Steven Epstein papers

Collection

Identifier: 124.2287

Staff Only

This collection documents Steve Epstein’s operation of the Broadway Arcade and Modern Pinball (New York City), game design and development, and the founding of PAPA. The materials date from 1976 to 2014, with the bulk of the materials dated from 1983 to 1997. The papers are comprised of newspaper clippings, VHS cassettes, correspondence, marketing materials, sketches, proposals and more.

The majority of the papers relate to promotional efforts for the Broadway Arcade and include video news segments, newspaper clippings, audio recordings of radio interviews, “b-roll” footage of the arcade, branded stationary, photographs, and a pitch letter.

The papers also cover the start of PAPA and include handwritten notes and documentation outlining the vision for PAPA and tournament play, rules, and operator guides. The collection documents Epstein’s effort to design pinball games and includes sketches, storyboards, proposals, and correspondence. Of note are the project development notes for “Quadrasome,” which was never published, but contains the script, notes, drawings, agreements, and more.

The Steven Epstein papers have been arranged into four series. The physical materials are housed in five boxes and one oversized folder. Additional scope and content information can be found in the Collection Inventory section of the finding aid..

Dates

1976-2014
Majority of material found within 1983-1997

Creator

Epstein, Steven R. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use by staff of The Strong and users of its library and archives.

Conditions Governing Use

Though the donor has not transferred intellectual property rights (including but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to The Strong, they have given permission for The Strong to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Extent

8.15 Linear Feet (1 document box, 2 A/V boxes, 1 flat box, 1 oversized folder)

Additional Description

Overview

This collection consists of the papers of Steven Epstein, owner of the Broadway Arcade in Manhattan, New York and founder of the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA). The materials are dated from 1976 to 2014, with the bulk of the materials dated from 1983 to 1997. The papers are comprised of newspaper clippings, correspondence, scrapbooks, promotional materials, VHS cassettes, and more.

Historical Note

Steven Epstein was the owner of the Broadway Arcade in New York City, a game designer, and founder of the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA). He was born in 1948 to David and Harriet Epstein. After graduating high school in 1966, Epstein attended and graduated from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Epstein went on to take over the Broadway Arcade after his father, David’s, retirement in 1984

In 1963 when David Epstein purchased the Broadway Arcade, pinball was illegal in New York City. The Broadway Arcade was considered a “redemption center” with Skee-ball machines and Pokerinos. After college, Steven joined his father’s business and advocated to change the legal status of pinball. Eventually, pinball was deemed legal by the New York City Council in 1976. Steven continued to advocate and market pinball attracting many celebrities to the Broadway Arcade – Lou Reed, Diana Ross, Brooke Sheilds, and Matthew Broderick among them. Epstein established the Broadway Arcade as a test site for pinball machine manufacturers’ newest creations and established leagues and tournaments. In 1987, Epstein was forced to move the Broadway Arcade to a smaller location. The Broadway Arcade continued to be a success but urban renewal projects and strict anti-arcade zoning regulations forced Broadway Arcade to close on January 1, 1997.

In 1991, Epstein and Roger Sharpe created the Professional & Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA) to run and promote pinball tournaments, encourage friendly competition, and spread enthusiasm for pinball. The idea for PAPA began in the late 1970s when Sharpe, Epstein, and Lionel Martinez started keeping track of their competitions together. They developed the league scoring system from the data they collected. Along with tournaments, Epstein also published a magazine titled The Flip Side that created “a forum for players and lovers of the game to state their ideas, perspectives, and accomplishments.” The Flip Side ran from late 1992 until 1995. In January 2004, Epstein transferred ownership of PAPA to Kevin Martin and in 2011 Martin transferred PAPA to the Replay Foundation.

In late 2013, Epstein and Steve Zahler opened Modern Pinball, a sales and interactive showroom for new and vintage pinball machines. Modern Pinball hosted tournaments and leagues, birthday parties, and brought pinball back to New York City. Ultimately, Modern Pinball closed permanently in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Steve Epstein was married to Sondra Walker Epstein and together they had two daughters. He facilitated an eating disorder support group for over 20 years, designed pinball games [Barracora], and resurrected the International Flipper Pinball Association. Steve passed away in June 2020.

System of Arrangement

Series I: Personal, 1941, 1983-2009

Series II: Broadway Arcade, 1980-2014

Series III: Professional & Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA), 1987-1997

Series IV: Game development, 1981-1987

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers were donated to The Strong in July 2024 as a gift of the Epstein family in honor of Steve Epstein. The papers were accessioned by The Strong under object ID 124.2287 and were received from Erica Santana in one box and one rolled container.