What did the first vending machines in the US dispense?

A vending machine is an automated machine that provides items such as snacks,beverages, alcohol, cigarettes and lottery tickets to consumers after money or a credit card is inserted into the machine. The first modern vending machines were developed in England in the early 1880's that dispensed postcards. Vending machines exist in many countries, and in more recent times, specialized vending machines that provide less common products compared to traditional vending machine items have been created and provided to consumers.

The first modern coin-operated vending machines were introduced in London, England in the early 1880's, dispensing postcards. The machine was invented by Percival Everitt in 1883 and soon became a widespread feature at railway stations and post offices, dispensing envelopes, postcards, and notepaper.

The first vending machine in the U.S. was built in 1888 by the Thomas Adams Gum Company, selling gum on New York City train platforms. The idea of adding games to these machines as a further incentive to buy came in 1897 when the Pulver Manufacturing Company added small figures, which would move around whenever somebody bought some gum from their machines.