I grew up being so excited to use a penny press machine whenever I’d find them. Insert two quarters, one shiny penny and crank that machine until a flattened penny came out with a new design. Always the best souvenir. I still have my Rainforest Cafe penny book from my childhood.
Did you know about them? Did you know they still exist?
Some places have penny machines but you don’t insert your own penny anymore. Some are cashless! When my family went to the Cincinnati Zoo earlier this year, I used my phone tap-to-pay to use several of the penny press machines. It was still cool, but it wasn’t the same.
If you still want the enjoyment of an analog penny press crank, there are several around the Dayton area.
Wright Patt Air Force Base, Carillon Historical Park and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery all have penny press machines in their gift shops. And if all of that cranking is making you hungry, Hast Tasty off of 35 between the Woodman and Smithville exit has one of the best ones with a generic Dayton, Ohio version. A great add-on to any gift. I go make one anytime I send a package out of state to a new friend.
Looking to put some nostalgic fun into an outing? Consider a penny press as an inexpensive part of any trip.
