Vending machines : an American social history / by Kerry Segrave.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Segrave, Kerry, 1944-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Vending machines.

Physical Description:

284 pages : illustrations ; 23cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, [2002]

Summary:

This work traces the history of the vending machine from its inception to its current place in popular American culture, with the eight chapters covering significant eras. Successes and failures of the machines, economic factors influencing the popularity (or lack thereof) of vending machines, and the struggle of the industry to become a dominant method of retailing are discussed. This text is richly illustrated and includes appendices on vending dollar value, vending sales by location type, and vending statistics.

Contents:

1. From Hero of Alexandria to Tutti-Frutti of New York: The Years to 1918 3

2. Robots Can Sell Anything; Robots Will Sell Everything, 1918-1931 21

3. Cigarettes Blaze the Way, 1932-1939 47

4. The War on Slugs Goes Federal, 1940-1944 108

5. Optimism Returns, 1945-1949 119

6. The Four C's Dominate: 1950s 141

7. Dreams Placed on Hold, Cigarettes, Coffee, Cola, Candy, 1960-1985 169

8. VMs Cut Down on Smoking, Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle, 1986-2001 191.

ISBN:

0786413697

OCLC:

50496548