When I was a kid I had my own cool bubble gum vending machine bank that was clear-shaped to resemble Popeye's head. I loved that goofy thing and still see them around occasionally (same with a Fred Flintstone, Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse etc...) One I don't really remember though was produced by Craig-Henry Toys in the 70's in Stoneham Mass. and in the typical round style, and simply called, what else, Bubble Gum Bank. The machine / bank itself is somewhat cheap and underwhelming looking, but what it definitely has going for it is the truly groovy, very colorful box art featuring bubble blowin' kids and even 'ol Whistler's Mother on each side. I'm also assuming the machine came in a variety of colors, per these illustrations.
3 comments:
I had a "bank" just like this -- I can't say it was this one, don't remember the packaging, and I bet this is one of a hundred different ones. I do remember it was just as flimsy as this one looks!
Pretty sure I broke it!
This pretty crappy product does NOT deserve that artwork. I mean, somebody spent some time on that! It's all great, well crafted, and fantastic. And it all wraps ... well ... that.
It could be Craig-Henry Toys was cashing in on the cartoon character gumball machine bandwagon. There is always a knock-off product offered by a fly by night outfit to cash in on a craze.
Thanks to a bit of internet searching, the price tag was from S. S. Kresge, the five and dime that later became K-Mart.
Ha ha, I love it when they cover for an underwhelming product with a wonderful box. Every side is excellent.
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