L.B.D. Amusement Co., Inc. collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 116.3256

Staff Only

The L.B.D. Amusement Co., Inc. collection contains photographs, ephemera, and documentation relating to the Rabkin family’s seaside arcade, Pennyland, as well as their “dodgem” ride, both of which operated in Keansburg, New Jersey. The collection also contains materials about Central Arcade, an arcade of Louis Rabkin’s own design, located in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The collection includes inventory lists, arcade tickets, licenses, photographs, stationery, and more.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1946 - 1964
1925 - 1964

Creator

Rabkin, Louis (Person)

Conditions Governing Use

This collection is open for research use by staff of The Strong and by users of its library and archives. Though intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) have not been transferred, The Strong has permission to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 box, 1 oversized folder)

Additional Description

Abstract

The L.B.D. Amusement Co., Inc. collection is a compilation of inventory lists, arcade tickets, licenses, photographs, stationary, and more relating to two arcades owned by the Rabkin family. The bulk of the materials are dated between 1946 and 1964.

Biographical Note

Louis Rabkin immigrated to the United States with his family in 1909 from present-day Belarus. Rabkin worked for his brother at the Standard Tool and Die Company in New York. After a short stint at the International Mutoscope Reel Company during the 1920s, Rabkin opened his own penny arcade in Coney Island, New York. He eventually relocated the business to Keansburg, New Jersey, where he established the Pennyland Arcade. In the late 1940s, Rabkin designed and built Central Arcade in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Within both arcades, Rabkin managed coin-operated games, pin games, picture machines, and other novelty games. The arcades operated through 1964, when Rabkin’s company dissolved.

System of Arrangement

Series I: L.B.D. Amusement Co., Inc. papers, 1925-1964

Custodial History

The L.B.D. Amusement Co., Inc. collection was acquired by The Strong in June of 2016 from an eBay vendor. The papers were accessioned by The Strong under Object ID 116.3256 and were received from the vendor in two shipments.