Here's what they say

In looking back and talking to the folks at Stern Pinball, their history does trace back to the 30's.
We rarely use Wikipedia in our research.

http://www.sternpinball.com/

If you look under their story and history on the Web site, it is there. They have an extensive time line, if you would like to check it out.

True American Craftsmanship
Stern Pinball traces its lineage to the early 1930’s and the founding of modern pinball. Sam Stern, the father of SPI’s Founder, Chairman and CEO, Gary Stern, was part-owner and President of pinball pioneer, Williams Electronics. Williams and other innovative companies including Bally and Gottlieb formed the foundation on which the pinball industry was built.

Kim Mikus
Daily Herald Business Writer/ Business Ledger Editor
www.dhbusinessledger.com
155 E. Algonquin Road/ Arlington Heights
Office: 847.427.4567
Cell: 847.287.9838
[email protected]