Featuring an unassuming and old, torn up sign stands the Chinatown Fair, only a short distance away from Columbus Park. One may wonder when gazing upon it, since when did Chinatown have an arcade? 

Deemed, “The last of Manhattan’s original video arcades,” Chinatown Fair has surprised many with its remarkable ability to stay open under the strain of the modern world. Originally opened in 1944 by Pakistani immigrant Sam Palmer, the arcade began during an era where Skee-Ball was one of the most prominent and enticing arcade games you could play. However, as Palmer understood, times would soon change and he needed to change with them. Chinatown Fair withstood the test of time due to its ability to adapt to the wants and needs of the people. The arcade changed it’s featured games to accompany trends like pinball, Pacman, Nintendo and more as was necessary.

Despite the arcade’s strong adaptability, it would soon begin to feel the strain of modern day gaming. As rent prices increased and most gaming trends shifted to online video games, arcades all across the city began to fade out of relevancy. Hesitant to give in to the grim fate of other in-person arcades, Palmer decided to make drastic changes. He began to add specific rare fighting-games to his arcade, ones that you couldn’t find online. Additionally, if you take another glance at the Chinatown Fair sign, you would see a mention of tic-tac-toe playing chickens posted right in the center. That’s right, Chinatown Fair had chickens that would duel people in tic-tac-toe! These remarkable additions to Chinatown Fair attracted a certain niche of people who find themselves regularly hooked to the attractions of the arcade. This quick thinking by Palmer allowed him to sustain relevancy for much longer than any other arcades due to it’s unique and odd additions.

However, even still Palmer could not keep up with his diminishing revenue and increases in rent. He was forced to shut his doors in 2011 and retire. The arcade remained closed for over  a year until it was picked up and revamped by its new owner Lonnie Sobel. The new arcade featured games like air hockey, Super Shot basketball and Down the Clown, all of which are fun and engaging for the modern day youth. While there may no longer be any tic-tac-toe playing chickens, Chinatown Fair remains one of the few arcades left standing in the new era and for good reason.

Researcher: Daniyal Rana