When Pinball Was Public Enemy Number One
Who would have thought a game of pinball could cause such a ruckus?
Let’s rewind to the golden age of flappers and prohibition. A time when gangsters ruled the streets and people wore their hair in a way that defies gravity. Amidst all this jazz-age chaos, a seemingly innocent game of pinball was causing a major headache for the powers that be.
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| Why Did New York City Ban Pinball |
The Great Pinball Panic
You might be wondering, "Why on earth would anyone ban pinball?" Well, dear reader, it all boils down to a perfect storm of misunderstanding and moral panic.
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In the early 20th century, pinball was seen as a gateway to gambling. The machines were often found in shady establishments, and the clinking of coins made it sound like a casino. Add to that the fact that many pinball machines were manufactured in Chicago, a city synonymous with organized crime, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Enter Fiorello LaGuardia, the mayor of New York City. A man of conviction and, let's say, a certain flair for the dramatic, LaGuardia decided that pinball was a menace to society. He believed it was corrupting the youth and lining the pockets of mobsters. With a righteous fury, he declared pinball illegal in the Big Apple.
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Sledgehammers at the Ready
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To show the world just how serious he was, LaGuardia personally led a crusade against pinball machines. With a theatrical flourish, he grabbed a sledgehammer and smashed a pinball machine to smithereens. It was like a scene out of a silent movie, only with less comedy and more moral indignation.
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The ban spread like wildfire, with other cities following New York's lead. Pinball was suddenly a pariah, a game of ill repute. But fear not, pinball fans! The story doesn't end there.
The Pinball Resurrection
It wasn’t until the 1970s that pinball managed to shake off its bad reputation. One brave man named Roger Sharpe took on the establishment and proved that pinball was a game of skill, not chance. With a dramatic display of pinball wizardry, he convinced the New York City Council to overturn the ban.
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And so, pinball was reborn. It rose from the ashes like a phoenix, stronger and more popular than ever. Today, pinball is celebrated as a beloved pastime and a cornerstone of arcade culture.
Who would have thought that a game involving a tiny metal ball could cause such a stir?
How to... Pinball FAQ
- How to play pinball: Tilt the machine to control the flippers, aim for the bumpers, and try to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.
- How to win at pinball: Practice, practice, practice. And maybe a little bit of luck.
- How to collect pinball machines: Start small, with a few classic models. Then, prepare to spend a lot of money.
- How to appreciate the artistry of pinball: Look beyond the flashing lights and listen to the sounds. There's a whole world of creativity in pinball design.
- How to avoid getting banned from an arcade for pinball rage: Take a deep breath and count to ten. Or just play at home.
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