get all
the good stuff. Was amusing when we helped JIM
BRADFORD unload his 12 barrels — the vultures
crowded around so tight the workers could not unpack
— Jim's warning that he would not start welling until
everything was unpacked went completely unheeded.
Englishman BOB DUROSE once again seemed to
have an endless supply of parts and pieces — as soon
as he sold something — more stuff took its place. Even
though some of the parts were a little rough — the
quantity makes up for quality. As they arrived, we
asked GAIL NOEL what TOM was going to tear up this
time — she said she had been putting tranquilizers in
his coffee— must have worked, as TOM NOEL was
sure mild-mannered in setting up his beautiful display
of parts. JACK CON NOLLY thought he had the answer
to those BIG BAD HOT DOGS at the snack bar— said
all the indigestion was in the thick hide— he peeled
The 1981
Loose Change
FUNFAIR
one- made no difference- they still caused heartburn!
Note to BOB WOOD —don't mind you talking with
your hands, like an Italian — but with a beer in it??? He
didn't spill a drop!! BERNIE COX bought so much stuff
at the Show that he got quantity price on Dish-Paks at
local U-HAUL —when bus driver let BERNIE and
MARIETTA off at Emery Airfreight dock— at Airport, he
realized he had overdone it a little! What was the deal
between JAY LOWE and JACK CONNOLLY on that
little black box??? I'll never figure that one out! Would
somebody please tell RICK FRINK that just because it
is 8:00 AM. in Detroit, that you do not go waking up
your partner at 5:00 AM.!! Orin Yeager said he did not
recognize friend WAYNE MANNING— heard Wayne
was cutting down, but did not realize he meant he was
losing 30 pounds! Glad to finally meet JEAN AND
JOE REISMAN — Jean is daughter of late operator
Harry Hoke, who developed the famous HOKE'S
SNAKES slot machine.
As a manufacturer of popcorn machines, I was glad
to see all the interest in antiques — but please do not
ask me for help on your old HOLCOMB AND HOKE
machine — hell — they did not work right when new! In
addition to the genuine antique popcorn wagons, a
nice repro was on display — and how about that restored
Royal Peanut Roaster being operated by a cute ele
phant! Does a staunch Republican's heart good to see
things like this. All in All, we had a lot of Fun at the Fun
Fair— and look forward to the next show.
was to open, there was a long line waiting to get in.
When the doors opened at 1:00 it looked like Macy*s
after Christmas Sale. The people couldn't seem to
get in fast enough.
As far as the merchandise goes, it seemed to be a
different mix than last year. The majority of slot
machines that were selling this year were the
inexpensive variety. Those who brought exotic
Watlings were, for the large part, not able to sell
them. Last year everyone brought slot machine
stands and noone sold pracically any. Thisyearonly
By Shelle Gilgoff
a few dealers brought stands and they sold out. The
On October 10 and 11 the Loose Change Fun Fair
was held in Pasadena, California
For several weeks before the Fun Fair, there was
talk among the dealers of how the increase in booth
were able to sell them all.
There were fewer dealers at this Fun Fair than at
the previous Fun Fair. This was both due to the
higher booth fee and the economy in general. For
those dealers who weathered the booth fee and the
economy, it was a very successful show.
dealers who brought reconditioned Wurlitzer 1015s
charges and the higher admissions charge would
ruin the Fun Fair.
On Thursday, the first set-up day, a feeling of
gloom and doom prevailed among the dealers. I
mentioned to several of the dealers that as long as
the buyers didn't get their bad vibes, things might be
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no exception,
Dow //w and
ww. many of the dealers began to
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ttp: attitude and the feeling all around was
more h
upbeat.
O.K.
On Saturday at 12:30, a half hour before the show
1981
© December
The International
Arcade Museum
The Loose Change Fun Fair was a pioneer in the
field of coin-operated show. Since their first show,
many shows have sprung up around the country.
There are major shows nearly every month and
minor shows so frequently, that one wonders how
many shows the hobby can support
In discussing the results of the Fun Fair, while
feelings were mixed, many dealers indicated that it
was the best show they had ever had. While coin-'
operated collectibles are not an economic indicator,
maybe the economy is turning around... and there's
hope for all of us!
THE COIN SLOT-55
http://www.arcade-museum.com/