Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 121.4250

Scope and Content Note

The Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy papers are a compilation of writings, memorabilia, publicity clippings, and other documentation related to her involvement in the coin-op industry. Many materials are undated, though the bulk of them are likely from the 1990s. Also included in this collection are an oral history interview with her son Victor and a U-matic tape produced by the NYS Coin Association on how to promote a pinball tournament.

The Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy papers have been arranged into two series. The physical materials are housed in one archival document box and one AV box.

Dates

Creation: 1959 - 2021

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) to The Strong, he has given permission for The Strong to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Biographical Note

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Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy (1917-2014) was an accomplished American businesswoman who operated several coin machine industry companies, led professional gaming-related organizations, and lobbied for related causes.

One of a small number of women in a largely male-dominated field, McCarthy ran Catskill Amusements, Inc. and Binghamton Amusement Co., Inc. for many years. She was the first woman to be named a director in the Amusement and Music Operators of America (AMOA), and she helmed the New York State Coin Machine Association for 25 years. McCarthy advocated for the coin machine industry, regularly serving as a public face for industry lobbying efforts. As an operator, McCarthy played an important role in championing the expansion of video games into electromechanical- or pinball-focused arcades during the 1970s and beyond. McCarthy also was a strong advocate for women’s rights and social justice reforms. She passed away in 2014 at age 96.

For more information on McCarthy’s impactful career, see also “Ronnie, Millie, Lila – Women’s History for Games: A Manifesto and a Way Forward” by Carly Kocurek in the American Journal of Play (Volume 10, Number 1).

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1 archival document box, 1 AV box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

System of Arrangement

Series I: Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy papers, 1959-2021

Series II: Victor McCarthy oral history interview, 2021

Custodial History

The Amelia (“Millie”) McCarthy papers were donated to The Strong in July 2021 as a gift of The McCarthy Family in honor of Millie McCarthy. The papers were accessioned by The Strong under Object ID 121.4250 and were received from Victor McCarthy.