Spotlight on The World of Coca-Cola - Betty and Elaine
When you visit The World of Coca-Cola, in the Early Marketing gallery in the Milestones of Refreshment, keep an eye out for Betty, Elaine and Constance.
During the 1910s, Coca-Cola advertising featured a different “Coca-Cola Girl” each year. Often the same image of a woman was used on calendars, trays, pocket mirrors and other collectible pieces for the year.
In a few instances, the Coca-Cola Girl was referred to by name, such as “Betty,” “Elaine” or “Constance.”
However, those names were not the names of the models themselves! They’re actually names assigned to the artwork by someone in advertising!
Collectors know these pseudonyms, and we use those names in the Coke Archives as well.
Betty, Constance and Elaine have appeared on Coke collectibles well after their original years, including modern-day licensed items. So just because that tray you have features “Betty,” don’t think you have a fortune in your hands!
In a few instances, the Coca-Cola Girl was referred to by name, such as “Betty,” “Elaine” or “Constance.”
However, those names were not the names of the models themselves! They’re actually names assigned to the artwork by someone in advertising!
Collectors know these pseudonyms, and we use those names in the Coke Archives as well.
Betty, Constance and Elaine have appeared on Coke collectibles well after their original years, including modern-day licensed items. So just because that tray you have features “Betty,” don’t think you have a fortune in your hands!
As you walk through the gallery, you will find one "Betty" and two "Elaine" items, but poor "Constance" did not make it in.
Betty is pictured on top in on a 1914 tray and Elaine below on a 1916 self framed tin sign.
Phil Mooney is The 
Ted Ryan manages the Archives collections and exhibits. He loves social media and in addition to the blog, Ted runs the Archives Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Jamal Booker is the processing archivist, responsible for cataloging and digitization. A huge music fan, he also films and edits all of the videos on the site.
Justine Fletcher recently received her MA in Archives Management, and supports the Archives team in a variety of roles.
