History and Story Behind Inventions: Parking Meter

About the story behind the invention of parking meter, history and biography of inventor Carl C. Magee.

INVENTION: Parking Meter

INVENTOR: Carl C. Magee, U.S.

YEAR: 1935

HOW INVENTED: He was inspired to develop a curbside money collector that made urban drivers pay for their parking space and provided cities with revenue.

He found the idea difficult to sell, until Oklahoma City, Okla., agreed to install the 1st meters in July, 1935. The meters caught on immediately.