99% Invisible For Amusement Only
Oct 7, 2014
Explore the history and legalization of pinball machines, from their association with organized crime to their recent resurgence as a social and inclusive game.
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Pinball's Design Hook And Back Glass Art
- Pinball evolved from tabletop billiards into electrified machines with back glass art that hooked players with lights, buzzers, and attractive imagery.
- The back glass art by George Melanton and Roy Parker targeted men and boys, often showing women in swimsuits to encourage more plays.
Pacific Pinball Museum's Free Play Origin
- Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda operates on free play because coin-operated machines were illegal there until recently.
- Founder Michael Shees explains the museum started as admission-based with all machines on free play for legality.
LaGuardia Smashes Pinball Machines In The Hudson
- Mayor LaGuardia led a dramatic 1942 crackdown by smashing machines and dumping them in the Hudson, symbolizing anti-gambling zeal.
- LaGuardia even said 2,000 police billy clubs would be made from old pinball legs to beat 'pinball-plane hooligans.'