Did you know that many of the innovations in vending machines started with a company called Vendo? And that Vendo was begun right here in Kansas City by Elmer F. Pierson and his brother? The same Elmer Pierson that Pierson Auditorium is named for in the Atterbury Student Success Center (Formerly the University Student Center).
In addition to donating the money to build the auditorium, Pierson’s Vendo company also provided many of the vending machines on campus – including several in Student Center.
In this picture we can see a student getting a snack out of one of the Vendo machines, circa the 1960’s. Look closely at the image and you can see the kinds of food that were on offer back then as well as the prices. You might be surprised!