Operating the pier playlands a long-running family tradition
George Gordon, who co-founded the Playland Arcade located on the Santa Monica Pier, died on April 13. He was 91.
Gordon was born in Philadel-phia on October 15, 1913. He moved out to California in 1941, serving in the United States Navy during the Second World War. After the war, he operated a route owning and servicing pinball machines located in bars and arcades.
Gordon, his father, Morris, and his late brother, Gene, opened the Playland Arcade in 1952. Four generations of the Gordon family have since owned and operated amusements located on the Santa Monica Pier, including the Carousel, children’s rides, a shooting gallery, a billiard parlor and an archery range.
Gordon was known as a champion who was always prepared to confront the unsteady political climates, fierce storms and constant wear that has threatened the Santa Monica Pier in the past.
The Playland Arcade is the old-est continuously operating business on the Santa Monica Pier, employing as many as 30 people during the peak summer months.
Gordon is survived by his wife, June; his daughters Marlene and Joanie; his grandchildren Dana, Monique, Shannon, Kym and Valerie; his great-grandchildren Micaylia and Jaden. His daughter, Barbara, is also deceased.
Today, the Playland Arcade is run by Marlene and Joanie Gordon.
“We have not only lost a unique individual, but we are also losing a link to our past.” — Santa Monica City Councilman Ken Genser said his passing marks the end of an era. Genser said
“It’s very sad to hear about George’s passing,”
When she was a little girl, Marlene Gordon said she would come home at night and count pennies on the kitchen table.
“At one time, everyone in the family worked the arcade,” she said. “It’s always been a family operation.”
Gordon was a prominent member of the Los Angeles business community, a founding member of the Westside Chapter of the Kidney Foundation and a member of the Westside Racquet Club, where he was known to occasionally play tennis with actor Lloyd Bridges.
The City Council and Santa Monica Historical Society have recognized him for his contributions to the city of Santa Monica.
A public memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier.
If desired, donations may be sent in George Gordon’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, American Diabetes Association and/or City of Hope.
Noe Jimenez, a supervisor at the Playland Arcade who has worked there for 22 years, said Gordon was a good man to work for and know.
“Mr. Gordon was a nice guy. One of the reasons why so many of the employees have worked so long here is because no one ever saw him in a bad mood,” Jimenez said. “He was always smiling and telling jokes, and he lived his life like that.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 7, 2005. Read the original PDF.