History of COCA

Collecting coin operated machines had grown quickly during the late 1970’s and throughout the 1980’s.  By the mid 1990’s it had peaked and there seemed to be lack of new collectors entering the hobby.

C.O.C.A. founder, Frank DeMayo wondered what the future held for the hobby. Frank had always met for drinks and conversation with a few of the guys on Thursday evening prior to the Chicagoland Gameroom Show in St. Charles Illinois.  It was at one of those gatherings that he proposed the idea of forming an organized group of coin-op collectors. It sounded like a great idea, so with his wife Gloria he spread the word and formed a club.

A few years later Paul Hindin was elected President of C.O.C.A.  He served for many years and was a vital force in the club’s growth.  Paul also became coordinator of the official club magazine, COCA TIMES.

In 2004 the club held its first national convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Local gatherings also began to happen all over the country.  Many collectors clubs in other hobbies have had membership declines over the last few years.  Through innovation, C.O.C.A. has continued to grow and now has more than 600 active members.