I want to expand this list of where these vintage Lamson Cash Carrier systems (and other systems still exist)!!
Here are some that I know about. Please send me additional sites!
Here is a personal remembrances from Sam of Virginia Beach (submitted 6/1/2008)
“I used to travel the Midwest of the US with my dad. I remember the cash carrier systems very well. Except, there was a basket that was launched by a preloaded spring to an elevated cashier at the rear of the store. The clerk would simply place the record of the transaction along with the money, pull on a wooden handle, and the basket would whisk its way to the cashier. When the transaction was complete, the cashier would launch the basket back to the point of purchase. It was simple, effective and worked well. The
only real drawback I can remember is the network of cables originating at the counters and running up to the cashiers. It did not make for an uncluttered overhead.
“I found a cable cash carrier as the one I described a few years ago in an old variety store in Smithfield, Virginia. It worked perfectly and was still in constant use. I had a long talk with the store’s owner about it. He was surprised I knew anything about Lamson, etc. I don’t know if the machine or the store are still there.
“We have seen some interesting contraptions in our lives. The Lamson system was one of them.
“Of course, when I worked in a hospital in the early ’70s a Lamson tube system move paperwork and even prescriptions all over the hospital. I can remember the hospital PA announcing that, ‘…the Lamson tube system is down, please don’t try to use it…’ “
| Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Lamson system maintained as it was used until 1980. They still have the 4th floor credit office using the Lamson system maintained as it was used until 1980. | Historica Plus Antique Center, 234 E. Market St., Clearfield PA. |
| Lamson Wire Line, Money and shoe box carriers -- Image of basket | Stout Shoes Indianapolis, IN |
| Lamson “Air-Line” cash carrier system www.yellowstonemerc.com Photos and History on their site. It was attached to the ceiling still in full operation. Update Due to a change in ownership I am unsure if this is still in operation. | Yellowstone Mercantile, Sidney, Montana. Next to the desk housing their business computer you will find an antique Lamson “Air-Line” cash carrier system attached to the ceiling still in full operation! The cash carrier system, which first became operational in 1915 when the Mercantile first occupied its present building, harkens back to a long ago age of retail business; long before individual cash registers were made available in each area of most department stores. |
| See Cash Railways site and See my Images Pictures of the Weaver’s Cash Carrier System by Mr. Flannery and Harlan Miller email him at harlanmiller (at) sbcglobal.net | Weaver’s Department Store 901 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 |
| lamson.co.nz/company | Lamson Engineering NZ Ltd |
| If you know of one please let me know! |
I know lots of theses are still in small towns across the country; please send me email on what you know is out there. Send me a picture and I will post it. Share your knowledge and this site can be the best resource for preserving this bit of retailing history!! Thank you.