PINBALL EXHIBIT- Before there were computerized videogames, there was Pinball. And for the past few weeks there has been a special exhibit featuring these electro-mechanical games at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. Jeff Frick is with the Texas Pinball Collectors Association, the group that has curated and offering this exhibit. He explains it’s purpose.
"It's about the history of pinball. Pinball started in 1931 as a coin-operated machine. It started very simply with pins and games and we have some of those games here," explained Frick. "From there we started to get things like bumpers and electricity. Moved on to flippers in 1947 and onto the types of machines you see today with full computer output. And a lot of fun things to play."
When it comes to museum exhibits, a pinball game display isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But Frick says the machines at the museum represent a progression of history in that some reflect the era in which they were played.
"I think that some of the games that reflect that better than others are some of the 1930's pre-war games," explained Frick. "Some of the 70's and 80's games really reflect the move into the electronic world right as video games were coming in at the same time and the attempt to keep up with them with the same electronics. Now that has even progressed to today, you see games that are produced this year, you'll see
big LCD screens on them and you'll see ramps and features that are a lot faster, much quicker like today's technological society."
You can still see the History of Pinball at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport. Friday is the last day. It’s a free exhibit and you’ll get to play many of the games at no charge.
To learn more: search Pinball: An American Game Experience on Facebook or click HISTORY OF PINBALL EXHIBIT
