Once Upon a Time in Maine, This Token Meant Everything to Kids

The thought may actually be too difficult to imagine for kids these days. That video games weren't in every house. Games were in the palm of their hand with smartphones.

For about three solid decades, the best and most challenging video games could only be found through arcades. And there was no more prominent arcade chain in New England than Dream Machine.

Dream Machine Arcades Were Spread Throughout New England

Founded in the early 70's in Massachusetts, Dream Machine didn't really find its true footing and popularity until the 80's.

That's when video games really began to take off in public consumption thanks to the Nintendo Entertainment System home console.

It was at that point that a demand for arcades rose and Dream Machine began spreading its wings.

Eventually, they opened three major arcades in Maine. Inside the Maine Mall, Auburn Mall and a signature location near the Pier in Old Orchard Beach.

Neon Colors and Loud Sounds Plus Tokens and Tickets Made Dream Machine Great

If you ever got a chance to walk through the door of a Dream Machine, you were instantly hit with the bright lights and neon colors as well as the sounds of games, buzzers and people simply having fun.

eBay via Intergalactic Mayhem Trading Post

There was nothing quite like having a pocket full of Dream Machine tokens, trying to decide which game you would play next. Are you in it for the tickets or for the high score?

Many people still wax nostalgic about Dream Machine in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. There was something special about having dueling arcades. Palace Playland still stands today while Dream Machine closed in OOB in 2005.

Even with Dream Machine gone for more than two decades, one small token can bring back so much happiness.