The history of Ford Gum and Carousel gumball machines began in 1913. Back then, twenty-year old Ford Mason was a roofing salesman who spent spring, summer and early fall traveling by horse and buggy over the winding country roads of western New York State. He was idle during the winter because nobody repaired barn roofs in cold weather. Looking for work that winter, Ford met a man in the business of operating chewing gum vending machines. The first gum machine had been invented only a few years before, and just a handful of entrepreneurs had ventured into the business. Ford was impressed. He borrowed the money to lease 102 machines and placed them in stores and shops of communities in western New York State. He spent the winter collecting pennies and restocking the machines. "It was fun", Ford recalls, "to try to figure out which locations would be the most productive". Ford went back to the roofing business each April, but every winter he returned to his gum business. As Ford gained more experience, he was convinced that the penny gum ball machines could support him. Ford quit the roofing business and devoted all his energy to selling gum. Ford Gum began with limited resources, but with unlimited enthusiasm. He created a business empire stretching from coast to coast. Over 500,000 vending machines perched on store counters and pipe pedestal stands in countless North American communities testify to the magnitude of his operations. To service this army of machines, Ford set up a nationwide system of operators. Today, the Ford Gum & Machine Company continues to deliver high-quality, innovative candy, gum and novelty products including the popular Carousel brand gumball machines.