Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 119.6425
The Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection is a compilation of published fliers, original and photocopied reference, company memos, photographs, and other documentation relating to the history of various coin-operated game and amusement companies, pinball companies, and video arcade game companies and their products. The bulk of the materials are from the 1930s-1980s, though many fliers are undated. Of note is the extensive documentation on Exhibit Supply Co., makers of electromechanical and novelty games during the first half of the 20th century.
The Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection has been arranged into three series. The collection is housed in 12 archival document boxes, two oversized archival boxes, and one AV box.
The Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection has been arranged into three series. The collection is housed in 12 archival document boxes, two oversized archival boxes, and one AV box.
Dates
- 1903 - 2009
Creator
- Bieza, Larry (Person)
Language
The bulk of this collection is in English. Additional languages include Japanese and Italian; folders with these languages are indicated in the Contents List section of this finding aid.
Conditions Governing Access
VHS tapes in this collection will need to be acclimated to the temperature of the room they will be viewed in prior to watching; these tapes require advanced notice to access and are limited to on-site researchers only.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection is open for research use by staff of The Strong and by users of its library and archives. Though the donor has not transferred intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein), The Strong has permission to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.
Extent
10.5 Linear Feet (12 archival document boxes, 2 oversized flat file archival boxes, 1 AV box)
Abstract
The Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection is a compilation of published fliers, original and photocopied reference, company memos, photographs, and other documentation relating to the history of various coin-operated game and amusement companies and their products. The bulk of the materials are from the 1930s-1980s.
Biographical Note
For 40 years, Larry Bieza has been involved with coin-operated arcade games as an author, collector, dealer, operator, builder, enthusiast, and historian. He wrote The Penny Arcade Price Guide and The Pinball Price Guide (which, for many years, was the standard for the history and pricing of pinball games). He is also the author of the forthcoming book Mutoscope, A Tale of Two Companies.
Bieza is interested in capturing stories of significant people in the coin-op industry, as well as keeping these amusements relevant for generations to come. Along with a partner, Bieza operates more than 100 electromechanical games at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Bieza is interested in capturing stories of significant people in the coin-op industry, as well as keeping these amusements relevant for generations to come. Along with a partner, Bieza operates more than 100 electromechanical games at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, Minnesota.
System of Arrangement
Series I: Electromechanical games and amusements, 1903-2001 and n.d.
Series II: Pinball games, 1932-2006
Series III: Video games, 1973-2009
Custodial History
The Larry Bieza coin-op and amusements history collection was donated to The Strong in April 2020 as a gift of Larry and Linda Bieza. The papers were accessioned by The Strong under Object ID 119.6425. The papers were received from Bieza in 21 boxes along with various books, auction catalogs, magazines, trade catalogs, and other published materials.
Processed by
Julia Novakovic, May-August 2021
- Advertising flier
- Amusement rides
- Amusements
- Arcades
- Arcades -- Equipment and supplies
- Atari, Inc.
- Bally Manufacturing Corporation
- Bally Midway Mfg. Co.
- Billiards -- Equipment and supplies
- Bowling games
- Chicago Coin Machine Co.
- Coin-operated machines
- D. Gottlieb & Co.
- Electromechanical devices
- Electronic games
- Electronic games industry
- Exhibit Supply Co.
- Exidy, Inc.
- Foosball (Game) -- Equipment and supplies
- H.C. Evans & Co.
- Indoor games
- Midway Manufacturing Co.
- Pinball machines
- Pinball machines--History
- Shuffleboard -- Equipment and supplies
- Simulation games
- Stern Electronics, Inc.
- United Manufacturing Co.
- Video arcades
- Video game industry
- Video games -- History
- WMS Industries, Inc.
- Williams Electronics, Inc.
- Williams Manufacturing Co.
Creator
- Bieza, Larry (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Larry Bieza Coin-Op and Amusements History Collection, 1903-2009
- Status
- completed
- Author
- Julia Novakovic
- Date
- 20 August 2021
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository
Contact:
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)
library@museumofplay.org
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)
library@museumofplay.org