LOUDONVILLE — In the 1950s the Flxible Company began manufacturing an 11-column cigarette vending machine for the Mercury Vending Company of Cleveland.
With over 50% of adults, and 75% of men, admitting to smoking tobacco at the time, cigarettes were always in high demand.
With no ID required to purchase tobacco, the vending machines were an ideal way for restaurants, gas stations, hotels, or anywhere else to offer cigarettes for sale. The machines allowed customers to choose between 11 brands, virtually covering all varieties at the time.
As more laws were passed restricting tobacco sales, particularly to minors, the machines began to fall out of favor. It is unknown when Flxible cancelled production of them.
More information on the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum can be found at this link.
