1896The first escalator was a fairground ride.

Wacky WorldInventions

An early “inclined elevator” was installed at Coney Island in 1896 as an amusement.

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<span class="aj-year">1945</span>The microwave oven was discovered when a chocolate bar melted in a pocket.<span class="aj-year">1992</span>The first text message said “Merry Christmas”.<span class="aj-year">1974</span>The first commercial barcode scan was a pack of chewing gum.