Popcorn vending wagons …
Scrolling down the page, looking at images of popcorn vending machines brought me back to the 1950s. In our town, we had a guy who operated a popcorn machine just like those in your link. He’d be found in the evening very close to a busy White Rose gas station. When Father would stop for fuel, we’d never fail to let him know how much we’d like a bag of popcorn, and most times, this would work.
The machine, as I remember it, had a big round pot-like contraption where the kernels would go. Beneath this, was a burner, with visible flames. As the corn popped, the lid on the container would eventually be forced up and the popped corn would spill out into the large glass enclosure. He kept a teapot full of melted butter in the corner with the corn. He used a metal scoop to fill bags, which he placed along the edge of the cart, just inside the door. When purchasing a bag of popcorn, he’d pour some butter over it from the teapot. He wasn’t particularly friendly, but we didn’t care.
Long before we could eat the popcorn, the butter would soak through the bag. This would get on our clothes. Mother was never happy about this. We didn’t care. When through, we’d finish the meal by licking our fingers clean of any remaining butter or salt. On exceptionally fortunate days, we’d stop for a chocolate milk too.
Not only did the images in the link you posted bring memories of these machines, it also brought memories of the most delightful part of being a kid – your parents are still alive.
Cheers, PW. |
