Wonderland
Wonderland Preview Image
Machine Details
Manufacturer
Williams Electronics
Year
1955
Technology Era
Electro-Mechanical (EM)
Machine Description
Released by Williams Manufacturing Company on April 26, 1955, Wonderland is an Alice in Wonderland-themed electro-mechanical pinball machine designed by Harry Williams with artwork by George Molentin. This single-player game offered "5 balls for 5 cents" during the mid-1950s era when Williams was establishing itself as a major pinball manufacturer.
The playfield features two flippers, three pop bumpers, one kick-out hole, and one gobble hole. The design represents the simplified but effective layouts typical of mid-1950s pinball machines, focusing on player skill and timing rather than complex rule sets. George Molentin's backglass artwork depicts whimsical scenes from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, capturing the fantasy elements of the classic story.
The machine represents an important period in Williams' history under founder Harry Williams' design leadership. The Wonderland theme demonstrates how pinball manufacturers of the 1950s drew inspiration from popular literature and culture to create engaging player experiences during the post-war boom in coin-operated entertainment.