Coca-Cola is a photograph by Cheri Randolph which was uploaded on May 20th, 2012.
Coca-Cola
Ghost sign advertising Coca-Cola captured along historic Highway Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma.... more
Title
Coca-Cola
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
Ghost sign advertising Coca-Cola captured along historic Highway Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma.
It is now a world-wide recognized symbol, shape and beverage, but it's been around since 1886 - the same year that the Statue of Liberty was constructed.
Like many people who change history, John Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, was inspired by simple curiositiy. One afternoon, he stirred up a fragrant, caramel-colored liquid and, when it was done, he carried it a few doors down to Jacobs' Pharmacy. Here, the mixture was combined with carbonated water and sampled by customers who all agreed - this new drink was something special. So, the pharmacy put it on sale for five cents a glass.
Pemberton's bookeeper, Frank Robinson, named the mixture Coca-Cola, and wrote it out in his distinct script, which became the logo for the new company and is still used today.
More than a century later, the Coca-Cola Company has produced more than 10 billion gallons of syrup. Unfortunately for Pemberton, he died in 1888 without fully realizing the success of the beverage he had created.
Uploaded
May 20th, 2012
More from Cheri Randolph
Comments (53)
Jack Zulli
Enjoy ghost signs, a true challenge to find, well done. v/f
Cheri Randolph replied:
Thanks, Jack! I like finding them too - they're such a window into the past. Appreciate your v/f!
Alana Ranney
So cool!! love it!! V
Cheri Randolph replied:
Alana, Thanks! I'm a big fan of 'ghost signs'. Glad that you enjoyed this. Appreciate the vote!
Andy Prendy
Hi Cheri Classic "americana", now preserved forever in your image - a great shot. (V) By the way, did you ever come across the "vintage sign" group on FAA?
Cheri Randolph replied:
Hi Andy, Thanks for the vote and the compliment. Haven't checked out the Sign group - if they have a high activity rating, I'll have to consider it.
Cheri Randolph
Shijun, Thanks for such a favorable compliment on this photo! I appreciate your good wishes and return the same to you. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting your gallery to see your beautiful art. Thanks for the f/v!
Shijun Munns
Hi Cheri, I love that you have the special angle to catch the daily life! Also, I am big fan of the old Coca-Cola signs! Thank you for your nice comments! Good luck on your art this new year! f/v
Cheri Randolph
Nadine & Bob, Thanks so much for featuring my "Coca-Cola" in the USA Artists News. I greatly appreciate all you do for the group, and the support of my work!
Cheri Randolph
Mary, Thanks for your compliment and the FV as well. I really enjoy discovering these old signs & I'm glad you appreciated it.
Mary Machare
Love these old signs painted on the sides of buildings. Great find and capture, Cheri. FV
Cheri Randolph
Jouko, I appreciate you featuring this photo in your group, Art from the Past. Thanks!
Cheri Randolph
Mona, I am indeed complimented that you found "Coca-Cola" to be one of your favorites!
Lois Bryan
that makes sense ... I love it ... see those every so often but never knew there was a name for them ... I love it!!!!
Cheri Randolph
Lois, thanks for your generous comment and the support for this image. A "ghost sign" is a term used for an old painted advertisement usually on a brick building that has weathered and faded. Actually, this one was in such good shape that it might not qualify, as it has only weathered a bit at the bottom.
Lois Bryan
Cheri this is a fabulous find ... and you've captured it to perfection!!!! I love it!!!! Have to ask ... why is it called a "ghost sign"?? I hadn't heard that expression before!!! faved and voted of course!!