I picked up this Bally Operators' book and I'm very happy to share it with you all.
It's a 50 page notepad with paper and then carbon paper beneath each page. The operator could fill out the information, do the math, pass the location a copy of the receipt, and keep their carbon-copy records.
It offers a tiny glimpse into the world of pinball in 1938, where payout games were prestigious kings, and most locations would certainly pay-off on a novelty game as well if the cops weren't around.
I do not know where this route was.
I have photographed all of the pages, compiled the data, and will make it available for download.
page 34: Golden Wheel @ Milltown Diner |
I've compiled a summary of the data I can glean from the cards. Some things are guesses based on the handwriting.
page 23: Great Guns @ Cabin |
I compiled a list of all the games mentioned in the pages. Some of these I have strong confidence in. Some of these are best-guesses based on the handwriting, shortened names, and dates of manufacture.
Beam-Lite 1937, 1937 Chicago Coin
Penny P?
Due to the Bulls Eye receipts having "on gum" listed as major expenses, I'm tempted to believe the Bulls Eye in question is the 1931 Exhibit gum dispenser, but I think that's a penny machine and I can't imagine they sold that much gum, so probably the Bally and the gum thing is a coincidence?
If you can read the writing please let me know your best guesses.
Really cool, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome
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