Bill Brooks has been playing pinball since he was old enough to get his chin above the glass. He’s watched the lights, heard the sounds and caught the excitement of a last minute save by hitting a flipper at just the right moment. Knowing this, it’s not a surprise that he would open Fargo Pinball. It’s also even less of a surprise that he would be ecstatic for pinball to be included as a 2018 inductee in the National Toy Hall of Fame.
(A photo taken inside of Fargo Pinball)
Joining other iconic toys such as Uno, a bicycle, Mr. Potato Head, Dominoes, The Game of Life and many more staples of childhood that have been welcomed into a coveted spot at the museum, pinball has now made it’s mark. Some folks would even say that this is a long time coming. Others are just glad that pinball is getting some attention from both the National Toy Hall of Fame and the countless players across the globe who are playing more pinball today then ever before in the 21st century.
(Bill Brooks in the KFGO studio)
Bill shares some history of pinball and how it was banned in the United States for more than 30 years after it was deemed a “game of ill repute” After being segregated to backrooms and basements, the late 1970s saw a boom in the pinball industry. Since then, machines promoting bands, products, movies, fictional amusement parks and more have graced town cafes, bars, arcades and rec rooms. It’s hard to remember a time without the sound of a silver ball rolling along a sloped table.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FARGO PINBALL CLICK HERE
If you have an old machine sitting in your basement or garage, Bill Brooks would like to see it and give you some friendly advice on whether you should be restoring it, parting it out or (even) insuring it!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
KFGO Podcast –
Pixeled Brewing Opens Their Doors (and games!)
KFGO Podcast –
A “Sweet” New Downtown Fargo Business
KFGO Podcast –
Drunk Bees, Yep, It’s a Thing!
KFGO Podcast –
Fargo Public Library Starts Board Game Checkout
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
FACEBOOK.
Follow Amy on Twitter
@AmyKFGO
. Follow JJ on Twitter
@JJGodon701
.)
