Mark Kinsler's posting about mechanical speech machines [000219 MMD] and
his statement, "I wonder if anyone else recalls what may be the final
bit of non-electronic entertainment technology," sparked a memory.

I have a pull toy, probably made during WW2, in the shape of a step
van, made of masonite approximately 16" x 7" x 10" (these measurements
are from memory, the toy truck is packed away).  It has a circular
sign about two inches in diameter that has a dowel on the edge, so
you can stick it in a hole on the top of the van.  The sign reads,
"Buy More Stamps and Bonds".

Now to the topic.  Inside this truck there is a wheel about 5 inches in
diameter with a grove on the edge in which is affixed a black piece of
some sort of plastic, with transverse groves in it.  The axis of this
wheel is perpendicular to the sides of the van and on the underside of
the roof is mounted a diaphragm with a stylus mounted to its center.

When the van is pulled the rear wheels turn and a cord attached
to the axle of the rear wheels and the 5" diameter wheel causes the
5" diameter wheel to rotate.  As the wheel with the grooved band
rotates beneath the stylus the diaphragm vibrates.  You then hear
the words over and over reminding you to "Buy More Stamps and Bonds,
Buy More Stamps and Bonds, Buy More Stamps and Bonds".

This is the only one I have ever seen do any other MMD'rs have one?
Let us know.

Walter Kehoe