Put a nickel in the Nickelodeon…

Were you surprised at the varied history of the vending machine? You take them for granted.

Back in the middle of the 20th Century, US employers became interested in installing more vending machines in their factories. It turns out they motivated workers, and kept them from wanting to leave the plant during their breaks. Increased productivity resulted.

Here are the answers to this week's quiz.

1. The first-ever vending machine was designed by:
   
   • Hero of Alexandria (Egyptian holy water)
2. You're in an English pub in 1615. What can you buy from the vending machine?
   
   • Snuff and tobacco
3. What did the first patented vending machine (1886, USA) dispense?
   
   • Postcards (No, not that kind)
4. What illegal material could you buy from an English vending machine in 1822?
   
   • A copy of Tom Paine's Age of Reason (Hotter than dirty postcards)
5. What could you buy from the vending machines in the New York City El in 1888?
   
   • Chewing gum (Just don't leave it under the seat)
6. In 1892, a Utah company came up with a unique vending machine item. What could you buy for $2.50 in coins?
   
   • Divorce papers (No comment)
7. Why were authorities alarmed by the soft drink vending machines at Coney Island in 1900?
   
   • Shared tin cups (Note to self: invent paper cup)
8. Where did the idea of vending machine restaurants originate?
   
   • Berlin (Philadelphia was the first in the US)
9. In 1937, some British readers could buy paperback books from a vending machine. What was the machine called?
   
   • The Penguincubator (We are not making this up.)
10. What did the Carvana company begin selling from vending machines in 2013?
    
    • Used cars (Okay, it's a very BIG vending machine.)

What's your favourite thing to buy from a vending machine? What's the weirdest thing you've ever bought from a vending machine? Tell us about it below..

Dmitri Gheorgheni

24.08.15 Front Page

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