Memories of a Vintage Gumball Machine

Breakfast With Granddad

Back when I was still young, once a week, my Grandfather would take me down town with him to have breakfast. He would order his eggs, meat, toast and coffee and for me he would order a cup of half and half (half coffee and half milk) with a bowl of oatmeal. I did not like oatmeal, but I loved spending time with my Grandfather. He  would always have pennies or maybe even a nickel for a jaw breaker from the gumball machines we would pass, going in and out of the restaurant. I still, to this day, cannot pass a gumball machine without thinking about my Granddad.

Vintage Machines

Now, I find myself all grown up and the gumball machines are now ‘Vintage Gumball Machines” or even the antique gumball machines. Where has the time gone? There are so many different types and kinds of the wonderful old machines. The colors are bright and varied as are the designs of the ball giving penny machines.

True Joy For Just A Penny

Children today know mainly of the machines that cost dollars to ‘win’ a toy – but the true joy comes from inserting a penny – sliding the coin bar – and watching the magic of the gumball sliding around the corner and down the chute. All the while, you are hoping that you can catch the gumball before it shoots out of the slot, across the room and onto the floor.

Memories of Gumball Machines

So many memories can be found in something as small as a red or yellow or blue or green gumball. Life may have been simpler then, but you can still bring the fun and excitement of the silliness of the classic gumball machine into your home or office. After all, an antique vintage gumball machine is very collectible and full of value, so collecting is certainly not out of line.