In two weeks, the parking meter turns 84 years old. The first one was installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935.

Three decades later, the same invention that discourages motorists from making greedy use of public space made possible the release of “Cool Hand Luke.” The film starred Paul Newman as the title character, who was sentenced to two years in prison—for lopping the heads off some parking meters.

Parking meters will be recognized as a different kind of cinematic highlight by aficionados of the movie “Breaking Away,” which was shot right here in Bloomington, Indiana. Continue reading “Bloomington research notes: Sleuthing parking meters with microfilm and the movies” →