Electrical spanking machine

An electrical spanking machine, invented by Professor Dennis, is now being tested in the public school [state school] at East Penna, Illinois (United States). The mode of operation is to place the recalcitrant pupil over a chair near to the spanking machine, press the button, and the flow of electricity starts a series of paddles in operation, which play upon the anatomy of the victim.

The residents of the village have protested, and declare that they will take their children from the school if the use of the machine is not stopped.

The inventor claims that the strength and frequency of the “spank” can be regulated to a nicety by the new machine, which he hopes will supplant the old-fashioned cane in all modern schools.

Alas this news report from the Marlborough Express (New Zealand), 11 January 1906, does not include a picture of the contraption. Nor have I been able to find a “follow-up” story about the success – or otherwise – of the contraption.

The idea of a “spanking machine” is not new; Colin Farrell on his corporal punishment research website – Corpun – gives a detailed account with illustrations of the “myth.” Including this one from Cole's Funny Picture Book No 1, Australia, in 1879.

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