Yes, Skittle Bowl is from the Aurora Plastics Corporation, makers of all those great model kits. This information is from Aurora Model Kits, by Thomas Graham. The game was designed by Derek Brand, and based on an old English pub game called Skittles. After a few changes, it became Skittle Bowl, and went on sale in 1968. During Christmas that year Aurora sold $2 million worth of the games, at $10 a game. At one point it was the best selling game in America. Although a hit, subsequent attempts to enter the games market were not, and this eventually killed Aurora. Skittle Bowl therefore holds a place of infamy in the history of Aurora.
As I recall, the pakage had a photo of Don Adams (TV's Maxwell Smart) playing it. I think there was also poker variation with him wearing a green eyeshade.
Oh I don't know Woodsy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a skittles guillotine, and they all look dead to me !
Ha ha, monstrous that Mish!
DeleteYes, Skittle Bowl is from the Aurora Plastics Corporation, makers of all those great model kits. This information is from Aurora Model Kits, by Thomas Graham.
ReplyDeleteThe game was designed by Derek Brand, and based on an old English pub game called Skittles. After a few changes, it became Skittle Bowl, and went on sale in 1968. During Christmas that year Aurora sold $2 million worth of the games, at $10 a game. At one point it was the best selling game in America. Although a hit, subsequent attempts to enter the games market were not, and this eventually killed Aurora.
Skittle Bowl therefore holds a place of infamy in the history of Aurora.
Fascinating Paul. So it was games that killed Aurora?
DeleteAs I recall, the pakage had a photo of Don Adams (TV's Maxwell Smart) playing it.
ReplyDeleteI think there was also poker variation with him wearing a green eyeshade.
Yes, I recall seeing him in the box in the shop Looey! Don Adams. Star placement!
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