Stern

Stern is the name of two different but related arcade gaming companies: Stern Electronics, Inc. and Stern Pinball, Inc. The first of these companies is Stern Electronics, Inc., founded by amusement industry-legend Sam Stern. Harry E. Williams, founded Williams Manufacturing Company in 1946. Sam Stern was a Philadelphia area distributor and operator when he purchased half of Williams Electronics in the early 50s. He served as president of Williams... more

Stern is the name of two different but related arcade gaming companies: Stern Electronics, Inc. and Stern Pinball, Inc. The first of these companies is Stern Electronics, Inc., founded by amusement industry-legend Sam Stern. Harry E. Williams, founded Williams Manufacturing Company in 1946. Sam Stern was a Philadelphia area distributor and operator when he purchased half of Williams Electronics in the early 50s. He served as president of Williams Electronics for several years. Stern Electronics was formed when the Stern family bought the financially-troubled Chicago Coin in 1977. After a weak start, Stern Electronics' sales started picking up by the end of 1977. Although not as successful as rivals Williams and Bally (Gottlieb had been purchased in 1977 by Columbia Pictures but was still a formidable competitor as well), Stern managed to produce its share of moderately successful pinballs as well. Also, in 1979, Stern acquired jukebox maker Seeburg Corporation, and the company became... less