# CHICAGOLAND SHOW: SPRING 2019 **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2019-04-03 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2019/04/03/chicagoland-show-spring-2019 --- ## Analysis Pinball News coverage of the Spring 2019 Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine and Jukebox Show (March 29-31, 2019) at Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, IL. The show, in its 39th year and claiming to be North America's largest coin-op collector show, featured over 300 vendors from across North America and internationally. While the show is primarily focused on vintage coin-op machines, jukeboxes, and collectibles, pinball inventory was notably lighter than in previous years, with a mix of machines needing restoration and reconditioned games available for purchase. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] The Chicagoland Show is in its 39th year of operation and claims to be the largest and longest-running coin-op and collector show in North America — _Show organizer claim cited in article; claim itself unverified by author_ - [HIGH] Over 300 vendors attended the Spring 2019 show from all over the US, Canada, and as far away as the Netherlands, Australia, England and Switzerland — _Show organizers' official statement_ - [MEDIUM] There were fewer pinball games for sale at this year's Spring Chicagoland Show than in the past — _Author's observation and impression based on attendance history_ - [HIGH] A 1933 Baby Official by Mills Novelty Company counter-top flipperless pinball was for sale with a $425.00 asking price — _Author observed and photographed the machine at the show_ - [HIGH] Gottlieb Card Trix (1970) add-a-ball game is seldom seen and was asking $1,295.00 — _Author's direct observation at the show_ ### Notable Quotes > "It must be said that there were fewer pinball games for sale at this year's Spring Chicagoland Show than I remember in the past." > — **Pinball News reviewer**, n/a > _Observation of declining pinball machine availability at major collector show_ > "Oddly he [Mickey Treat] skips over pinball which is exactly where the heart of my show review begins." > — **Pinball News reviewer**, n/a > _Editorial note on reviewer's focus; acknowledges YouTube coverage of the show by vintagecoinop channel_ > "I salute Penny and Bob Traynoff as well as Dawn and Kevin Greco for the hard work that they have put into putting on these shows for going-on 40 years." > — **Pinball News reviewer**, n/a > _Recognition of show organizers' long-term commitment_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Chicagoland Show | event | Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine and Jukebox Show; 39-year-old major collector event in Spring (March) and Fall (November) held at Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, IL | | Tilt Productions | company | Show management company based in Wadsworth, IL that organizes the Chicagoland Show and similar events | | Lake County Fairgrounds Event Center | organization | Venue for Spring 2019 Chicagoland Show; 62,000 square foot facility in Grayslake, IL | | Mills Novelty Company | company | Historic pinball manufacturer; produced Baby Official (1933) counter-top flipperless machine featured at show | | Gottlieb | company | Pinball manufacturer; Card Trix (1970) add-a-ball game and Big Casino (1961) games noted at show | | Chicago Coin | company | Pinball manufacturer; Star Attraction (1941) flipperless EM game noted at show | | Victory Games | company | Pinball conversion company; produced Bomb The Axis Rats (1943) conversion for Star Attraction | | Stern | company | Contemporary pinball manufacturer; The Munsters Pro game on display at show | | Donley Auctions | company | Auction house from Union, IL that held Friday evening collectible/antique auction at Chicagoland Show | | NAVIS Pack and Ship | company | Shipping partner contracted by Chicagoland Show for North American shipping of purchased items | | St. Louis Ball Bowler Company | company | Vendor at show; operated by Chris; featured restored 1964 United Matador ball bowler | | Marquee Popcorn Co. | company | Vendor at show; sells USA-made popcorn poppers and theatre popcorn; owned by Christine and Joe | | vintagecoinop (Mickey Treat) | person | YouTube creator from New York state who has documented Chicagoland Show annually since 2008; focuses on non-pinball coin-op machines | | Penny and Bob Traynoff | person | Co-organizers of Chicagoland Show for approximately 40 years | | Dawn and Kevin Greco | person | Co-organizers of Chicagoland Show for approximately 40 years | ### Topics - **Primary:** Vintage coin-op collector shows and events, Pinball machine collecting and sales market, Classic/vintage pinball machines (1930s-1970s era) - **Secondary:** Pinball industry history and heritage, Coin-operated amusement and vending machines, Arcade and gaming venue collectibles, Show inventory and availability trends ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.75) — Reviewer expresses appreciation for the show, nostalgia for vintage games, and positive reception of vendor offerings. Mild concern noted about declining pinball machine availability year-over-year. Overall enthusiastic recommendation for attending future shows. ### Signals - **[industry_signal]** Broad vintage collectibles market remains active with diverse coin-op categories (jukeboxes, ball bowlers, video games, vending machines) showing healthy inventory and pricing (confidence: high) — Extensive documentation of diverse vendor offerings across multiple coin-op categories; active auction bidding noted - **[event_signal]** Major spring collector show in its 39th year featuring 300+ vendors and significant coin-op/gaming collectibles inventory (confidence: high) — Official show organizer claims; comprehensive vendor and inventory documentation in article - **[market_signal]** Declining pinball machine availability at Chicagoland Show compared to previous years; inventory mix shifting toward machines needing restoration (confidence: medium) — Author observation: 'It must be said that there were fewer pinball games for sale at this year's Spring Chicagoland Show than I remember in the past' --- ## Transcript **Date:** 29th-31st March, 2019 **Location:** Lake County Fairgrounds Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030, USA The *[Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine and Jukebox Show](https://www.chicagolandshow.com/)* is known by collectors and enthusiasts by many names. It is most commonly referred to as the *Chicagoland Show*, or the *Chicagoland Coin-Op Show*. I don’t believe I have ever heard it referred to by its full and official name. So for the sake of my typing fingers and so that the Editor doesn’t think I’m trying to pad the word count, through the rest of this review I will just refer to it as the Chicagoland Show. [![The Chicagoland Show's home](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/01-chicagoland-spring-2019-716x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/01-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) The Chicagoland Show’s home The Chicagoland Show is in its 39th year of operation and claims to be the largest and longest-running coin-op and collector show in North America. I haven’t done any research to verify this claim, but it seems to make sense given that a large number of major coin-op companies have called the greater Chicago area (Chicagoland) home over the years. *Tilt Productions* in Mike Wadswoth, IL, USA manages this show and a similar coin-op and collectibles show usually held each year in November. [![The Lake County Fairgrounds Event Center](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/02-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x365.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/02-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) The Lake County Fairgrounds Event Center In the last few years, the Friday before the show opens for general admission is reserved for ‘Dealer Preview’. All-access admission is $50 (which includes Friday-Sunday general admission) for buyers. On Friday a portion of the parking lot is set up as a jumble/flea market and entry to just the outdoor market for buyers is $11 per person. General admission to the indoor portion of the show on Saturday and Sunday is $7 with free parking. [![Visitors waiting to be admitted to the show on Saturday morning](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/04-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x668.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/04-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Visitors waiting to be admitted to the show on Saturday morning In recent years, Donley Auctions of Union, IL holds a collectible and antique auction Friday evening on the grounds of the Chicagoland Show that brings spirited bidding and some bargains. [![Donley Auctions held their auction on Friday evening](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/03-chicagoland-spring-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/03-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Donley Auctions held their auction on Friday evening The Chicagoland show has contracted with NAVIS Pack and Ship to help with any items purchased at the show that buyers wish to have shipped anywhere in North America. The show organizers have stated that there were over 300 vendors in attendance from all over the US, Canada, and as far away as the Netherlands, Australia, Robert Englunds and Switzerland. [![An overview of the show floor](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/21-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x262.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/21-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) An overview of the show floor There is a comprehensive dealer information packet available by request on the website mentioned above if you are interested in becoming a vendor at a future show. I felt it was best to not include this year’s dealer information in this article because it is likely that it will change at future shows. I wanted to mention that with the Chicagoland Show’s recent move to the 62,000 square foot Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, come the addition of The Farmstand Eatery by Bauer’s Catering, which offers a number of homemade breakfast and lunch options including beverages. [![A wide range of snacks, meals and beverages at the Farmstead Eatery](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/06-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/06-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) A wide range of snacks, meals and beverages at the Farmstead Eatery Since this is a review for *Pinball News*, I will focus as best as I can on the pinball and related games that were available at the Chicagoland Show. Having said that, I did want to mention that nearly every type of antique advertising and coin-op item that you can imagine was represented at the show. I spotted collectables such as: wheel of fortunes, trade stimulators and slot machines (gambling), jukeboxes, karaoke, player pianos, ball bowlers and shuffleboards, advertising clocks and thermometers, weighing scales and such for the sale of grocery and produce, traffic signs, barware and bar/dining fixtures of all kinds, change machines, postage stamp vendors, shoe shiners, gumball, mold-o-rama, souvenir medal and medallion makers, kiddie rides including hobby horse, spaceship, boats, and pedal cars, dealer promotional items, hunting trophies, porcelain and neon advertising signs of all types, tobacco, beverage and snack vending, new and vintage popcorn makers and popcorn box art, antique barber shop equipment, cash registers, drive-in movie and restaurant fixtures, phone booths and other coin operated phones, stereoscopes and mutoscopes, petrolina (gas & oil merchandise & memorabilia) including gas station signs, displays and fuel pumps, non-pinball arcade games of various types including golf, pachinko, shooter games, weight and fortune, bingo games, video, games of skill and pitch & bat. I probably left out something in the above paragraph and if I did I apologize. [![Some of the many collectables on sale at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/26-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/26-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Some of the many collectables on sale at the show There was even a vendor with a large display of restored and customized antique outboard boat motors for sale. In retrospect this is not that surprising since Johnson, Outboard Marine (OMC), Briggs & Stratton, West Bend, Kiekhaefer Mercury, Kohler Marine, McCulloch and Evinrude outboard boat motor factories are or were at one time located in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. A few of the older coin-op machines remind me of Rube Goldberg’s creations and a few challenged my imagination to understand how they worked. I was equally pleased however that they had survived all these years for us to enjoy. There are a number of videos on YouTube covering all of the above in overview style, including a series of videos done explicitly about the Chicagoland Show since 2008 by [user vintagecoinop](https://www.youtube.com/user/vintagecoinop/videos) (Mickey Treat) who faithfully attends the show each year from New York state. I feel Mickey’s videos do a good job of showing the variety of coin operated vending and amusement machines on sale at this show. Oddly he skips over pinball which is exactly where the heart of my show review begins. It must be said that there were fewer pinball games for sale at this year’s Spring Chicagoland Show than I remember in the past. It seemed like at this show there was a mix of games needing some TLC and those that had been reconditioned. [![Playboy, Swing Time and Dealers Choice were all for sale](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/07-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x727.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/07-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Playboy, Swing Time and Dealers Choice were all for sale [![Police Force, Firepower II and Ro Go](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/09-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x788.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/09-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Police Force, Firepower II and Ro Go [![F-14 Tomcat, Batman and Motordome](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/25-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/25-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) F-14 Tomcat, Batman and Motordome Of particular interest to me was a 1933 *Baby Official* by Mills Novelty Company. This was a counter-top flipperless pure-mechanical pinball that seemed to be in good restored condition with a $425.00 asking price. [![Baby Official by Mills Novelty](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/11-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/11-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Baby Official by Mills Novelty Even though it is a counter-top unit, this example had the plaque for the “pin table” version which has legs. Apparently some of the counter-top units did have the “Official Pin Table” engraved plaque added at the factory. In the 1930s this game was 10 balls for one cent. This particular unit did not have the ‘rules’ or scoring/fortune card included. [![The plaque for the full-size Official game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/13-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x666.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/13-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) The plaque for the full-size Official game I noticed a nice Gottlieb *Card Trix* (1970) add-a-ball game that, at least in my travels, is seldom seen, asking for $1295.00. [![Royal Flush, Big Hit and Card Trix](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/14-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x731.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/14-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Royal Flush, Big Hit and Card Trix I chatted with one vendor who had just received his Stern *The Munsters* Pro game and had it proudly on display to quite a bit of interest by the public. [![The Munsters alongside High Speed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/16-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/16-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) The Munsters alongside High Speed [![The same vendor had an Eight Ball and a Harlem Globetrotters on Tour](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/15-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/15-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) The same vendor had an Eight Ball and a Harlem Globetrotters on Tour Some vendors offered translites and backglassses for sale, such as a restored Gottlieb *Big Casino* from 1961 asking for $250.00. There was only one vendor that I found that had pinball repair parts available and, as you would imagine, their selection was limited. I spotted a framed backglass from Victory Games 1943 conversion *Bomb The Axis Rats* which seemed to reflect the sentiment toward the so called ‘Axis’ countries by the Allies during WW2. This conversion was meant to be used with Chicago Coin’s 1941 game *Star Attraction* – a flipperless EM game which was also for sale at the show. [![A Bomb The Axis Rats backglass](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/10-chicagoland-spring-2019-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/10-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) A Bomb The Axis Rats backglass [![A different type of pinball artwork](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/17-chicagoland-spring-2019-732x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/17-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) A different type of pinball artwork A couple of vendors had table-top toy pinball games from the 1970s with asking prices of $5-10. Admittedly not pinball, I chatted with Chris from St. Louis Ball Bowler Company who had brought a beautifully restored 1964 United *Matador* ‘big ball’ 16 foot 6-player bowling machine. Chris was putting on a clinic flawlessly rolling spares for any combination of pins including the deadly 7-10 split! I should have had my camera on video to capture how smoothly he took down that 7-10! [![United's Matador ball bowler](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/19-chicagoland-spring-2019-744x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/19-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) United’s Matador ball bowler I confess that my love for bowlers goes back to my childhood where it seemed like every bowling alley had one for the ‘kids’ while the adults played the full-sized game. If and when we win the lottery I will have to get at least one bowler for my future game room. [![If you don't have room for a ball bowler, this United Cherokee puck bowler might fit the bill](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/22-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/22-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) If you don’t have room for a ball bowler, this United Cherokee puck bowler might fit the bill Again not pinball but I have to give a shout out to Marquee Popcorn Co. who were on hand with their fantastic made-in-the-USA popcorn poppers, theatre popcorn and bag art posters available for sale. Everything popcorn is a passion for Christine and Joe so if you are in the market for a popper for your home theatre, you’ll be surprised how affordable their professional quality poppers can be. [![Popcorn poppers and posters](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/20-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x692.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/20-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Popcorn poppers and posters Service/repair manuals and sales brochures for vintage coin-op machines including pinball were offered by a couple of vendors. I am not enough of an expert to know if they were original or reproduction so I won’t comment other than it was nice to see that the service manuals are available for restorers. [![Service manuals for jukeboxes and other coin-op devices](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/28-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x653.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/28-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) Service manuals for jukeboxes and other coin-op devices Although my time at the Chicagoland Show was limited, if you can call 4 hours “limited”, I had a wonderful time seeing what was on display and remembering things from the past, and even spotting a couple of vintage items similar to ones that I had owned during my youth. [![There was no shortage of jukeboxes of all ages and prices for sale](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/24-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/24-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) There was no shortage of jukeboxes of all ages and prices for sale [![There were arcade video games too](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/23-chicagoland-spring-2019-1024x676.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/chicagoland-spring-2019/23-chicagoland-spring-2019.jpg) There were arcade video games too The Chicagoland Show is highly recommended for both those in search of a special game or item for their game room, and for those who just like to browse too. Please attend one of their future shows if you are able. I salute Penny and Bob Traynoff as well as Dawn and Kevin Greco for the hard work that they have put into putting on these shows for going-on 40 years. The Chicagoland Fall Show will be held 15th-17th November, 2019 with the 15th being the dealer preview day. I do not know if there will be a Friday auction at the Fall show this year. Please keep an eye on [their website](https://www.chicagolandshow.com/) or [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/ChicagolandCoinOpShow/) for more information. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 44a58966-ceff-48fc-b6c3-7069d430647f*