This antique Criss Cross A-Lite pinball machine will be one of many to be houses—and played—in the National Pinball Museum, scheduled to open later this summer in Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

A Maryland man who owns some 900 pinball machines plans to open a public museum devoted to the pastime in Washington, D.C.

David Silverman, 62, currently operates The National Pinball Museum out of a small warehouse in his backyard in suburban, Maryland. Later this summer, Silverman will move part of his collection into an upscale shopping mall in the Georgetown neighborhood of the nation’s Capitol.

Silverman plans a public non-profit museum that will host historical exhibits, pinball-related films, classes on topics such as woodworking and a rotating selection of pinball games for the public.

Four months ago, Silverman got an offer from the Shops at Georgetown Park to house the museum rent-free for two years, an offer he says he couldn’t refuse.

Taking over space previously occupied by an F.A.O. Schwartz outlet in the Shops at Georgetown Park, the museum will be a shrine to one of America’s most fascinating cultural icons. The museum will include a theater showing movies about pinball, classrooms and teaching areas, a permanent exhibit on the history of pinball and, best of all, a rotating collection of playable pinball games.

Visitors to the new, 14,000-square-foot location will pay a $13.50 entrance fee for access to the exhibits, library, theater, classroom, restoration room, gift shop and pay-to-play room. The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, starting in September.

Silverman’s goal in building his collection over the years has been to gather historically significant machines, either because of their rarity or because they are representative of the age in which they were built, from the 1870s to the modern day.

For example, who can forget these lyrics from “Pinball Wizard,” The Who’s 1968 rock opera “Tommy” (which was made into a movie in 1975)?

“Ever since I was a young boy I’ve played the silver ball From Soho down to Brighton I must have played them all But I ain’t seen nothing like him In any amusement hall That deaf, dumb and blind kid Sure plays a mean pinball.”

The Who's "Tommy" album cover.

Besides just being fun to play, the best pinball machines are a delightful mix of engineering and graphic art that reflects the changing tastes of American culture.

They carry such classic titles as Banzai Run; Daily Races; Guns ‘N Roses; Jockey Club; Creature from the Black Lagoon; Indiana Jones; Queen of Hearts; The Rolling Stones; Kiss; Dolly Parton; and Heavy Metal Meltdown.

According to Silverman, the heyday of pinball was in the 1960s and 1970s—before video games hit the market. Only one company—Stern Pinball in Illinois—still makes the machines. Silverman values some of his machines at thousands of dollars, adding that collectors willingly pay $5,000 and up for rare machine at conventions or on eBay.

Says Silverman: “The museum will offer a history lesson, but a fun history lesson. This will be the most fun national museum in Washington.”

For more information, visit www.nationalpinballmuseum.org.

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Walt Kolenda, better known as Auction Wally, appraises an antique print at the Readsboro, Vt. Historical Society's Antiques Appraisal event.

Walt Kolenda is a busy man, indeed.

Probably better known as “Auction Wally,” Kolenda has turned his love for and knowledge of auctions, antiques and appraisals into a highly successful—and enjoyable—business.

Born and reared in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Kolenda now makes his home in Barre, Mass., where he hosts a radio show, publishes a newsletter, writes a national auctions-and-antiques column for The Examiner newspaper, manages a free online appraisal archive, and—in his spare time—works as an auctioneer.

In an interview with WorthPoint, Kolenda said that antiques and auctions have always been a business for him—not just a hobby.

Kolenda always has an eye out for something that will be of use in this radio show, newsletter, national newspaper column, appraisal archive and auctioneer business.

“I began by selling some personal items, like records and books, to shops on the East Side of Providence. A couple of book dealers taught me what to look for and told me what they’d buy and for how much, so I started picking up more of it, and branched off into glass, jewelry furniture and then anything thought I could re-sell at a profit. I really became a picker right away in the business, and still consider myself to be one.”

We asked Kolenda how important the Internet had been in developing his business.

“It wasn’t that critical in developing the different lines so much, but was a huge boost to my overall bottom line. Now, instead of every item going to a wholesaler, I get my inventory directly into the hands of collectors, or, if not collectors, then at least to dealers who will pay more than what I was used to getting.”

Kolenda says that the many charity auctions he does are both fun and important: “Like a lot of auctioneers and antiques dealers, I do events for local charities, libraries, community centers and other non-profit groups.

“The most unusual events I’ve done were two ‘Llamas for Ludlow’ auctions in Ludlow, Vermont. The first was for about 35 full-sized hand-painted or sculpted llama statues. There were llamas on a wide range of themes. I even sold Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees llamas. The Yankees llama beat out the Red Sox llama by about $500.

“The highlight was a llama made with thousands of tiny pieces of stained glass. It went for $10,000,” Kolenda said. “It was a fun sale, and we grossed more than $80,000 for ‘Streetscapes of Ludlow,’ a non-profit art organization.”

Kolenda says his business rode out the recent Great Recession fairly well. “Much better than most businesses,” he said. “Prices are down a bit, but because so many people are liquidating, there is more activity than ever before.”

As for the major trends in the auctions and collectibles business in 2010, Kolenda says that “the public waking up to the fact that antiques and collectibles are much cheaper than their current counterparts.

“It’s a myth that the average antique is priced exorbitantly. Sure, an authentic Chippendale highboy can cost many thousands of dollars, but there is an enormous amount of nice, solid late-19th-century oak furniture passing the auction block for less than $100 a piece! If you go later into some of the very well made 1920s to ’40s mahogany pieces, you can get many of them for $50-$75 each.

“I think people are finally catching on that the particle-board furniture at the big box stores, accessorized with cheap sheet metal and plastic lamps set on wafer-thin rugs that curl up at the edges is not a bargain at any price.

“Most of these shoddy goods break or wear out long before the credit-card payments are complete. You can still get new furniture that is of equal quality to antique furniture, but it’s not at the big box discount stores, it’s at fine furniture outlets.

“I was in one such place recently that had beautiful, high-quality spindle-back benches for $1,000, solid oak and mahogany dining room sets starting at $3,500, and bedroom sets at about the same price. So you can furnish your house with quality furniture that will match the workmanship of many antiques, but for an average home, you’re probably looking at a cost of $35,000 to $50,000 for a full-house of furniture and accessories.

“Or, you can be patient, pick your battles and have fun at auctions, antique shops and flea markets. A savvy buyer can get a house-full of furniture and accessories for less than $3,000. You won’t be able to order it from a catalog and pick out exactly what you’re looking for, but for people who love this stuff, the thrill is in the hunt. Not only that, but if and when it comes time to sell it, there’s a good chance you’ll make a profit or at least re-coup a good part of your investment.”

“And here’s an added plus: Antiques and used items are the ultimate green products. After all, there’s no manufacturing impact on the planet for an item that’s already made.”

Kolenda’s endeavors include his weekly auction in Barre that is a general merchandise sale, which usually features a good selection of antiques and collectibles. He’s excited about an upcoming antique sale on May 20, which will feature an excellent Henry XVI bronze & marble clock, fine porcelain figurines glass and china.

Ongoing projects keeping him busy are his online appraisal archive, where he also answers questions about auctions and antiques in his column, “Ask an Auctioneer.”

He loves sharing his knowledge of antiques, auctions & negotiating. He is most proud of his business roots as a picker and is currently finishing up a new e-book, “How to Buy Antiques Like a Pro,” in which he’ll be sharing his best information, tips and secrets on buying antiques that he’s gathered in his 30 years as a picker.

For more information on Auction Wally, please visit his:

Free Online Appraisal Archive

National Examiner column

Weekly Newsletter

Auctioneer Business

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Hence began a seven-year blitz on legislators and influential businessmen that ended in 1914 with President Woodrow Wilson signing a resolution that the second Sunday in May would be set aside to pay homage to that marvelous creature who went through childbirth.

We were hardly the first country to do so. If you look far enough back, the Greeks had a thing about Rhea, the mother of the gods. Today, many cultures celebrate a Mother’s Day. Although, in most countries, Mother’s Day is a relatively new concept borrowed from Western culture.

"My Mother" plaque

(The items pictured are featured on GoAntiques. Click the image for details.)

In many African countries, the idea of one Mother’s Day has its origins in copying the British concept of Mothering Day, although there are many festivals and events celebrating mothers within the many diverse cultures on the African continent that have been there for centuries long before the colonials arrived.

Argentina observes Mother’s Day — Día de la madre — on the second Sunday in October. It is customary to honor mothers with dinners, poems and special gestures of attention. Children write letters in school or make cards and crafts to take home.

Mother’s Day in Australia is similar to that in the United States, in which families visit each other and enjoy dinner together. In addition to flowers, cards, jewelry and chocolates, it is customary for Australians to exchange perfume and teas on Mother’s Day.

Longaberger Mother's Day basket

Like the rest of Europe, Britain and Ireland in the 17th century observed the mid-Lent holiday and honored and decorated their “Mother Church,” the church where they were baptized. The church eventually extended the observation to honor all mothers on Mothering Sunday. In addition, cakes and flowers—especially violets—are given to mothers on Mother’s Day. It is customary to serve simnel cake, a glazed fruitcake.

In Bahrain, Mother’s Day is called Ruz-e Madar and coincides with the first day of spring, observed as March 21, as are the Mother’s Day celebrations in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

Canada made Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1909. The Canadian customs largely reflect those of its southern neighbor, although in Canada there is an added emphasis on doing chores for the mother and cooking her supper.

Canada geese Mother's Day plate from Gorham

While China’s Mother’s Day distinguishes itself little from the United States’, it is interesting to note that most Chinese names begin with a character signifying “mother” in honor of one’s maternal heritage, helping explain the cultural compatibility of such a holiday, despite being imported from the West.

Mother’s Day in Ethiopia occurs in mid-fall when the rainy season ends. Called Antrosht, Ethiopians celebrate by making their way home when the weather clears for a large family meal and a three-day-long celebration.

In Finland, Mother’s Day is called aidipayiva. In the morning, the family arises and takes a walk, picking the new flowers which bloom this time of year and making a bouquet for the mother. Back home, mother is presented with a decorated bouquet while being served breakfast in bed.

Inspired by American soldiers in World War I, France first celebrated Mother’s Day in 1918. The minister of the interior created the official day in 1920, declaring December 19 La Fête de Mères, Mothers’ Day. Today a common gift is a cake shaped to resemble a bouquet of flowers, along with candies, flowers, cards and perfumes.

Hong Kong’s holiday, called mu quin jie, is notable for its custom to pay honor to the parent of the mother if she is deceased.

In India, a westernized version of Mother’s Day is officially observed on May 10. On this day, mothers receive flowers, a prepared meal, cards or a phone call. Apart from the modern version of Mother’s Day, Hindus have long celebrated a 10-day festival in October called Durga Puja. This Hindu holiday praises the divine mother, Durga. This ancient festival has evolved into one of the biggest events in India. Families spend weeks preparing food and gifts for friends and cleaning and decorating their houses for parties.

Batik painting of Durga

Italy celebrates La Festa della Mamma with a big feast and a cake made in the shape of a heart. Typically, Italian schoolchildren will make something to bring home to their mothers, and the family will take care of the chores for the day.

In Japan, Mother’s Day is called Haha no hi. From 1913 when Japanese Christians were already celebrating it, the holiday grew steadily in popularity. Today the Japanese celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. A family may prepare and enjoy traditional dishes that their mothers taught them to cook. The Japanese give their mothers flowers (especially red carnations), scarves, handkerchiefs and handbags.

Mexico celebrates Día de la madre on May 10. In the morning, the mother is usually treated to a song sung by her family or a serenade by a hired band. A family breakfast or brunch is also customary. Any family trouble or enmity is laid aside, and all gather to honor the matriarch. Mexicans typically exchange flowers and chocolates.

Ecuadoran painting of mother and child

Mother and child oil painting

The May 10th celebration of motherhood in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is called Yaum ul-Umm. It is inspired by and modeled after the Western tradition of Mother’s Day on which all mothers are honored and given gifts. Celebrations and feasts are customary.

In Singapore, Mother’s Day places a heavy emphasis on marketing a wide variety of gifts including spa packages, hampers, jewelry and other more traditional presents, such as flowers.

In Spain, Mother’s Day is December 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so that not only mothers in one’s family are honored, but also Mary, mother of Jesus.

Sandra Kuck's Loving Steps china dolls

In Sweden, Mother’s Day takes place on the last Sunday in May and has a strong charitable focus: The Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children.

Perhaps the most unusual Asian Mother’s Day holiday takes place in Thailand. The celebration coincides with the birthday of their beloved queen, Sirikit Kitiyakara, who has reigned since 1950. Her birthday, and therefore Mother’s Day, takes place on August 12.

Minnie Mouse Mother's Day plate

With approximately 190 countries in the world, I have just touched the surface of celebrations. But to all mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, wherever you live, whatever you do, Happy Mother’s Day to each and every one of you.

Want to let your mother know how much you care? Send her WorthPoint’s “Happy Mother’s Day” video compiled from vintage postcards.

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