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A Rhode Island Arcade Sells Nostalgia For A Penny

04:18

Peter O'Dowd

July 12, 2017

John Bateman, owner of the Spring Lake Arcade, which has been thrilling kids every summer since 1931. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

The Spring Lake Arcade in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is a throwback to another era. Its pinball machines, toy-rifle range and other antique games from the 1920s and '30s still entertain kids who are used to more modern technology. Many of the games cost just a penny or nickel to play.

Here & Now’s Peter O’Dowd (@odowdpeter) went to the beach at Spring Lake, where the arcade has been in operation for 86 years.

John Bateman inside his penny arcade at Spring Lake in Rhode Island. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

The 1920s era strength tester. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now) — The 1920s-era strength tester. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

The 1940s-era Skee Ball machine. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

Peppy the musical clown. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

This segment aired on July 12, 2017.