This popcorn machine is an original Manley Vista-Pop Model 67, first made in 1955.
It features a see-through Pyrex kettle that enables onlookers to watch the popcorn as it pops.
It also is the first Manley model to feature a slanted rear drawer to facilitate the collection of "old maids", which is the name for seeds that fail to pop, and the tiny crumbs of popcorn that are left over. They collect in a built-in drawer at the bottom of the cabinet.
The Paramount Theatre purchased their own Manley popcorn machine in 1956.
The Manley popcorn machine remained to serve customers from 1956 until the theatre closed in 1975.
In 1976, after the theatre had been reopened as The Theatre Nightclub, the popcorn machine was sold and disappeared into the fog of history.
Fast forward almost 25 years later.
The Paramount Theatre was undergoing renovation after being listed as a historical landmark by the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the volunteers, Richard, who was involved in the project, happened to stop by an estate sale in a town about 20 miles away.
While exploring the sale, he noticed an old popcorn machine resting against the wall of the garage.
It was not listed for sale, but he asked the owner about it.
The owner seemed reluctant to discuss selling the classic machine, and he asked what Richard wanted with the old machine.
Richard told him that he was interested in the machine because it was the right time period and he wanted to buy it for the Paramount Theatre.
The owner suddenly had a strange look come over his face, and he immediately started laughing, telling Richard that now he HAD to sell the machine to Richard because the machine had originally been purchased by his father FROM THE PARAMOUNT when the theatre had originally closed.
Because of the amazing circumstances, he sold the machine to Richard for $200, quite a steal!
Today, the old Manley is back where it belongs, popping popcorn for brand new audiences at the Paramount Theatre, over 60 years later!
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