Exploring Vintage Delights through Mold-A-Rama at Como Zoo Conservatory
We spent a sunny afternoon @comozooconservatory last week and had a cartoony “WHOA” 👀 moment about this vending machine (⏩ for the visual). Equally cartoony was the speed with which I pulled out my 💰 to see this thing in action (⏩ for the visual). You could just tell by the graphics, motion, and messaging that this was vintage and I could not wait to do some research on the story behind this machine 📖 that was crafting my personalized souvenir right in front of me!
It is always fun to put my history degree to work for stuff like this to help tell the story of an item - what is was used for, how long ago it was made, whether it’s still being produced, how rare it is, etc. I enjoy knowing a little about a lot of #coololdstuff and sharing that knowledge with folks in the shop - especially in relation to the items we have in store.
In this case, there was a lot to learn about @mold_a_rama_inc Mold-A-Rama is an injection mold plastic figurine vending machine - referred to as “3D printing’s older, kitschy cousin.” They debuted in 1962 and gained popularity at the 1964 New York World’s Fair (I just love the idea of introducing new concepts like this at the World’s Fair). While they stopped making machines in the early 1970’s (cost of equipment was high), there are “dozens” still operating in museums and zoos around the country (the best I can find is a list of 10 locations left with these machines). How cool is it that Saint Paul’s very own @comozooconservatory is one of these locations with 4 machines still operating!
There is a cult following for this brand and the nostalgia it delivers with online maps of where to find machines (spoiler - there are no others in Minnesota), t-shirts, vintage molds + souvenirs for purchase, and news articles all about the #moldarama lore.
Come geek out with me cool old stuff at the shop anytime - whether it’s about my new cool Como Zoo Souvenirs (they even say Saint Paul on the back) or any of our vintage products. I would love to chat about the #storybehindthestuff anytime.
#nostalgia #vintage #saintpaulmn #comozoo
