PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

6 hours ago, hizzy said:

Green looks like they were the Guavas. The Bananas must have been yellow. The Litchis were light blue. I wonder about the others?

Hizzy, I have some more pictures of the Family Vacation, and I went through them all, and I'm attaching pictures where we can match up more teams with their respective colors.

 

So here we have The Kiwis.

By the way, I love this picture.  It tells a whole story.  Check out the guy at the bottom, just sitting there, watching everyone else work.  I guess he was supervising.  And then, his teammate on the top-left (in the glasses), looking over at him, thinking "You lazy, son of a....."

 

Hizzy, you were right, The Bananas can be be seen here in yellowish shirts.  Now, there are several teams in this picture, but I can't make out any additional team names that we haven't already

 

I believe that's The Pineapples there on the left

 

The Kumquats.  I think this was Dan Kitchen's team.  In my original post, there's a picture of Dan with a shirt that might be this same color

 

And I'm guessing these could be either the papayas or the mangos

 

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

14 hours ago, CPUWIZ said:

I have a few Activision items, not pictured.  Maybe we should make this the official Activision promo thread.

That's a great idea, Wiz.  There are so many promo items scattered throughout different threads.  It'd be nice to have everything in one location.

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

1 hour ago, hizzy said:

The Activision shirts look to belong to teams. So far I can make out "The Figs" and "The Cashews". 

That's right, Hizzy.  The Figs and Cashews were two of the teams in the Beach Olympiad.  One of the pics that I posted shows a scoreboard with all 12 of the teams that participated.  Across the top of the scoreboard, you'll see six columns.  Each column represents an event in the olympiad.  And the entire competition took place over the course of two days (Saturday, June 26 & Sunday, June 27; from 2P.M.-5P.M. each day).  Each day, six events took place, for a total of 12 events over the two days.  I've listed 11 different events in my initial post, but beach volleyball took place both days.

 

I asked the former Activision employee if she remembers which team won the competition, but she doesn't recall.  She does remember that the Cashews won the sandcastle building competition, with that awesome Activision logo that you'll see in one of the pictures.  By the way, David Crane was a member of the Cashews.

 

I hope I didn't bore you guys with all this information.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

9 minutes ago, Machine said:

 

Really cool for you to share pics of these. When I saw the leather coasters, I thought it was something recently made. But looking at the rest of the item, they scream early 80's. 

 

I can see how you would think that about the coasters; they're in absolutely pristine condition.  The Activision employee kept everything in immaculate shape.  But yeah, everything is from 1981-1983.  She was explaining to me how, when Activision would release a game, the company would give every employee a copy of the game, along with whatever promotional item(s) was associated with it.  The employees would usually show up to work in the morning and would find these cool gifts on their desks.  From everything she's told me, it really was an awesome place at which to work.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

1 hour ago, cvga said:

Super cool. I love the posters, clothing and other memorabilia as much as the actual games. Really appreciate you sharing all of these great items, pictures and stories JayAre!

It's been my pleasure, CVGA.  I'm glad that you've enjoyed everything.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

3 hours ago, Rom Collector said:

OMG! What a treasure trove! This is better than my Early Isuzu promotional collection.

I hope these Activision pieces eventually make it into a museum, and not up on eBay.

I totally agree with you, Rom Collector.  Especially for items like these, which are fairly scarce, it would be ideal for them to end up in a museum one day, for everyone to enjoy.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

2 hours ago, jhd said:

I wonder if the paperweight was given as an award of some sort. 

 

I have drawers full of pens, coffee mugs, note pads, etc. relating with my employer's branding, but anything personalized is more "special".

 

For example, I received a small desk clock, engraved with my name, Department, etc. as a long-service award. I do not have one, but  corporate-logo jackets are given for long-service and employees otherwise deemed worthy of special recognition. 

Good question, JHD.  Well, I just contacted the former employee (from whom I got all these items), and she told me that every employee received one of these engraved paper weights.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

41 minutes ago, Isaiah Austin said:

Those Activision promotional items are so cool (especially the Stampede leather coasters)! 

My favorites are those coasters and that OINK! pen.

[PICS of Activision promotional items]

I'm posting pictures of these Activision promo items, because I had never seen them before, and I don't see any online pics of them either.  Enjoy!

 

STAMPEDE leather coasters

 

GRAND PRIX racing jacket (front)

 

GRAND PRIX racing jacket (back)

 

Activision pens

 

Activision coffee mugs

 

Activision bumper stickers

 

TENNIS jacket (front)

 

TENNIS jacket (back)

 

PLAQUE ATTACK pencil eraser

 

Activision paper weight, with Barnstorming and Grand Prix images.  These were given to employees; employee name is engraved on top (which I've covered).  The top of the paper weight also has the Activision logo, but it's difficult to see, because of the reflection

 

 

TENNIS towel

 

DECATHLON jogging suit (front of jacket)

 

DECATHLON jogging suit (back of jacket)

 

DECATHLON jogging suit (pants)

 

OINK! promo pen

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

55 minutes ago, draw said:

When I recently read about this 'activity' I just found it great that stuff like this happened.

To be able to see some pics now is downright amazing. Thanks an effin' lot for making these public.

Really diggin' it!

Hey, Draw, thanks for the kind words.  I'm glad that everyone's been enjoying the pictures.  Like you said, it's incredible to be able to see these pics after all these years.  When I first saw them, I was completely blown away.

 

Here's a thread from a while back with some more info. on the event, in case you or anyone else is interested.

 

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

35 minutes ago, Ballblaɀer said:

Exactly right. See this page on Atarimania for photos of the similar awards given to Carol Shaw for the sales of River Raid.

Blazer, that's awesome.  Thanks so much for the information.

[Sears Race gatefold big box]

2 minutes ago, Atari_Bill said:

I’ve got that book too.  Guess I should have looked first. Thanks!  If I’m reading that right it sounds like the driving controllers should come in their own box. I don’t have that box if that’s the case.  

You're welcome.

 

Yeah, that's what it looks like - that the controllers came in their own box.

[Sears Race gatefold big box]

38 minutes ago, Atari_Bill said:

Can someone confirm what’s supposed to be in the Original Sears big box Race?

 

Is the inside boxed game supposed to be the gatefold version?

I assume the racing controllers should be the Sears labeled version?

Did the racing controllers come in a separate interior box or just packaged in the big box with the boxed cart?

 

Just picked up a copy and I don’t think the contents are quite right.  I’ll have to piece together the correct contents if it’s what I think it is. 

Bill, I don't know if this answers your questions, but here goes.  I'm attaching a scan from the book titled Classic 80s Home Video Games by Robert P. Wicker and Jason W. Brassard.  As you can see, for the Race big box, a complete set (fourth bullet point) would include the hang tab outer box and the gatefold cartridge box.  And under the controller (third bullet point), it looks like it came in a "standard box".

 

Hope this helps, at least partially.

 

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

Just noticed something.  In the picture where David Crane is receiving an award, there's a FREEWAY cart (or the image of one) on the plaque.  Although the label color is different.  Maybe it was an award for sales associated with the game.

[Star Wars - Parker Brothers Mail in Rebate.]

2 hours ago, Kamshaft said:

I'm asking for a collector friend.

 

Were these Star Wars rebate offers only done in Canada, or were they done in other parts of the world?

 

Thanks in advance.

Well, here's a rebate coupon from the U.S. with several games, and Empire is one of them.  I hope this answers your question.

 

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

15 hours ago, cvga said:

Would love to have an Activision Family Vacation t-shirt! They look awesome.

 

8 hours ago, buick said:

Those "Activision Beach Olympiad" shirts look so cool! It'd be awesome if someone could get their hands on one.

The former Actimite (as Activision employees called themselves) from whom I got the pictures told me that she still might have her "Family Vacation" and "Beach Olympiad" t-shirts.  She's looking for them.  If she finds them, I'll be sure to post pictures.  Fingers crossed...

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

31 minutes ago, cvga said:

These are also incredible. Would love to have an Activision Family Vacation t-shirt! They look awesome.

Thanks for sharing!!

 

27 minutes ago, TrekMD said:

That was quite the team building activity (in today's jargon!).  Looks like it was a blast.  Thanks for sharing!

You're welcome, guys.

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

51 minutes ago, Rom Hunter said:

Many thanks for sharing this.

Truly amazing to see.

You're very welcome, Rom.  My pleasure.  Glad you liked them.

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

16 minutes ago, Voxel said:

That was incredible!

 

And to think those pictures are almost 40 years old.

[PICTURES of Activision's 1982 Family Vacation to Maui]

In 1982, Activision took all of its employees (and a guest) on an all-expenses paid 4-day vacation to Maui, to celebrate the company's success.  The event was called the Activision Family Vacation.  I was able to acquire pictures from the event and would like to share them with all of you.  You'll see the guests wearing "Beach Olympiad" t-shirts.  This was a competition comprised of the following events:  sandcastle building, lei relay, canoe race, balloon walk, swimming relay, beach volleyball, sack race, egg toss, hula hoop, tug-o-war & pool volleyball.  There were 12 teams made up of 18 to 20 participants each.  Every team was named after a fruit or nut, to go with the tropical theme.  I'm sure you guys will recognize the game designers in the pictures, but I'll point them out, just in case.  Other activities included:  a golf tournament, tennis tournament, snorkeling, surfing & horseback riding.  Enjoy the pictures!

 

 

 

Garry Kitchen

 

 

Guests stayed at the Kapalua Bay Hotel

 

 

 

 

Dan Kitchen, sporting a Chopper Command promotional cap

 

 

 

 

The winning entry in the sandcastle building contest

 

 

Alan Miller

 

 

 

 

 

Carol Shaw

 

 

David Crane, Bob Whitehead and Steve Cartwright

 

David Crane and Jim Levy

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Interesting Activision contests from 1982]

1 hour ago, cvga said:

These are incredible. Love these types of stories and thanks for sharing!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the information.

 

I'd love to see what that helicopter looked like, with a retrofitted TV screen and 2600 console.  I imagine it was all set up in the cockpit, and the competitors were able to sit in the pilot's chair to play the game.  That must have been a pretty awesome experience.

[Interesting Activision contests from 1982]

I found the attached article on video game contests in a 1982 issue of a kids' magazine called SuperMag.  The article mentions contests for two 2600 games:  Chopper Command and Ice Hockey.  In case the text is too small to read, here's the information:

 

"Activision held their Chopper Command Challenge in a helicopter!"

 

"Activision's Ice Hockey finals featured New York Rangers' star Ron Duguay.  The challengers, who had to be 15 years old or under, played the pros to win the Activision Cup and $500."

 

I looked online for info. on these two contests, but I couldn't find anything on the Chopper Command Challenge.  There were a few articles regarding the Ice Hockey contest; I'm attaching one of those, along with a pic of Bryan Trottier during the contest.

 

 

[Atari baseball bat?]

30 minutes ago, cvga said:

That top one seems pretty small for a major leaguer. These were intended for kids. I wonder if all of them came in assorted sizes.

CVGA, I think you're right.  I just measured my Bill Madlock bat, and it's 29".  I went on eBay searching for these Atari bats, and saw another Bill Madlock bat at 30.75".  There was a Joe Morgan at 28", a Jack Clark at 27" and this Darrell Evans one at 28".

 

According to a baseball website, in the modern era, the shortest MLB bat was used by Tony Gwynn at 32.25", with the longest being used by Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio at 36".  The most popular size being 34".  So, these are definitely not regulation-sized bats.

 

Maybe they were made in assorted sizes, like you suggested.

[Atari baseball bat?]

2 minutes ago, CPUWIZ said:

 

I assume the same thing, notice also, how one of them doesn't have the text under the Atari logo.  That one also doesn't match the colors of the other ones, but that one has been used.

 

Cheers.

Good observations.  I hadn't noticed that.

[Atari baseball bat?]

50 minutes ago, CPUWIZ said:

Just got the Evans one, thanks to JayAre.  That one is really rare.

Beautiful picture.

 

Hadn't noticed this before, but there are three different bat lengths.  Could it be that they were made according to the bat lengths that these players used during their careers?  If so, that's pretty nice attention to detail.

 

Congrats on the collection, Wiz.