Coca-Cola Nostalgia
I first saw this old Coca-Cola advertisement over 20 years ago when I first went to live in San Rafael, Marin County, California. The wall is located on "B" Street, between 2d St. and 3rd St. In my memory, it was much brighter and much bigger, and I could have sworn there was a giant bottle of Coca-Cola, right there in the middle, too, so I was a little surprised to see the ad practically faded out when I drove by recently. But years tend to transform memories (and old walls, as well).
I understand part of the building is undergoing renovation at the moment and the day I was taking the picture, the construction crew told me that an artist is supposed to be coming in soon to renovate the Coca-Cola ad, as well. Maybe I'll check again in a few weeks to see how the wall renovation is coming along.
In the meantime, I am dedicating this picture to Donald Kinney, a local photographer and fellow blogger, who generously updates several blogs on a daily basis with gorgeous pictures taken all over the Bay Area. Check out his photographs and his daily blog when you get a chance, you really won't regret it.
By the way, does anybody know anything about Victory Grocery in San Rafael, and how long ago would a pack of Coca-Cola bottles like the one on the wall have sold for 25 cents? I'm guessing WW2 era because of the "Victory" in the name, but I really don't know and couldn't find anything on the Internet. Anyone?
Labels: California, Coca Cola, Nostalgia, San Rafael, Victory Grocery
posted by Tomate Farcie | 10:16 PM
5 Comments:
Thank you so much for visiting Willits Daily Photo! If you ever want to see miniature horses, you have only to drive 2 hours north on Highway 101, and Willits will be here.
Your photos are beautiful, by the way. You may also like the newest SF CDP blogger, by "Burd Zel Krai" - interesting photos and thought/verse.
See you in Paris, so to speak.
While I don't know any specifics about the Victory Grocery, I can help with the date of the carton in the mural! I'm the archivist for The Coca-Cola Company, and began my own blog, Coca-Cola Conversations, in January. The six-pack carton shown in the mural is from the mid-1930s, as is the "Take Home a Carton" slogan shown. Though commonplace today, the idea of the carton was an innovation by Coke -- a first for the industry -- in the early 1920s. A few decades before, the first Coke mural had appeared in Georgia in 1894 (and is still there today!). Wall signs like this were common well into the 1950s, and I'm so glad to see a mural in California and know that it's appreciated! Thanks for featuring this photo. -- Phil Mooney
Thank you very much for supplying this information, Mr. Mooney. I'll update the post if I ever find out more about this advertisement.
Thank you as well, USElaine for the tip and the cool picture of the mini-horse!
I had never heard of Victory Grocery in San Rafael, but yes -- I do remember 25 cent cokes when I was a kid.
That's a great Coca-Cola sign -- I had never seen it before. I'll have to seek it out someday.
There is another one in the alley near Colonial Liquors (Tamalpais and Fourth).
Thanks for the tip, Don. I'll have to check it out!
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