Old Plantation

Old Plantation is a rare example of J.H. Keeney & Co.'s later efforts in the declining years of their pinball production. Released in 1961, this electro-mechanical machine reflects the mid-century fascination with nostalgic Americana, drawing from imagery of antebellum plantations and rural Southern life—though today its themes may be seen as dated or problematic.

Keeney, more widely known for its jukeboxes and novelty games, produced only a limited number of pinball titles. Old Plantation features a woodrail cabinet with modest artwork, subdued playfield elements, and mechanical scoring typical of the era. Gameplay emphasizes simple target shooting, offering a slower, more deliberate pace compared to the fast-action tables that would emerge just a few years later.

Machines like Old Plantation mark the transition between the postwar golden age of pinball and the more innovation-driven games of the late '60s. For collectors and historians, it offers a glimpse into the aesthetics and design priorities of a lesser-known but once-prolific Chicago manufacturer on the cusp of obsolescence.