I've been waiting for someone else to tell this story about a huge
jackpot in more detail but no one has come forward.  My knowledge is
scant, but I do have the basic details.

The Original Svoboda Nickelodeon Tavern in the Chicago area is a well
known piece of history.  In addition to all the magnificent musical
machines that operated as intended, Al Svoboda tailored a few things to
add character and make money.  One such item was mounted atop the main
back bar.  It was a group of figures which could be set into motion by
tossing a coin into a basket on top of the bar.

When the tavern finally completely closed, everything within was sold
including the back bar.  When it was removed, decades of coins which
had missed the basket were scooped up in buckets.  Al Svoboda rolled
the Indian head pennies in normal coin rolls.  He always carried a roll
with him, and passed out pennies to acquaintances as a souvenir of the
old tavern.

Of course there was more than just pennies.   It was a real treasure
trove, and was a silent reminder of years of good times at Svobodas.
It is all history now.

Bob Taylor