Digger/Crane Games or claw cranes have been around for a century or so, delighting and frustrating children of all ages. Back when they first came out, you could probably buy 50 tries with a penny but that's inflation for you.

The first such machine was the Erie Digger in 1896, containing candy and other small prizes waiting to be scooped by a miniature crane. It was a classy affair, cabinet made of wood and glass but no amount of class could keep the not-so-skilled players from cursing out loud.  In a couple of decades, crane games had become popular enough to spawn many Erie Digger imitators, like Iron Claw and Miniature Steam Shovel. Newer machines boasted electric lights, easier play and more often than not, the lure of gambling. Instead of toys and candy, prizes had morphed into actual cash and adults became a lot more interested.

The heyday ended in the 50s, as tougher legislation took aim at the gambling aspect of digger games, a fate pinball machines had already suffered. Coming close to being banned, the games stopped being gambling devices and retreated quietly to 'entertainment only' devices in carnivals and fairs

The bad times didn't last forever though and by the groovy 70s, the games went back to their prize-oriented roots. They also underwent a slight redesign, adopting a large metal claw mechanism for picking up stuffed animals or other soft targets. That format has prevailed to this day, as many of us who have fallen prey to the lure of plush toys can testify. That claw is huge, it should be able to pick three or four Beanie Babies, right?