I had many gppd buys years back, but one that stands out is when I replied back
from a Pennysaver wanted ad that I had put out. The grounds keeper from Sampson
State Park, which was an Army Base in the 40s, then Air Force in the 50s said there
were machines stored in one of the buildings for years. When I arrived, I asked how
much. He said $150.00 takes them all. I said how about $100.00 He said they're
yours. There was a 14' United small ball bowler. A 1957 ABC Bally Puck Bowler (not
the red/yellow checker board one, but the much rarer green one with the girl on the
backglass), a 1955 United Derby Roll, and a couple other machines from the 50s
along with 2 round pool tables. No pockets, just maybe 8' diameter. Them I gave
away to a Friend. I believe the Air Force Base left there in the late 50s. These
machines were in really nice shape. I still have the Bally puck bowler and the
United Ball Bowler which is in my local Community Center. That machine came
with a Soldiers letter in it (stamped 1949) and in the letter are picture negatives.
I put a note in a zip bag along with the letter telling the story where the bowler
(along with the letter) came from asking to always keep the letter with the bowler.. (T)
(Topic ID: 183571)
Yucaipa, CA
