PINBALL EXPO '96
(The Year of Coincidences)
(PART 2)
By Russ Jensen
Last time I described all of the seminars at Pinball Expo '96. This time I will conclude my coverage of the show by briefly describing the second "Fireside Chat", followed by descriptions of the Game Auction, Autograph Session, Saturday Night Banquet, and the Exhibit Hall (including a list of all the pingames that were there).
THE SECOND "FIRESIDE CHAT"
As I said last time, this year there were two "Fireside "Chats" scheduled. The first, which I told about last time, was with veteran pingame designer Wayne Neyens and held on Thursday evening. The second chat was held on Friday evening and was with a great pinball artist of the past, Dave Christensen. who did much of the art for the Bally games of the 1970's.
As with all these "chats", it was held in Rob Berk's suite. When the guest of honor arrived it had been after a session at the hotel bar with friends, Dave arriving "a few sheets to the wind". This affected his answers to questions at the beginning of the session, but after awhile he sobered up pretty well.
Also, last past "chats", Dave was asked some questions by Expo host Rob Berk and some examples of his great artwork were displayed. A little later former Bally employee and Dave's friend Jim Patla joined in, reminiscing with Dave about their years at Bally. As I have said in the past regarding these chats, a detailed discussion of what went on is beyond the scope of this article. Anyway, hearing from this great artist was indeed a pleasure!
THE GAME AUCTION
This year, as has happened at Expo's in the past several years, there was a game auction conducted on Saturday morning by an auction outfit that specializes in amusement machine auctions. The auction room was literally loaded with games - mostly pinballs, plus a few video games, slot machines, etc.. There were also a few pinball backglasses and playfields offered for sale.
Two interesting things occurred in connection with the auction that were connected with me personally. First, there was a game offered for sale, Bally's BLUE BIRD, which was manufactured in the month and year I was born (October 1936). Secondly, another of the old games offered for sale was Pacific Amusement's CONTACT (a game I currently own) from 1934. I noticed while looking at this machine that the auction people had attached to it in a plastic holder an article written by me several years ago describing the game!
The auction was quite well attended. The following is a list of some of the older pingames (in chronological order) and the prices they brought.
CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF OLDER GAMES IN EXPO '96 AUCTION
GAME MANUFACTURER YEAR PRICE
CONTACT Pamco 1933 170
BEACON Stoner 1935 235
LUCKY STAR Genco 1935 310
BLUE BIRD Bally 1936 295
CAROM Bally 1937 435
HI-BOY (P/O) Mills 1938 1550
ROTO POOL (BAD GLASS) Gottlieb 1958 375
HULA-HULA Chicago Coin 1966 360
JOUST Bally 1969 450
VAMPIRE Bally 1970 350
CHAMP Bally 1973 165
FLICKER Bally 1974 330
PLAYBOY (SS) Bally 1976. 400
6 MILLION DOLLAR MAN (SS) Bally 1977 400
STAR TREK (SS) Bally 1978 310
THE AUTOGRAPH SESSION
Another annual Expo event, which has been occurring for several years now, is the pinball designers, artists, and author's "Autograph Session" which was held on Saturday afternoon. This year, like two years ago, your's truly was one of the participants, displaying my book "Pinball Troubleshooting Guide". I was sure among great company with the wonderful pinball designers and artists, in addition to author Dick Bueschel!
Now it's time to tell you why I call Expo '96 "the year of coincidences". The first coincidence occurred while I was sitting at the autograph table. A fellow came up to me and we started talking. When he told me he was from New Hampshire I remarked that there was another "New Hampshirite" at the show, Dave Marston, whom he said he would like to meet. Well, in less than a minute who should wander over to the table but Dave himself! I introduced the two and they left talking to each other.
The second coincidence also occurred during the Autograph Session. This involved Dave Marston telling me that he saw that I was doing pretty well in the "1950's game pinball tournament" being held in conjunction with the Expo. This came as a surprise to me because, as I told Dave, I had not even entered! Well, I sort of forgot about it until Sunday morning when Dave and I were visiting in the Exhibit Hall. When we looked at the bulletin board showing tournament standings we saw the name "Russell Jensen". We then went to the lady who had the show attendance records and she confirmed that there were indeed two Russell Jensen's registered at the Expo!
The other Russell Jensen turned out to be from East Lansing Michigan. We next had him paged in the Exhibit Hall, but there was no response - I guess he had probably already left for home. Anyway, one of these days I'm planning to call him on the phone and talk to him.
The final "coincidence" actually had nothing whatever to do with the "autograph session", but since I'm on the subject I'll tell about it now. On Friday evening several of us were up until around 2 AM, and ended up conversing while sitting on some couches in the hotel lobby, The next morning, when I was ready to leave my room, I discovered that my "10th Anniversary Pinball Expo jacket" (which I, and others, were given a couple years earlier for attending all of the first ten shows) was missing. The only thing I could figure was that I had left it in the lobby the previous evening.
Well, my roommate Sam and I decided to go to the lobby and check "Lost and Found". When we went downstairs we decided to first check the area where we had been sitting the previous evening. After discovering that the jacket was not on any of the couches, we turned to go to the front desk and ask about "Lost and Found". At that very moment one of the bellhops just happened to open the door of a small storage room across the lobby and Sam saw my jacket hanging up there!
Now, that room is not opened often (and not all of it's interior is visible from the outside when the door is open). But it just happened that the door was opened at the precise moment Sam turned toward it, and the jacket was hung at such a place that it was visible through the open door! So, these are the reasons why I called Expo '96 "the year of coincidences".
THE SATURDAY EVENING BANQUET
Saturday evening, as it has been for all the past Expos, was the time for the annual Expo banquet. And this year, like the past two or three years, the banquet festivities began with a small auction, the items to be sold being donated by various Expo attendees and companies, with all the proceeds going to charity (The Make-A-Wish Foundation). The auctioneer for this event was the professional auctioneer who had conducted the game auction earlier that day. Well, after Rob Berk introduced the auction and auctioneer and gave the "rules", the auction began.
The following is a list of the items auctioned off, and the prices they brought for charity:
book - Pinball Art $60
Congo backglass, plus 5 game posters $55
bricks from demolished Bally plant $45
admission package to Pinball Fantasy '97
show in Las Vegas, plus video tape
and T-shirt $175
6 Liz-Tech solid-state maintenance manual
reprints $35
3 CONGO backglass plastics $25 each
Rocket from APOLLO 13 game, autographed
by astronaut Jim Lovell $400
signed playfield from Capcom's PINBALL MAGIC $75
10 pinball and video game posters $60
2 signed copies of ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PINBALL
Vol 1 by Bueschel $65 each
pinball art sculpture $50
VOLTAN backglass - signed by artist
Dave Christensen $375
signed and framed ELVIRA photo $225
ATTACK FROM MARS jacket - signed $260
2 sets PINBALL MAGIC "high end brochure"
and T-shirt $40 each
Bally T-shirt $40
2 "Absolute Pinball" video tapes $35 each
selection of Bally/Gottlieb coils $65
2 Canadian pinball backglasses $65/$35
Pro Pinball CD $45
SCARED STIFF T-shirt (signed by Elvira) $100
"Golden Gate" art glass by D. Christensen $150
Capcom FLIPPER FOOTBALL & PINBALL MAGIC
backglasses $65
"lock-down bar" end pieces for old
Gottlieb game $45
Pinball Expo '97 entry $85
3 ATTACK FROM MARS plastic sets $85 each
The "best" of the auction were, of course, saved for last. Someone from Williams (I believe it was Steve Kordek, - but I'm not sure) donated copies of some old original drawings from the company files - they even had handwritten notes and initials of company founder Harry Williams!
The first drawing to be auctioned was the playfield layout for Williams' 1947 (drawing dated 3/17/47) game CYCLONE, the first pingame to use "wire forms" on it's playfield, it bringing $200. Next was the drawing of YANKS (dated 1/23/48) which was designed by Harry Williams, it also bringing the same price.
The final drawing auctioned was for CONTROL TOWER (dated 1/12/51) which had handwritten notes of Harry Williams to chief engineer Gordon Horlock regarding the design. That brought the final auction bid of $265.
Next on the banquet agenda was a short "fun game" conducted by Philadelphia game dealer Todd Tuckey, similar to a game he did last year. Todd showed slides of pictures of the playfields of some solid-state pingames, the audience guessing which games they were from.
Next up was the "feature event" of the banquet - but nobody knew what that was because Expo host Rob Berk had kept that "a dark secret". Historian/author Dick Bueschel first came up to the speaker's stand and began by saying we were going to "roast" long- time pingame designer Steve Kordek who had been in the pingame industry for 60 years! Dick then began reciting a long poem chronicling Steve's long career.
Rob Berk then got up and told us that tonight we are going to pay a tribute to Steve for his 60 years in the industry. The first tribute to be given, he went on, was from Japan. Rob then introduced Masaya Horiguchi to give his brief tribute to Steve.
Masaya first told us that he was representing a Tokyo pinball players' organization and was there to celebrate Steve Kordek's sixty years in the pinball industry on behalf of the pinball lovers of Japan. He then told us that he started playing pinball about fifty years ago and never dreamed that he would be able to meet an actual pinball game designer in person!
He then told of first meeting Steve at an Expo several years back, remarking how Steve warmly welcomed him and the other pinball players that had come over from Japan. Masaya ended by saying that he was very happy to give congratulations to Steve on his 60 years in the industry!
After Masaya completed his tribute, Rob read two letters from two of Steve's good friends. The first letter was from a gentleman named Don Curnew. He began by saying "hi" to Steve and congratulating him on his 60 years in the industry. Don then said that he had recently seen Steve on TV and that he still "looks like a young fellow". He then said that he had enjoyed the years he worked with Steve at Williams. Finally, Don remarked that he wished Steve continued good health and told him to go on designing new games.
The next letter was from Steve's long-time friend and co- worker Norm Clark. Norm began by saying he was sorry he could not attend the Expo this year and help celebrate Steve's 60 years in the industry. He then commented that he and Steve worked side by side for many years and had a terrific relationship as co-workers, and an even better one as friends.
Norm then remarked that over the years they had traveled together and played golf together - quipping that Steve never gave him any "strokes"! He then said the he, Steve, and their wives had also taken vacations together in past years. "Until I left in 1975", Norm went on, "Steve and I were the only game designers at Williams". After saying those were great years he'll never forget, Norm ended by wishing Steve many more years of turning out great games!
After that, Rob played a video tribute to Steve from pingame designer Steve Ritchie who was currently working in California. Mr. Ritchie began by saying "hi" to Steve and hello to all his "Expo friends". He said that he also was sorry he could not attend the show but that he had a new job with a new company and that was "demanding all his attention". Steve then also congratulated Steve Kordek on his 60 years in the industry.
He next remarked that Steve's stamina, grace, and strength made him both a "great role model" and a "great man". Steve then commented that he and fellow game designer George Gomez often talked about what they called "pinball dads". This, he said, was the guy who "shows you the ropes" by telling you things nobody else can. He then remarked that when he first saw Steve's game SPACE MISSION he knew Steve Kordek would be his "pinball dad"!
After saying that other people at Williams also thought of Mr. Kordek as their "dad", Steve said he missed a lot of things not being at Williams anymore. He then said, for example, he missed having Steve's office just down the hall from his, remarking that the 10 minute talks he often had with Steve in the mornings almost always resulted in him learning something new.
Mr. Ritchie then commented that he often thought about asking Steve's bosses to transfer him to California. He said that if Steve moved west he could play golf all year round! After then commenting that "he never understood the 'magic' Steve found in the 'little white ball'", Steve quipped "but I guess you never cared much about dirt bikes (Steve Ritchie's personal pastime) either".
After then remarking that the game "keeps Steve in great shape", he said that he wished Steve "many more years of playing". Steve then said there were two golf courses within a three mile radius of him, and he expected Mr. Kordek to come visit next winter.
Mr. Ritchie then said that the pinball industry owes Steve a great amount of gratitude for the "thumper bumper" and "thousands of other devices, production tricks, and ideas, as well as complete game designs". He then commented that Steve had "accomplished so much more than most people in the business" - adding that he didn't see how anyone could surpass Steve's accomplishments"!
After commenting that he will always admire Steve's loyalty to Williams, Mr. Ritchie remarked that Steve would "always speak out when the time was right". He ended by saying "the coin-op amusement business is a better place due to Steve Kordek's contributions to it". Finally, he offered his "heartfelt congratulations" to Steve, adding "God Bless you Steve". That drew a round of applause!
When the video ended Rob Berk asked Dutch pin-fan Henk DeJager to come up to honor Steve. Henk began by saying that when he was a small boy he began putting his "pocket change" into pinball machines at a local hamburger shop. He then said that he first played Williams' 1965 game BIG CHIEF which he said "got me hooked on pinball".
After that, Henk went on, I started looking for more places to play pinball and "met my favorites - APOLLO, CASANOVA, STUDENT PRINCE, etc." Years later, he continued, I became a pinball operator by profession and also bought for myself the games I enjoyed such as JUBILEE, HONEY, SKY LAB, and SPACE MISSION. Henk then remarked that he saw something in the design of many games which indicated to him that they should "make money". "I didn't know the man behind these game ideas at the time", he went on, "but later I met him - Steve Kordek"
"I am sure the industry would never have been what it is today", Henk then commented, "without the innovations and ideas you brought to it - thank you". He then said that it was a great honor for him to be able to congratulate Steve on his 60 years in the pinball industry.
Henk ended by saying that on behalf of the thousands of Dutch pinball players who have enjoyed Steve's games over the years, and those who like to play and collect them today, that he wanted to ask everyone in the room to recognize Steve for his many accomplishments of the past 60 years. He then thanked Steve again, drawing a round of applause.
At that point Rob Berk came back up and showed a chronological "slide show" of the brochures for the games Steve had designed over the years. The list contained 89 games, beginning with Genco's TRIPLE ACTION from 1948, and ending with Williams' 1978 game POKERINO.
After the slide show ended Rob said that some other important people in Steve's life had come to share the evening with him. He then invited Steve's daughter Donna and his son Rick to come up.
Donna began by saying "hi dad" and then saying how she wished her appearance at the banquet could have been kept a surprise, but that Steve had seen her earlier out in the hall when he was on his way to the Men's Room. She then said that she first wanted to read a couple notes to him she had recently received.
The first note Donna read was from Steve's other daughter Kathy who lived in California. The note began with Kathy saying that it was difficult to find words to accurately describe their feelings for "the man known as Steve Kordek" for his many years of service and dedication to the pinball industry where he "offered all his fire, talent, and love for the industry and his fellow man". Kathy ended by congratulating her father for "55 years of dedication to his wife, children, grandchildren - and now his great-grandchildren."
Donna next read a short note from Steve's son in Michigan, Father Frank. He began his note with "God bless you dad for all that you have done and all that you are". "You're Gods gift to a lot of people", he went on, "to your friends, family, and everyone who knows you". Father Frank then congratulated Steve on his 60 years in the pinball industry, adding "I know it's been very special to you - love you a lot - your son Father Frank".
The last "note" Donna read was a FAX she had recently received from her nephew (Steve's grandson) Mark from California. Mark began by saying "congratulations gramps on 60 years in the industry". He then remarked that that was "twice as long as I've been alive!" Mark then remarked that Steve has "offered me a lot to think about", adding "I hope I can stay in my teaching career for 60 years". After commenting "I've learned a lot from you", he ended by saying "congratulations again - your grandson Mark". That drew another round of applause.
At that point Donna gave her own personal tribute to her father. She began by remarking that when she was invited to speak at the banquet she was asked to talk about her first memories of her father's involvement with the pinball industry. She then said that probably her earliest such memory occurred when she was about seven years old and in the Second Grade at Catholic school. Donna then said that her teacher had asked each student to get up and tell the class what their fathers did for a living.
She said she thought for a moment, and when it was her turn she got up and told the class that her father "made adult toys"! Donna told us that after that the Sister asked her to have her parents come to school to see her. She then said that her parents did come and explain to the teacher what Steve did. This brought a good laugh from the audience!
Donna next commented that her dad was always happy with his job - then, as well as now - adding that she thought it important for people to enjoy their work. She then remarked that often at home when her dad would hear or see something (like on TV) he would often grab a pencil and paper and start designing a game.
The next memory Donna related was a few years back when she was looking for a gift for her father. She said she went to a bookstore to look around and spied a book on of all things the pinball industry. Upon leafing through it, Donna continued, she saw her father's name mentioned and excitedly purchased it for him. When she got home she said to her father "you won't believe it, but I found a book with your name in it!" But, she told us, her father told her that he "knew all about it".
After remarking that her father seldom talked about being interviewed for books, etc, - even when his picture once appeared in an article in LIFE Magazine - Donna began telling how proud she was of his accomplishments. She said it was amazing to her to think of him being in the industry for 60 years, which she remarked, was more years than the age of most people in the room!
After then commenting that serving for 60 years in any industry was something anyone could be proud of, Donna ended by telling her dad she was proud of him and "loved him a lot"! She then thanked Rob and Mike for asking her to speak about her father. Donna then drew a good round of applause.
Donna's brother Rick next said a few words. He began by commenting that if his father was considered to be "the father of pinball", the we (not only he and his sister, but all who have enjoyed Steve's contributions to the industry) must be "the children of pinball". He then remarked that his father has been "father of pinball" for sixty years, yet he himself was only fifty years of age!
Rick then told us that he not only wanted to thank his father for his contributions to the industry, but also for his contributions to God and his family! He ended by saying "thanks a lot dad; I'm proud of you and of being under the Kordek name"! That drew a found of applause.
At that point another video tribute to Steve was presented, recorded by several of his cohorts at Williams.
The first speaker on the video was Williams' current Director of Marketing, and former pinball author, Roger Sharpe. Roger began by saying that Steve was a "beacon" for him, then commenting it was lucky for him to have gotten involved with pinball in the early 1970's when he did. He then said that he thought it "most miraculous" to him for a man like Steve (who was old enough to be his father - or even grandfather) to have known exactly what he himself would like in a pinball game!
Roger then remarked that it was Steve who gave the game "personality" and a "humanistic quality". He then commented that Steve was also the person responsible for providing "endless hours of entertainment" to millions of pinball players by knowing what they would like - not only once, but repeatedly! "His zest, vitality, and passion", Roger went on, "have been embodied more than once in his games."
Roger next mentioned his own personal experience while writing his 1977 book "Pinball". He said he was glad to be able to capture these people's (the designers such as Steve) personal histories, as well as to "popularize the art form" they were responsible for.
After again remarking that he was fortunate to get involved with pinball when he did, he said he was also fortunate to have lasted as long as he has. Roger then told us that he was "blessed to have my life enriched by Steve Kordek and others like him". He ended by saying that he felt that Steve was "truly a marvel and an inspiration"!
Next up on the video was Williams' Vice President of Sales Joe Dillon. Joe began by saying that he thought Steve Kordek's biggest contribution to the industry was the "level of integrity" he brought to the games. He then said that Steve had always "taken the high road" as far as the themes for his designs were concerned - keeping them "above reproach".
Joe then commented that working with Steve was like working with a "master of the trade", adding that Steve's wealth of knowledge and experience enabled him to tell those at Williams if they were "heading down the wrong path". He ended by complimenting Steve for being a "resource they could always call on, whether it came to history or guidance."
Next up was a gentleman named Marty Glazman. He first said that when he met Steve for the first time he was in "awe" of the man! When he called Steve "Mr. Kordek", he continued, Steve told him to just call him "Steve". After that, he went on, Steve tried to get his ideas, rather than he getting ideas from Steve. He then said "he wanted my opinions".
Marty then remarked that you always felt comfortable around Steve, and that he was a person who gathered other people's ideas and then communicated them to others. After again emphasizing how Steve was always looking for new ideas from others, he ended by saying that with Steve "it's awesome" - "it's incredible".
A Brian Eddy was next to speak on the video. He began by commenting that Steve "almost created the industry himself", and that he was with the industry "almost since the beginning". He then told of Steve putting flippers "at the bottom of the playfield where they belonged" - adding that he thought of Steve as "a living legend in pinball terms!"
Brian then called Steve "an amazing historian of everything", adding that there was probably no one in the industry today who has been around as long as Steve. He then commented that Steve has seen the industry through it's "ups and downs" and "knows everything".
"If you have questions regarding almost any game from the past", Brian went on, "all you have to do is ask Steve and he'll go to the files in his office and pull out a copy of the brochure!" "It's great to have such a knowledgeable person", Brian then commented. He ended by saying that Steve had "incredible energy" and is still "gung ho" when it comes to the industry after all these years. "He's great" was his final comment.
Next on the video was Larry DeMar, long-time Williams designer, now executive. Larry began by saying that he has been in the industry for 17 years (which he thinks is a "long time"), but that it's short compared to Steve's years. "One thing that has always amazed me", Larry said, "was the 'little kid' inside Steve". He is "always energetic", he went on, "coming to work every day on some 'new mission'".
Larry next said that Steve was a "role model" to him, teaching him to make sure he doesn't "take things too seriously", and to also make sure "I never grow up". When Steve started in the industry, Larry then remarked, there were no such things as flippers, sounds (except bells), microprocessors, special effects, speech, ramps, etc., yet today he understands how to use the latest technology to "advance the product".
After commenting that Steve has "seen just about everything", Larry said that he has seen many "ups and downs" in pinball over the years. "But", he went on, "even through lean times in the industry Steve 'stuck with pinball'". Larry then said that he himself had been through three "drops in the pinball market". He ended by saying that in the early 1980's when the company shifted to an emphasis on video games, Steve "kept focused on pinball" and "helped to bring it back"!
Next we heard from current Williams pin designer George Gomez on the video. George began by commenting that there were probably hundreds (maybe thousands) of things that Steve contributed to the industry over the years, saying he was "definitely one of the most influential people in moving pinball in the direction it has taken". "Definitely", he went on, "a key player in the evolution of the game".
George then told about working on the design for his recent game CORVETTE and having trouble figuring out how to arrange the rubber rings in a certain area of the playfield to accomplish a particular result. He said Steve walked up and within minutes told him what to do - and it worked! George ended by remarking that a lot of times we think we're doing something new and come to find out that it has been done thirty or forty years ago - and "Steve can show you how!"
The final person to speak on the video was Williams designer Pat Lawlor. Pat began by commenting that Steve was a perfect example of how one man's life teaches many people without them ever knowing, meeting or seeing him! He then said that Steve epitomizes what he likes to think all designers do. "When we design a game", Pat went on, "it goes out and is seen by tens of thousands of people in a lifetime, yet they don't know who designed it?"
Pat then continued, remarking that it's important for game designers to realize that their designs can affect other persons' lives. "Think of the blue-collar guy", he went on, "who goes out in the evening thinking he is going to have a little fun, going into a bar, playing a game, and maybe meeting the girl he's going to marry".
Steve's work, Pat went on, over a period of years has touched people who he'll never meet. He then said "we affect people in ways we can't possibly dream of - we are in the 'entertainment business', and it's important to know that the 'end user' is the one you're trying to entertain".
Pat then remarked that Steve's career started when games were still powered by batteries, and he later was the first to put flippers at the bottom of the playfield where they belonged. He then commented that 'relay logic' was used in electro-mechanical games to create 'rudimentary gates', similar to the logic of today's computer-controlled games. From there, he continued, he went through the "era of transistors" into the "microprocessor age" with it's complicated game rules.
Three years ago, Pat then said, Steve put a computer on his desk. "Just think about it", he went on, "over his life Steve has gone from batteries to 'Autocad' designing, staying involved through 'sheer will'". He ended by saying that Steve "treats the world as a big wonderful toy - a great way to look at it!"
When Pat had concluded his remarks, Roger Sharpe came back on the video for a final tribute to Steve. After thanking him for the memories he had given him, Roger again thanked Steve for his enthusiasm, commitment, and passion he had for the pinball industry. He then commented that Steve "has brought so much joy to the incredible world of pinball".
Finally, Roger thanked Steve again, then remarking that he "hoped to be around for the next 60 years to see what happens in the industry", and also said he wanted to play more golf with Steve, Roger ended by saying that Steve was a "personal inspiration" to him, then thanking him one more time!
The video ended with each of the previous speakers giving their final tribute to Steve. After that Steve was given a standing ovation!
At that point the guest of honor came up, first telling us that on December 26 he would be 85 years old, bringing on a big round of applause. He then remarked that the pinball industry is responsible for "the way I am today". Steve then thanked the people who had paid tribute to him. That brought on a long standing ovation!
Rob Berk then got up and presented Steve with a diamond. After Steve thanked them for the gift, he was given still another standing ovation!
Rob Berk then introduced the people sitting with him at the "head table". They included his wife Brigitt, Mike Pacak, and a lady named Jan Holmes. He then did a slight variation on what has become an "Expo tradition" for the past several years.
The "first timers" attending the Expo were asked to stand up, they receiving a round of applause. Rob then asked all of us who had attended all thirteen Expos to stand up, we also received a round of applause. Finally, he asked all foreign visitors to the show to stand. They were also given a round of applause. Rob then began presenting some awards.
The first award given was a plaque given to Donal Murphey of Electrical Windings Inc. in appreciation for letting the Expo visitors tour his plant this year. Next the award for the "best restored pingame" at the show was presented to Herb Silvers of Fabulous Fantasies in southern California - Herb accepting the award and then telling about his pinball show "Pinball Fantasy '97", which was to be held in Las Vegas on July 18 through 20, 1997. Finally, Rob gave out the award for "best exhibit" to Jim and Judy Tolbert of For Amusement Only of Berkeley, California.
Rob then asked former Bally game designer Greg Kmiek to come up front. Greg said he was there to disclose this year's nominee to the "Pinball Hall of Fame", a tradition started at Pinball Expo several years ago. After reading the list of past "hall-of- famers", Greg said that this year's inductee was none other than famed pinball artist Dave Christensen (the guest of honor at Friday night's Fireside Chat). That brought a good round of applause from the audience!
Next Rob presented a plaque to Sega Pinball for their loaning of the new pingames for use in the Flip-Out Tournament. A Sega representative then accepted the plaque, thanking Rob and Mike for it. At that point the lady named Lisa, who represented the "sponsor" of this year's Expo, Interplay, came up to tell a little more about her company.
After thanking Rob and Mike for producing such a great show (which got them a round of applause), Lisa began telling about the computer pinball simulator Interplay produces. She then showed a video telling about their "Pro Pinball" game. When Lisa finished Rob Berk presented her with a plaque - that also drawing a round of applause for her and her company.
After Mike Pacak presented Jim Schelberg (publisher of the all pinball publication Pingame Journal) an award for being the Expo's "official, unofficial photographer", Mike asked John Wyatt of the British Pinball Owners Association to present that organization's award for the "best pingame of the past year".
John began by giving his personal tribute to Steve Kordek and telling of Steve giving him a personal tour of the Williams factory in 1991. He then said that the game they had chosen for their award was Williams' ATTACK FROM MARS which brought on a round of applause from the audience, the award then being accepted by someone from the company.
At that point Rob Berk came back up and mentioned that at the Thursday evening Fireside Chat it was brought out that designer Wayne Neyens had designed a total of 158 pingames during his illustrious career! Rob then presented Wayne with a plaque for being the "most prolific pinball designer". Wayne accepted the plaque bringing on a round of applause.
Richard Shapero from Louisville, Kentucky next got up and thanked the instructors from his "learn to play pinball" session held Thursday afternoon, naming each individually - each of them being given a round of applause. Rob Berk then announced the winner of the "Pinball Art Contest", a young man named Rod winning it for his piece titled "Fantasy Pinball".
Rob then thanked his Expo staff and his wife's parents who were also given a round of applause. He then thanked his co-host Mike Pacak who was also applauded. It was then time for the annual banquet raffle.
The pinball machine to be given away this year was a 1980 Williams BLACKOUT - the first time a new game was not donated by one of the manufacturers, I believe. Rob then pulled out five tickets in order, remarking that if the owner of the first ticket did not claim the game then the second one could, etc. There was some confusion over who got the game and I was never sure who ended up with it?
At that point Dann Frank from Arizona came up to talk about his forthcoming pinball show, The Wild West Pinball Fest, to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona the first weekend in May, 1997. After announcing his show, Dann gave his own personal thanks to Steve Kordek for his contributions to pinball over the years, eliciting still another round of applause for Steve!
After Rob Berk announced that the finals of the Flip-Out tournament would be held Sunday morning in the Exhibit Hall, he told us that Pinball Expo '97 had already been scheduled for November 13 - 16, 1997. He then asked Steve Kordek and Wayne Neyens to come up front.
When Steve and Wayne came up Rob said that not only were we celebrating Steve's 60 years in the industry, but also Wayne and his wife's 50th Wedding Anniversary! He then said they had a cake to celebrated both events.
Finally, Rob reminded everybody that the Exhibit Hall would again be open all night for those who wished to play pinball in the "wee hours". That ended the banquet and brought forth a final round of applause!
THE EXHIBIT HALL
As I have always said in past Expo articles, the Exhibit Hall is really "the heart of the show". It is the place where a good part of the "visiting" is done between the pinball fans attending the show - at least I know it is for me. It is also the place, of course, where all of the pinball playing is done, and that is why many of the Expo attendees come to the show. Finally, it's the place where all the buying and selling of games and associated parts and literature takes place - another reason many attend.
This year, as in most of the past years, the Exhibit Hall consisted of two rooms filled with pinball machines (both old and new) and dealer's booths selling games, parts, and literature. The front area of the hall was also the location of the long line of INDEPENDENCE DAY pins used during the "qualifying rounds" of the Flip-Out pinball tournament.
The first booth when you entered the hall was that of Expo Exhibit Hall Chairman Mike Pacak, selling mostly pinball advertising flyers, plus miscellaneous books, etc.. There is always much activity at Mike's booth as many people collect these brochures.
Two of the major game dealers at the show were Herb Silver's Fabulous Fantasies from the Los Angeles area, and Jim and Judy Tolbert's For Amusement Only outfit from the San Francisco area. The Tolberts also sold parts and literature.
Probably the largest dealer in pinball parts (including their fine reproduction parts) and literature (other than flyers) was Steve Young's Pinball Resource. This was also the place where Dick bueschel's newly released pinball book, Encyclopedia of Pinball - Vol 1, was for sale - in fact that was the first thing I picked up the moment the Exhibit Hall opened on Thursday evening!
In addition to the larger dealers, which also included Steve Engle's Pinball Supermarket which sells a lot of parts, there were many smaller outfits and individuals selling games, as well as parts and literature. Expo "sponsor" Interplay also had a booth where you could try out their excellent pinball simulator Pro Pinball, and it was busy most of the time.
Now for a rundown of the pingames available for sale and/or playing this year in the Exhibit Hall. There were 8 games from the 1930's, 7 from the 1940's, 21 from the 1950's, and 29 from the 1960's. From the 1970's there were 44 electro-mechanical pins and 14 solid state. There were 34 games from the 1980's, and 38 from the current decade.
The following is a chronological listing of most of the pingames in the Exhibit Hall:
GAME MFG. YEAR PRICE
FIVE STAR FINAL Gottlieb 1932
AIRWAY Bally 1933
JIGSAW (WORLDS FAIR) Rockola 1933
SKY RIDE Genco 1933
WORLD SERIES Rockola 1933
KELLY POOL Gottlieb 1935
THREE IN LINE Bally 1935
RED SAILS Pamco 1936
CHUBBIE Stoner 1938 350
CAPTIAL KIDD Genco 1941
HUMPTY DUMPTY Gottlieb 1947 800
BALLERINA Bally 1948 495
TROPICANA United 1948 450
YANKS Williams 1948 450
GOLDEN GLOVES Chicago Coin 1949
BUBBLES Genco 194?
NIFTY Williams 1950 400
BOMBER Chicago Coin 1951 950
GLAMOUR Gottlieb 1951
CHINATOWN Gottlieb 1952 700
QUARTETTE Gottlieb 1952 650, 750
SLUG FEST (BB) Williams 1952
C.O.D. Williams 1953 NFS
QUINTETTE Gottlieb 1953
LOVELY LUCY Gottlieb 1954 700
STAGE COACH Gottlieb 1954 450
JUBILEE Gottlieb 1955
DELUXE FOUR BAGGER (BB) Williams 1956 995
DERBY DAY Gottlieb 1956 800
RAINBOW Gottlieb 1956
CROSSWORD Williams 1959 450
DELUXE PINCH HITTER (BB) Williams 1959 895
HI DIVER Gottlieb 1959 950
LIGHTNING BALL Gottlieb 1959 650, 750
STRAIGHT SHOOTER Gottlieb 1959 750
TIC TAC TOE Williams 1959
UNIVERSE Gottlieb 1959
BIG STRIKE (BOWLER) United 195?
CRISS CROSS HOCKEY Chicago Coin 195? 695
MIDGET ALLEY (BOWLER) Williams 195? 3295
BALL PARK Bally 1960 350
KEWPIE DOLL Gottlieb 1960 500
OFFICIAL BASEBALL (BB) Williams 1960 1500
BIG CASINO Gottlieb 1961 200
BOBO Williams 1961 300
FLIPPER FAIR (AAB) Gottlieb 1961
TEN SPOT Williams 1961 450
FLIPPER CLOWN (AAB) Gottlieb 1962 800
TROPIC ISLE Gottlieb 1962 900
MAJOR LEAGUE (BB) Williams 1963 850
SLICK CHICK Gottlieb 1963 950
NORTH STAR Gottlieb 1964 575, 650,
1500
WING DING Williams 1964 300
WORLD FAIR Gottlieb 1964 625, 1250
COWPOKE (AAB) Gottlieb 1965
ICE REVIEW Gottlieb 1965 625
SKYLINE Gottlieb 1965 750, 900
CROSSTOWN Gottlieb 1966
HURDY GURDY Gottlieb 1966 1095
APOLLO Williams 1967
BLAST OFF Williams 1967 400
DIAMOND JACK (AAB) Gottlieb 1967 400
MAGIC TOWN (AAB) Williams 1967 600
SURF SIDE Gottlieb 1967 650
AIRPORT Gottlieb 1969 395
MIBS Gottlieb 1969 1500
MINI POOL Gottlieb 1969 400
SPIN-A-CARD Gottlieb 1969 400
AQUARIUS Gottlieb 1970 400
BATTER UP Gottlieb 1970 400
CRESCENDO Gottlieb 1970 450
FOUR MILLION BC Bally 1970 695
STRAIGHT FLUSH Williams 1970 400
FIREBALL Bally 1971 595
FOUR SQUARE Gottlieb 1971 425
PLAYBALL Gottlieb 1971
HONEY Williams 1972 395
KING KOOL Gottlieb 1972 595
MONTE CARLO Bally 1972 500
TIME ZONE Bally 1972 450
CIRCUS Bally 1973 450
HI-LO ACE Bally 1973 400
UPPER DECK (BB) Williams 1973 695
BIG INDIAN Gottlieb 1974 495
BOW AND ARROW Bally 1974 395
DEALER'S CHOICE Williams 1974 495
MAGNOTRON Gottlieb 1974 595
SKY JUMP Gottlieb 1974 350
TWIN WIN Bally 1974 425
WIZARD Bally 1974 550
BLUE MAX Chicago Coin 1975 250
CAPT. FANTASTIC Bally 1975
FREEDOM Bally 1975 395
KICK OFF Bally 1975 500
PAT HAND Williams 1975 395
PIN UP Gottlieb 1975 250
SATIN DOLL Williams 1975 395, 400
STAR POOL Williams 1975 175
TOP SCORE Gottlieb 1975 495
TOP TEN Chicago Coin 1975
AZTEC Williams 1976 595
BLACK JACK Bally 1976 495
BLUE CHIP Williams 1976 400
FREEDOM (EM) Bally 1976 200
HANG GLIDER Bally 1976 425
PLAYBOY Bally 1976 575, 800
ROYAL FLUSH Gottlieb 1976 695
SURE SHOT Gottlieb 1976 495
SURF CHAMP Gottlieb 1976
BIG DEAL Williams 1977
CARNIVAL Playmatic 1977
LIBERTY BELL Williams 1977
STRIKES AND SPARES Bally 1977 250
DOLLY PARTON Bally 1978 500
HIT THE DECK Gottlieb 1978
KISS Bally 1978 900
NUGENT Stern 1978
PARAGON Bally 1978 995
STAR TREK Bally 1978 595, 650
BUCK ROGERS Gottlieb 1979 550
CHARLIE'S ANGELS Gottlieb 1979 375
GORGAR Williams 1979 795
HERCULES Atari 1979
SPACE INVADERS Bally 1979 450
TRIDENT Stern 1979 125
XENON Bally 1979 795
ALIEN POKER Williams 1980
BLACK KNIGHT Williams 1980 850
BLACK OUT Williams 1980 500
FATHOM Bally 1980
FIREPOWER Williams 1980 500, 595
FLASH GORDON Bally 1980 575
FLIGHT 2000 Stern 1980 750
PANTHERA Gottlieb 1980 500
SEA WITCH Stern 1980
BLACK HOLE Bally 1981 295
CAVEMAN Gottlieb 1981 295
JUNGLE LORD Williams 1981 450
SPECTRUM Bally 1981
VECTOR Bally 1981 750
BABY PACMAN Bally 1982 795
EIGHT BALL DELUXE (LTD EDITION) Bally 1982 695
FIREBALL CLASSIC Bally 1982 799
MR. AND MRS. PACMAN Bally 1982 795
ORBITOR 1 (CUSTOM) Stern 1982
RAPID FIRE Bally 1982 695
SPEAKEASY Bally 1982 550
GRAND SLAM Bally 1983 625
GRANY & THE GATORS Bally 1983
EIGHT BALL CHAMP Bally 1985
GAMATRON Pinstar 1985 525
HIGH SPEED Williams 1986 800
PINBOT Williams 1986 600, 700
BIG GUNS Williams 1987 850
SPRING BREAK Gottlieb 1987
SPACE STATION Williams 1988
TAXI (LOLA) Williams 1988 995
BIG HOUSE Gottlieb 1989 600
EARTHSHAKER Williams 1989
JOKERZ! Williams 1989 600
BUGS BUNNY'S BIRTHDAY BALL Bally 1990
FUNHOUSE Williams 1990 1000
NIGHT MOVES Int'l Concepts 1990
RADICAL Bally 1990 775
RIVERBOAT GAMBLER Williams 1990 1200
ROLLER GAMES Williams 1990 900
BATMAN Data East 1991
HOOK Data East 1991
TERMINATOR 2 Williams 1991 1300
FISH TAILS Williams 1992 1350
LETHAL WEAPON 3 Data East 1992 1250
STAR WARS Data East 1992
SUPER MARIO BROS. Gottlieb 1992 1500
WORLD TOUR Alvin G. 1992
DINOSAUR EGGS (REDEMPTION) Alvin G. 1993 495
FREDDY'S NIGHTMARE Gottlieb 1993
LAST ACTION HERO Data East 1993
POPEYE Bally 1993
STAR TREK - THE NEXT GENERATION Bally 1993 1995
TWILIGHT ZONE Bally 1993 1300
TWILIGHT ZONE (PROTOTYPE) Bally 1993 1600
DEMOLITION MAN Williams 1994
DIRTY HARRY Williams 1994 1500
ROYAL RUMBLE Data East 1994
BIG HURT Gottlieb 1995 1800
WATER WORLD Gottlieb 1995 1995
ATTACK FROM MARS Bally 1996
BIG BANK Capcom 1996
BREAK SHOT Capcom 1996
CONGO Williams 1996 2100
FLIPPER FOOTBALL Capcom 1996
INDEPENDENCE DAY Williams 1996 TOURNY
JOHNNY MNEMONIC Williams 1996 1500
SAFE CRACKER Bally 1996
SCARED STIFF Williams 1996
SPACE JAM Sega 1996
TALES OF THE ARAIBIAN NIGHTS Williams 1996
TWISTER Sega 1996
This concludes my description of the Exhibit Hall.
Well, like I said earlier, Pinball Expo '97 has already been scheduled for November 13 through 16, 1997. I hope I will be able to attend for the fourteenth year, but I don't know now what my "financial situation" will be at that time (especially considering the constantly escalating cost of attending the show), but only time will tell? Anyway, I had a great time attending Pinball Expo up 'till now, and if I am able to again attend in 1997 I will again report on the show.