December 18, 1911 – Vending Machines
Back in 1911, the Autosales Gum and Chocolate Company inquired with the City Council for a license for vending machines. Fast forward to today, vending machines are everywhere, serving up all sorts of tasty treats and snacks! But did you know that vending machines have a really fascinating history? Coin-operated machines that dispensed tobacco were being operated as early as 1615 in the taverns of England. In 1867, stamp vending machines made their debut, and by 1883, we had the first modern postcard vending machine. The real boom, though, came between the 1920s and 1960s, when it felt like you could find just about anything in a vending machine! Honestly, there’s nearly no limit to what these machines can offer—it's only limited by our imagination!