Once upon a time, probably in the early 1940's, a company called the Secaucus Machine Works (of Secaucus, NJ), using a little blower fan from the HEINZE Co, manufactured a little machine called the Mystic Bubble Maker.This is the predecessor of the modern bubble makers used by DJs, clowns and other party entertainment folks. Imagine this scenario: Walking into a movie theater in the 1940's...
in the middle of World War II... getting seated and watching the newsreels, the serials, and relaxing in the fantastic atmosphere while bubbles float out over the audience and the music from the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ sets the mood. Pure escapism.
Our Rosie does not remember that scene, but her grandparents probably do, and her mother might.
So, when Rust brought by the little Mystic, with its eye bolts on top that secured it to the ceiling in the theater, and its round bubble making wheel, oiled the fan motor and mixed up a nice little solution of dish soap and water, plugged the Mystic in, for a little while Rosie could indeed imagine herself back in one of those dark, cool theaters.
Proof that while not all of the industry produced in America during the great industrial era of the 30's and 40's was serious, it was indeed worthwhile.
Watching those iridescent bubbles rise on the air is magic, and Mystic, indeed.
Wishing a wonderful weekend. It's a lovely day in Norman, Oklahoma and Rosie's gonna make the most of it.
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