For any of us who grew up in the Rockaways and for others who went to other amusement parks around the country, many have wonderful memories of having fun playing Skee-ball . Here are some wonderful Skee-ball images. If one closes their eyes you can feel the wooden ball, feel the throw and hear the sounds that were part of the playing this simple game. I can feel the thrill of the ball going into the 50,000 hole and seeing my points go up.
Photo by Pam Neff
Photo by Photoseeum
Photo By Masterfile
Photo by Amy Strycula
Photo by Buck Roe
Photo by Defoues
Photo by Shore
Gary Moyer
From left, American artists Bill Giles, Anna Moreska, and Robert Rauschenberg with choreographer Merce Cunningham and composer John Cage watch artist Jasper Johns play skee-ball in Dillon’s Bar
Photo by Skee-ball inc.
Photo by Skee-ball Inc.
Photo by Skee-ball Inc.
| 1909 | Skee-Ball invented and patented by J.D. Estes of Philadelphia. |
| 1914 | First Skee-Ball Alleys sold and distributed to the outdoor amusement industry market by Maurice Piesen. Measuring 36 feet long, the alleys were quite large. As a result, the potential playing market was restricted since the game required some strength to play. |
| 1928 | Size of the Alley reduced by more than half – to 14 feet. Tremendous popularity achieved as the shortened version widened the range of appeal. Now the game was accessible to women, children and the elderly. |
| 1932 | First national Skee-Ball tournament held in Atlantic City, New Jersey arcade. |
| 1935 | Wurlitzer Company acquired Skee-Ball rights from Piesen. |
| 1945 | Philadelphia Toboggan Company acquired the copyright, patents, and all rights for the exclusive manufacturing of Skee-Ball Alleys from Wurlitzer. |
