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E-mail: halfmoonarcades@weirsbeach.com |
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| At the very center of Weirs Beach you'll find the HALF MOON AMUSEMENT ARCADES. There are actually TWO arcades: a Penny Arcade and a Family Fun Center. Both arcades feature a large variety of video games, including the latest simulators; flashy pinball machines; antique games which you can play for a dime; and a tremendous assortment of prizes, which you can win by playing Skeeball, Skil-O-Bingos, and other redemption games. The prize assortment is, in fact, one of the largest you will find anywhere! There are over 1000 items in stock at any one time, and the prizes not only include items to please children, but also items for the discerning adult: electronics, NH souvenirs, housewares, beach items, and gifts. Why buy these items, when you can win them, and have fun at the same time! While each arcade has some of the same items, many other prizes are unique to each arcade. Be sure to check out the prize selection in both arcades, as you can redeem your tickets and tokens for prizes in either one! |
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| The year 2009 will represent the 61st ANNIVERSARY of the arcades! The business was founded in 1948 by Sidney E. Ames, who rented a small space adjacent to the Half Moon Snack Bar for an arcade. Mr. Ames had a background in the arcade business. In 1934 and 1935, when he was just a teenager, Mr. Ames had traveled on the carnival and fair circuit with some of the first pinball machines ever to be made. From 1936-1950, his family owned and operated an arcade in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. In 1947, Mr. Ames visited Weirs Beach, saw the potential of the area, and came back the following season to start the business. (For more detail on Mr. Ames's activities and family business during the 1940's, click here.) In 1950, after two seasons in Weirs Beach, Mr. Ames purchased the Half Moon buildings and land from the local Postmaster, Howard Ballou. Built in the early 1930's by Bob Wagner, the Half Moon at that time consisted of a restaurant, snack bar, and bowling alley. (The Half Moon Cabins, on a separate parcel of land, were purchased by Mr. Ames from Mr. Ballou on December 14, 1956. They are now known as the Half Moon Motel & Cottages. For more info about the history of the Half Moon, click here.) Over the years, the arcade expanded tremendously in size. In 1957, the business doubled to become TWO arcades, when a new arcade building was built. (This building currently houses the Half Moon Bumper Cars.) In 1967, another, larger arcade building was built, and the "New" arcade moved next door, becoming the Half Moon Penny Arcade. Around 1980, the original arcade, which had existed continuously in the same location for 30 years, quadrupled in capacity, when it incorporated the location of the former bowling alley and became the Half Moon Family Fun Center. Mr. Ames was active in the business until the age of 92. He passed away on January 29, 2009. His three sons, Jeffrey, Michael, and Robert, now manage the arcades and the other Half Moon businesses. (If the machine you love isn't there, it's probably because it's been "retired". There's only so much room! If you are a collector, the Half Moon arcades has a Games For Sale web page where you can purchase retired arcade games. Check it out. Wouldn't you love to have a classic pinball or video in your basement?) |
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HALF MOON PENNY ARCADE HALF MOON FAMILY FUN CENTER |
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Sid Ames - July 21, 2006
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WWW.WEIRSBEACH.COM |
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