Memory Lane Arcade was an arcade amusement park located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. It was opened on April 29, 1975[2] by Dennis R. Atkinson and his wife Irene. It closed on November 28, 2004.[3] It is notable for its collection of old-fashioned activities, including coin-operated fortune tellers, arcade games, roll-playing instruments and attractions. Many games were pretty cheap to play.[4] Admission in the arcade was completely free.[5]

Memory Lane Arcade
Location626, South Main Street, Frankenmuth, Michigan, United States
Coordinates43°19′0.912″N 83°44′25.115″W / 43.31692000°N 83.74030972°W / 43.31692000; -83.74030972
StatusDefunct
OpenedApril 29, 1975; 49 years ago (1975-04-29)
ClosedNovember 28, 2004 (2004-11-28)
OwnerDennis R. Atkinson
General managerDennis R. Atkinson
ThemeCoin-operated machines
Slogan"Proud to be an American"[1]
Operating seasonSummer through Fall, Xmas Weekends
WebsiteOfficial website

Apart from 100 years worth of penny arcades, the place also offered modern services including 3D movies, sports and computer games.[6] In 1984, Atkinson won an Association de la Sommellerie Internationale award for the "Taito America Elevator Action Kit".[7] By 1995, there was a trend that children were not getting their money's worth from playing games and winning prize.[8]

Highlights

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References

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  1. ^ "Michigan Machine Locations". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  2. ^ "Open Corporates - Memory Lane Arcade". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  3. ^ Caulfield, Matthew (December 27, 2006). "Mechanical Music Digest - Memory Lane Arcade in Frankenmuth is Closed". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Your Daily Guide". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. August 5, 1994. p. 2. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Hunt, Mary (1994). Hunts' highlights of Michigan. Midwestern Guides. p. 376.
  6. ^ Zavatsky, Michele; Zavatsky, George (2000). Kids Love Publications. Midwestern Guides. p. 13.
  7. ^ "Industry News - Video Game Winners" (PDF). Cashbox. Vol. 46, no. 42. George Albert. March 24, 1984. p. 39.
  8. ^ "Letters - Unsettling Trends". Play Meter. Vol. 21, no. 13. Carol P. Lally. December 1995. p. 10.
  9. ^ "A Trip Down Memory Lane". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  10. ^ "The Many Faces of 'Laffing Sal'". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  11. ^ "My Gal Sal". Retrieved March 30, 2021.
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