In the 70's Dad had a number of Espresso Bars (Wog Shops we used to call them) where machines were sited. These pre dated modern arcades that were prevalent in the later 70's and 80's. To give an idea, locations would have 5-6 pinballs, 2-3 Gun Games, 5-6 Bally Bingos, Soccar table, billiard table.. sometimes the Bally Bingos were out the back room behind a curtain. You knew they would be there because of the noise they made. I have many many fond memories of these days growing up.
I've found a bunch of photos I wanted to share. The photo below is the LAST location Dad owned - "Fiorentinos' " in Northcote - or as it was known around Melbourne as - "24 Hours". It was a 24 hour a day cafe that Taxi Drivers would frequent and pop in for coffee at 3:00 AM. This location has 20 + Games, 2 X Billiard tables. This was the hangout of the northern suburbs. MANY new games started their route in this location. The very first Midway "Space Invaders" uprights were sited here before anywhere else. A whole row of them in fact. This was the location that also had the first Bally KISS in Australia. I'll never forget the first service call after one day on site. The coin acceptor was jammed as the coin box was full. This was before the 40c Per Play was introduced.
The reason I'm posting the photo is because there is the original and first KISS pinball in Australia STILL on location in 1996 - still taking money. The billiard table in the foreground was built by my late father and remains in the family. The soccer table (obscured) was restored and is in my games room. Daniel or Gavin has the Juke Box. The Cigarette machine was in Dave's collection (Silverball). The upright cabinet was also built by my Father and I in 1982. Dad was building his own cabinets. The first generation of game boards I can remember was "Naughty Boy". The cabinet outlasted the boards. The last boards were Street Fighter II, or looking at that cabinet - could have been Bobble Bobble.
Before anyone asks - That KISS is in my personal collection. One owner !
Topic: The last location.. (Read 10796 times)
