Land Of Oz: Lakeland Mall

This Land Of Oz was situated within the Lakeland Mall at Lakeland, Florida. It’s exact opening date is unknown but was likely sometime prior to 1973, when Jessie Tinsley was brought on as co-owner and manager. May 1976 is the 1st time we see it mentioned in local newspapers as a mall tenant. Owner Jessie Tinsley was a former mall janitor who became part owner and manager unexpectedly one day when the current owner handed him the keys. He kept a tight grip on the arcade, always keeping an emotional distance from the customers. This location featured an After Burner cockpit cabinet, which was one of the first flight simulator games that featured a cockpit that moved along with the game. The exact closing date of the arcade is unknown, but was likely in late 1988 or early 1989. The last print mention of this location was in December 1988. This location ran on quarters, at least from 1980 onward.