A Penny's Worth of Adventure: My Most Memorable Purchase from a Gumball Machine in the 1970s
Back in the 1970s, when gumballs were a penny and plastic capsule machines were just beginning to appear, I had a memorable purchase that changed my life in more ways than one. It was a discovery that not only opened a whole new world of collecting but also brought my father and me closer together. This is the story of how a simple gumball machine in the local grocery store became a cherished memory of a bygone era.
The Early 1970s: Gumballs and Plastic Capsules
It was a time when gumballs were still a penny, and plastic capsule machines were a novelty. The machines were equipped with 2-piece plastic containers that could be filled with various items, from simple plastic toys to noisemakers and even coins.
My Discovery at the Grocery Store
My local grocery store, Shopwell in San Jose, California, had a gumball machine that was particularly interesting. Unlike most machines, this one often had capsules filled with coins instead of gumballs. This was a significant factor, as it offered the possibility of getting your money back or even finding more valuable coins.
A Nickel for a Surprise
One day, I put a nickel into the machine and, to my surprise, I received a capsule with a dime inside. However, I didn't immediately recognize it as a dime and brought it home to show my father. When he asked me how I had obtained the coin, I explained that it came from the gumball machine at Shopwell.
From Coin to Coin Collecting
That fateful day and discovery had a remarkable impact. It marked the beginning of our coin collection as a father and son activity. We spent countless hours poring over these capsules, marveling at the different coins we found inside.
Fast-forward a couple of decades, and my collection had grown considerably, but the machine at Shopwell had ceased to be fruitful. It wasn't until I opened a particular capsule more than a couple of decades later that I finally understood the true nature of the machine. You see, I realized that the reason I had stopped finding valuable coins was because the machine was actually an unlicensed gambling device.
The Unlicensed Gambling Machine Revelation
Someone had reported the operator of the gumball machine to the authorities, claiming that it was operating as an unlicensed gambling machine. The chance to win back money by inserting coins made the machine's design a violation of gambling regulations.
This discovery not only explained why we no longer found valuable coins but also provided valuable insights into the changing laws and perceptions of entertainment devices during that era. It was a poignant reminder of how what once seemed like a simple childhood adventure had unforeseen consequences.
Legacy of the 1970s Gumball Machine
Today, that old gumball machine remains a cherished memory for me, a testament to the unexpected twists and turns that life can take. The coin collect-ing experience not only enriched my life with countless coins and precious memories but also forged a lasting bond with my father.
As we continue to reminisce about the 1970s, the story of the gumball machine at Shopwell serves as a reminder of the timeless adventures that you can find in the simplest of places.
If you have stories of your own involving early gumball machines or surprising purchases that changed your life, we would love to hear about them in the comments below. Share your memories and nostalgia with us!