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On the History and Uses of The Candy Machine
By Doug | August 12, 2008
Abby commissioned me this summer to make a candy machine for her office. The beginning of school is very near and thus the candy machine project inspired me to think about the project in academic terms—-On the History and Uses of the Candy Machine.
The first candy machine many years ago was a gift from Johnny Quesenberry (Grandpa Q). It was a big hit with the Garland family! One year as Christmas neared, either Andrew or Abby needed a teacher present. They asked if I could make some for the teachers and a tradition was born. For several years at Bob Jones Elementary School, teachers looked forward to having a Garland in their classes knowing that the candy machine was sure to appear at Christmas. We learned this summer that at least one teacher still has hers after may years of good use.
Candy machines through the years have been made from scrap wood left over from other shop projects. The current version uses southern yellow pine for the top and bottom and a 2×4 for the body. The most difficult part is cuttig the large rabet at the the top of the body. I use a hole saw for the hole at the top. A Mason jar band is placed into the hole and then fastened in place with two small brads. Candy machines are not of fine furniture quality but they are fun and easy to make.
Abby plans to use her candy machine to reward students for turning in assignments on time. When the student turns in a paper, they may pull the handle and out pops an M&M or piece of candy. This is a good illustration of behavioral learning theory. Reward people for a desired action and they are more likely to repeat the action.
Candy machines are one of the small artifacts of the Garland family. I am glad that Abby plans to use hers to motivate students to excellence!
Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
August 29th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Doug — you are very handy and crafty (in a good way, of course!) you can make anything! Love, Sister
December 9th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Do you offer the plans for your candy machine? My Dad & I used to make one that is similar. He passed away several years ago, and I have not been able to locate the plan that he used. The one that we made had a dowel rod with a notch in it, and a hole that was drilled straight down from the top, and one that was drilled at a angle from the front. He also used an untreated 4×4 post for the body.
Thanks – Amy