Two arcade patrons enjoying pinball.
Race Leader is one of the many vintage video games at Time Masheen Arcade in downtown Chehalis.
A new Chehalis business is offering old-school entertainment. Time Masheen Arcade, which opened at 570 N. Market Blvd. on Saturday, has more than 20 classic arcade games, including such hits as Frogger, Pac-Man and Dig Dug.
“There’s a nostalgia factor. A lot of people grew up with these games,” said owner Pete Hammer.
Hammer said he wanted to help fill a void in the community.
“There’s really nothing to do in Chehalis,” he said.
Hammer thought of the idea while playing with his 13-year-old son, Joey.
“We both started getting into pinball on the PlayStation 3 so I decided we should play some real pinball,” he said.
Hammer found a space in downtown Chehalis and worked with the city to obtain a business licence.
“It really grew out of the desire to learn about business, to do something fun and to have something to do in Chehalis,” Hammer, a teacher of 16 years, said.
He started buying classic arcade games on craigslist and teaching his son about business in the process. The two are still looking for games such as Defender, Asteroids and Centipede.
“He’s learned to process story problems better as a result of real-world experience. As a teacher, I appreciate that,” said Hammer, who teaches at the Wa He Lut Indian School north of Olympia.
He said his son also does the technical part of the business, including moderating the Facebook page, running the cash register and programming the machines.
While the Hammers are learning about running a business, they aren’t doing it for the money.
“It’s entertainment at 1980s prices,” Hammer said. “I’m providing something for my community. I want to be a part of revitalization of downtown Chehalis.”
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Amy Nile: (360) 807-8235
