The Lost Arcade

Chinatown Fair began as a penny arcade on Mott Street in 1944. Over the years, this dimly lit venue, famous for its tic-tac-toe playing chicken, evolved into a cultural landmark. It managed to endure through gang conflicts, shifts in entertainment preferences, and the rapid rise of home gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation, which led to the closure of many other arcades in the city. However, as the area underwent gentrification, this sanctuary for a varied and unexpected community encountered its toughest obstacle, motivating its most dedicated fans to reach new heights.