Parking Meter

Object/Artifact

Museum Of American Heritage

Name/Title

Parking Meter

Entry/Object ID

1000.2171.81

Description

Meter, Parking

Collection

Jim Adams

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Duncan Parking Meter Corp.

Notes

possible date made: 1950s where made: Chicago, IL model name: Automaton

Color

Silver

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

curated description

Label

Parking Meter Duncan Parking Meter Corp., Chicago, IL Circa 1950s Parking meters were first installed in US cities in 1935 to increase parking turnover. The Automaton Parking Meter’s maximum time is two hours, which would have cost the driver 10 cents in 1935. This meter charges 1 cent for 12 minutes and 5 cents for 1 hour. Clockwork mechanisms cause the timer dial to turn as coins are inserted.

General Notes

Note

Dials for one and two hour limits. Clockwork spring is wound when the coin is inserted. Threaded base to attach to a pole. "12 min for 1 cent. 60 min for 5 cents".