Coin Machine Journal

August, 1933
T HE COI N M A C H I N E J O U R N A L
13
31 antes Atlmtsou
P r m u tt K in g
■p asses
E liz a b e t h A t k in s o n to c a r r y
o n o p e r a t i o n o f W o r l d ’s
L a r g e s t P e a n u t R o u te .
4J antes A lkutfiO tf, who became Peanut King,
passed away Monday, July 31st, at the Billings Memorial Hos­
pital, Chicago, as a result of complications following a major
surgical operation.
Jim Atkinson, was probably the most beloved character in the
business; his life was one of adventure and romance. Jim
Atkinson was a fighter always and supporter of the right. He
knew operating as no other operator knew it and built up, by
hard work through the help of his devoted wife, Elizabeth
Atkinson, the largest business of its kind ever known.
Jim Atkinson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1866.
His father was engaged in the iron working business and was a
successful man in that field when that business was flourishing.
Filled with the spirit of adventure in his youth Jim left home
and travelled about the country seeing the world. He liked to
tell the Editor of his early experiences in the Gypsy camps and
the railroad construction camps of the early days. He came
to Chicago 44 years ago where his first job was that of a hotel
clerk in what was then the leading theatrical hotel in the city.
Through this connection he became intimate with many celeb­
rities of the gay ’90’s. He later was engaged in the distribu­
tion of beer and beverages and helped to build up one of the
largest businesses of its kind.
During the W orld’s Columbian Exposition Mr. Atkinson
was in charge of one of the largest beverage concessions on the
grounds and helped to introduce a line of drinks to thousands
of visitors at the Fair. It was Mr. Atkinson’s dream to take in
the Century of Progress for, as he often told the Editor, the
world moves fast and he wanted to compare the exhibits of ’93
with the present new developments. «-
Mr. Atkinson early in the year visited the Century of Prog­
ress with the Editor on several occasions and laid plans for
peanut, gum and postcard concessions at the Fair. But the
cruel hand of fate struck him down and it was necessary for
him to return to the hospital where he remained until his
death. It would have been a glorious achievement in his career
as an operator had he been able to go ahead with his plans in
connection with the Fair. Mr. Atkinson had accumulated a
large collection of relics from the previous Fair, among which
were two bottles of sample beer that were distributed at the
Fair in *93, and his friends often remarked when he showed
his collection that he certainly was a man of strong will power
to keep those bottles so long.
#
Mr. Atkinson was a man of strong will power. During the
past ten or twelve years he suffered greatly from an accident
and complications that developed as a result of the casualty. He
had been under the constant care of a physician all that time.
Just a year ago he spent fifteen weeks in the famous Billings
Hospital where they performed one of the most difficult opera­
tions known to medical science; that of grafting new bone on
a shattered hip bone, an operation which was performed by an
outstanding surgeon. So serious was this operation that M r.
Atkinson’s life hung in the balance for weeks, but he came
through and probably enjoyed the best year of health that he
had known during the last twelve years. Doctors told him that
ten years ago such an operation would not have^ been even
attempted. When he returned to the hospital this time, six
weeks ago, he was not considered $0 serious, although they
did operate and apparently he was well on the road to recov­
ery, but complications set in and the extreme heat probaby
mastered his will.
Jim Atkinson was probably known by more people and knew
more people than any operator living. He was for years
actively engaged in politics and for fifteen years he carried
the record of never losing his precinct. He was a staunch Dem­
ocrat and a man who was feared for his fearlessness and hon­
esty. W hile engaged in political activities he never held public
office, preferring to work on the side lines supporting worthy
candidates. He accumulated considerable^ competence, every
cent of which came from his peanut vending business.
Mr. Atkinson’s life was one of sacrifice for others. His life
was also the life of one devoted woman, Elizabeth Atkinson,
who was his constant companion. The couple would have cele­
brated shortly their forty-third wedding anniversary. They
started their career in life like a great many have with nothing
but the hope and determination to make good.
Mr. Atkinson’s life was also a history of the merchandise
vending business as we know it. He was the first president of
the Operators’ Association and held that office two years. He
believed that every operator should have a voice in the affairis
of the Association. He would fight for his foe as well as his
friend and would never compromise himself or any trust im­
posed in him. Despite his critical physical condition dutmg
the past few years he gave considerable attention to the affairs
of the Operators’ Association and it was only during the past
few months that he was unable to attend the gatherings.
Words are insufficient to express the Editor’s deep admira­
tion for this worthy friend; he was like a father and a brother.
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