The mother load--or should I say the uncle load

[mznb1u]

I have mentioned in the past that my wife's family were Coca Cola bottlers for 4 generations.  Over the years (especially since I have been collecting machines), we have been gifted various items from the old family business. Mainly pictures and bottles--stuff like that.  Well, we got a call today that my wife's great aunt was moving and downsizing.  Her great uncle (passed away a few years back) ran the vending side of the family Coke business back in the day.  My wife's great aunt apparently did not know until recently that I was collecting old Coca Cola machines.  In any event, she wants me to come by next weekend and pick up three machines that my wife's great uncle decided to keep from the business.  He apparently had all three machines restored back to factory finish by their vending department before he took them home many years ago and they have not been used much since--only for parties.   She wanted my wife and I to have them because they never had any kids and she wanted to make sure that they would stay in the family to keep part of the family's Coca Cola tradition for future generations.

Her great aunt could not send pictures (no computer) and really did not know a lot about the machines but was able to get me enough information to determine that one is a Vendo V-44 and one is a Victor C-14.  All she could tell me about the third machine was that you could buy a Coca Cola from either side of the machine for 10 cents.  I am guessing (hoping ) that this is a Cavalier C-102 unless you guys know of another machine that is like this!  She said my wife's great uncle really liked this one and actually built an archway in a wall in the basement so you could get a Coke by the pool table and card table in one room or in the family room on the other side.

I checked with my father-in-law because he worked at the company every summer until he graduated from college.  He told me the following:

Vendo V-44--this machine had been located in the company's executive office area so they would not have to run down to the cafeteria to get a Coke.

Victor C-14--this was used in the company cafeteria as the checkout counter at the end of the line.  He remembered it as being the embossed red and white paint job.

He really did not know anything about the third machine but did know that his uncle had kept a machine that was originally installed on the pump island at a busy Detroit area service station back in the day.

I won't be able to get down to see them and pick them up until next Saturday but I am stoked!  I will get some pictures up as soon as I can and will definitely let you know if machine number 3 is a Cav C-102!

  Tim

[davethebirdman]

Fantastic story and I'm sure whatever it is it will have a huge ammount of sentimental value....... But

If it were a 102 well it would be all your Xmas's at once. My fingers are crossed so are the wife's and the kids...

Let us know as saoon as you know. You jammy bu**er....

Dave

[collecture]

Nice April Fools Joke Tim!
Did you know I won the Mega Millions the other night!

[mznb1u]

My wife's great aunt was able to get her neighbor to send a picture.

I guess you have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool Tom!  A guy can dream can't he?

Happy April Fool's Day everyone!

  Tim

[Yarochrehc]

Ha! Ha! Ha! good one.

[TomFromJersey]

That was good!!  Really Good!! 
   TFJ

[SSmoothie]

I know I sit a dream that someday I will find the motherload.

[davethebirdman]

Thank you.... There was me getting all excited..

However, May I just add that when I read the post it was after mid day here and therefore not technically an April Fool..

[Kilroy]

I fell for it also Dave, But Tim forgets,  he lives very close by....

[mznb1u]

Sorry guys, I couldn't resist.  I was going to say there was a Kooler Grill and a Decapper in the mix but that would have been stretching it!

  Tim

[Roadman]

Ha. Should said there was a Victor Hotdog Grill that was only used once at the home of an executive for his son's baseball team picnic.

 

[BONOVOX]

Dam, I was careful ALL day not to get fooled, then I spent a few hrs painting a room at the house, forgot about April Fools... and I must admit... YA GOT ME!!!!!!  GURRRRRRRRRRRRR
 

[collecture]

A couple we know are out of town and I was asked to take care of their pool, water the plants on the back porch, etc.
I texted him this morning that I was over watering the plants and the 40" flat screen mounted on the porch was gone and all that was left was the satellite box and cut wires....what does he want me to do? About 20 minutes later, I got a pretty despondent phone call. It was great!

[BrianS]

great story, and yes I bit on it too.!!  How long you been orchestrating that story?  My uncle-in-law works as a meatcuter in a local grocery store.  Next April I'm putting together a story about them leaving me some pork chops.  Boy, your story is a lot better.

[mznb1u]

My wife's family did bottle Coca Cola for four generations.  First in Wyandotte, MI and also Port Huron, MI.  Unfortunately, there are no vending machines sitting in anyone's basement as far as I know.  Some great old bottles that my wife and I will likely inherit though!  I also know there are a bunch of original Coca Cola trays somewhere because I saw them on Grandma's kitchen wall before she moved.

  Tim

PS--Tom that is pretty cruel! 

[bcharlton]

Not bad.  Had me for a minute.

BC

[SIGNGUY]

Had me on that one too Tim... Good one...