Pinhawk Club: Resurrecting the Past with Old Pinball Machines

Winona high school students combine art and science skills through the restoration of vintage pinball machines

In recent years, the popularity of old pinball machines has surged. These once forgotten relics of a bygone era are now being restored to working order by enthusiasts across the country. Winona Area Learning Center teacher, Matthew Wagner, saw this trend and decided to start a new club for his students. Called the Pinhawk Club, this group focuses on restoring broken pinball machines to their former glory.

Wagner and one of the student members, high school junior Corey Duncan, spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about their efforts and the impact of the club. They shared how they were working on restoring their first pinball machine and planned to auction it off on Saturday to raise funds for the club.

The audio player above features the full conversation between Wurzer, Wagner, and Duncan. Listeners can also subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. Transcripts for each broadcast are typically available the next business day. The support of listeners like you helps MPR News continue to provide accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation for everyone without paywalls or barriers. Your gift truly makes a difference.

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