Absolute Multi-Arcade Estate Auction Event

It was more than half a century ago in the Klatzko Family’s Kiddieland Park located in Lincolnwood, Illinois where, in early 1949 Mr. Elmer Schmitt began what was to become the largest Auto Photo Booth and Arcade Operations in the country.  Mr. Schmitt’s humble beginnings began to rapidly progress throughout the years joint-venturing with others, opening new businesses throughout the country, operating during the day in Drive-In Movie Theater parking lots and flea markets.  It was no surprise that locations began to contact him to set-up arcades and photo booths in their facilities; locations such as Woolworth, the Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo, Train Stations, Fairyland Park, Santa’s Village and Adventureland.  It was also no surprise that his son, Carl would soon be following in his father’s footsteps. 

As a young boy, along with his siblings, Carl would help his father mix the chemicals for the photo booths in their basement and as soon as he was old enough to drive he began to maintain routes alongside his two brothers.  Carl continued working with his father running their distributorship by the name of National Coin and in the early 1970’s Carl and his wife Carol started their first business together, Cavalcade Amusement Corp where they signed on with the Mike Wold Carnival circuit in Chicago operating an Arcade under a 40’ x 60’ tent.  During this same period of time, Carl also took over the family business operations from Elmer as he was now ready for retirement. Carl’s ingenuity soon paved the way for what became “Token Arcades” showcasing his concept with his wife by side at the Atlanta, Georgia IAAPA convention in 1977.

Mr. Dave Appel, Director of Operations and Mr. Ron Lukwinski, Primary Technician were both long time employees beginning their tenures in 1972 and continuing with the Schmitt family operations until 1999 and 2010 respectively.  Mr.’s Appel and Lukwinski have stated that at the height of the industry, the Schmitt’s had operated 48 game rooms in 19 states throughout the country.  Needless to say, the Schmitt’s are legendary in the amusement industry. It was December 20, 2001 when Elmer Schmitt passed away and with his loving family by his side, on September 26, 2014 Carl had finally succumbed to his seven and half year long battle with cancer. 

Such proud men who dedicated their lives to their family and the businesses that all began from a passion for the industry and an Auto Photo Booth.  Sadly the legacy has now come to an end.  Mrs. Schmitt and her family are grateful for all of the wonderful years and the memories they hold. They now wish for new memories to be made for other families and businesses alike. Family Amusements, Inc. have made the very difficult decision to close this chapter of their family’s story and Super Auctions is honored to have been chosen to assist them in accomplishing this. All assets including those from the remaining three, currently operating mall arcade centers will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of price in a one-day Live and Live Online Simultaneously Broadcast Auction event.

The auction will be conducted on Saturday, February 21, 2015.  Please visit www.SuperAuctions.com or call (714) 329-1373 for further details and complete auction information. The Schmitt Family Legacy will now live on through you.  We appreciate your time and consideration in assisting us with the creation of a phenomenal auction for the Final Schmitt Family Adventure.  We look forward to seeing you soon…at the AUCTION!