Images(5)

Machine, Vending

Object number2019.18.16

MediumMetal; Plastic; Coffee; Paper; Ink; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Steve Zumoff

DescriptionCoffee vending machine. Rounded rectangular vending machine. Black metal tiered lid with silver metal keyhole at center. Top section has receptacle filled two-thirds with coffee beans; front is clear plastic window and rear is yellow metal. Bottom section is red metal with gray metal dispenser mechanism on front including nickel slot, dispenser turn lever, and dispenser output with hinged cover. Chrome band around middle. Black painted metal base flares outward at bottom. Underside is painted black. Inside top compartment with the coffee beans is a piece of newspaper. Front top center of plastic window has yellow and red circular price sticker. Back of bottom section has gold registration sticker. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 16.063 x 6.75 x 8.125 in. (40.8 x 17.1 x 20.6 cm)
InscriptionsFront top center of plastic window has circular sticker with red text "5¢".

Front of dispenser output cover has raised text "THANK / YOU".

Back has gold rectangular sticker at bottom center with black text on the viewer's left half "TENNESSEE / DEPARTMENT / OF / REVENUE / VENDING MACHINE / REGISTRATION / NO. 324996" and on the viewer's right half is the seal of the state of Tennessee with text "THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE / 1796 / XVI / AGRICULTURE / COMMERCE".
Historical NotesCoffee dispenser from the Beehive Coffeehouse. The Beehive Coffeehouse, located at 1327 E. Carson Street was a South Side institution for 28 years. It opened in 1991 at the nascent end of a developing coffee shop culture that would soon proliferate in urban centers throughout the country. It was one of the first coffee shops in Pittsburgh. For many years it served as a gathering place for local artists that lived in the neighborhood that often worked there as well. Co-owners Steve Zumoff and Scott Kramer cited rising rents, increased competition, and low sales as the reason they were closing the shop. They also had a shop in Oakland that closed in 2002. The décor of the Beehive was made up of thrifted objects and pieces by local artists. The collection reflects the unique décor and atmosphere of the Beehive.

Related person Steve Zumoff

Related institution Beehive Coffeehouse and Dessertery (1991 - 2018)

Related person Scott Kramer

Related institution Tennessee Department of Revenue

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