Collecting: "Jukeboxes a History"

For decades the juke box has been something that people associate with better times, fun gatherings and teenage  memories. Juke boxes got their start in old road houses. For collectors they are separated into two era's, pre-depression and post depression. The pre-depression ones were more about function than beauty. Often having a wooden base with a simple glass viewing top. They were designed to show off the inner workings of the machine. Post depression boxes took on much more color thanks to the introduction of phenolic resins and minimized the view of the inner workings of the machine. It was no longer about how it worked, but, rather, how it looked. Names of the day were Wurlitzer, Seeburg, and Rock-Ola. Their manufacturing technology had caught up with their design creativity and they began to create boxes that were works of art. Each manufacturer tried to out do the other. Juke box production was halted from 1942 to 1946 by the federal government in support of the war effort. Juke Boxes enjoyed an extended popularity through the 50's. As time went on newer technologies emerged in the music industry. 45's were slowly replaced with cassettes and the ever popular 8-Track Tape. Newer style boxes were introduced later on but the times and technology would leave the juke box behind. The death of the Drive-In and Malt Shop hang-outs would kill the allure that came with it. In the first half of 1974 a little show called "Happy Days" aired and along with a great love for the show, the country started a nostalgic resurrection of things from better times. Collectors began finding and restoring old forgotten Juke Boxes and restoration companies were created. It wasn't long before old boxes gained great value. To this day the juke boxes still hold a fair value. Unfortunately the poor economy has turned a blind eye to some of the value they once enjoyed.