Reclaim Arcade: If Only You Could See What I’ve Seen with Your Eyes

Eyes are the neon shutters to the soul of Reclaim Arcade…

Image of Reclaim Arcade neon sign

The shot!
Tim Stahmer’s “Reclaim in Neon” -click image to see original on Flickr

Last weekend Tim Stahmer and Kathy Manley stopped by Reclaim Arcade with cameras in hand. Tim has been a big fan of the arcade, and I am thrilled he finally made it down. By pure happenstance I happened to check-in at the arcade the morning he arrived, and it was fun to do a short tour with him via robot from Italy.

robot in the arcade

Bavabot!
Tim Stahmer’s “Our Co-Host” click image for link to original on Flickr

Tim’s photos are up at his Flickr account, and I have already tweeted about how much I love the:

But seeing both his and Kathy’s photos reminded me how special it is to see your vision refracted through the lens of someone else’s eyes, and the fact it becomes almost something else to you in some bizarrely beautiful transmogrification of experience. It’s hard to articulate, but it’s like I am seeing it all anew in a way that is truly special, so thanks to them both.

Detail of Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy pinball

Detail from our newest pinball Guardians of the Galaxy
Tim Stahmer’s “I am Groot” -click image to be brought to original on Flickr

I really loved see the space reflected back to me in ways I just never saw it, particularly the detail of Groot from our newest pinball, Guardians of the Galaxy,” that I have only seen via Robot.

family playing Rally X cocktail game

Rally-X is a Family Affair
Tim Stahmer’s “Table Game” – click image to see original on Flickr

I have said it before, but the side art and lit marquees from these games, not to mention the attraction screen, are all the furniture you’d ever need. They are so beautiful, and see the detail from photos like the family at the Rally-X cocktail highlights that for me, such as the Heist pinball side art, and the Donkey Kong in the background, not to mention the lit coin slots on the Kangaroo way off to the back. It is all so gorgeous. But more than anything it is the glow of the CRT on the players that highlights that shared object of desire that brings folks together. If only you could see what I’ve seen with your eyes…

side art of Congo Bongo video game cabinet

Details from the glorious side art of Congo Bongo
Tim Stahmer’s “Congo Bongo” – click image to see original on Flickr

Detail of Rockem Sockem Robots

Rockin ’em and sockin ’em up close and personal
Tim Stahmer’s “Rockem Sockem Robots” -click image for original on Flickr

Reflection of arcade machines

Nintendo Row in Relief
Tim Stahmer’s “Arcade Reflection”

Kathy’s photos are amazing, and you can see them all here: https://www.work2snap.com/Northern-Virginia-Parks-/Reclaim-Arcade/

I wanted to avoid reproducing anything without permissions, so I am linking to a few gems here:

And there are so many more, I am gonna have to reach out to both Tim and Kathy to see if we can get some of this amazing shots on our Google, Yelp, or Trip Advisor profile, we need your eyes!

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2 Responses to Reclaim Arcade: If Only You Could See What I’ve Seen with Your Eyes

  1. Tim Stahmer says:

    Happy you like the photos, Jim. As I told your partner, you are welcome to use any of my pictures of the arcade in any way. We had a great time and I plan to return very soon since my game skills need a lot of practice after so many years.

    • Reverend says:

      That is pretty awesome, and we really appreciate you coming and spending the time to not only photograph, but even share your shots. I do love them, thanks for hanging at the arcade!

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