National Talk In An Elevator Day

I was going to write a serious post about our acquisition of the Schweppes brand in over 100 countries around the world which occurred 11 years ago today, but then I realized it was National Talk In An Elevator Day and that had to trump Schweppes.  I did have a tough time finding an image to illustrate the post, but finally found this print ad from 1937.  They all look happy, but I am not sure if they have been talking.

Mark this one on your calendar for next year, then, on last Friday in July, make sure to tell everyone you meet in an elevator, "Hello."

Amsterdam Olympics Began 82 Years Ago Today

On this day in 1928, the Amsterdam Olympics started beginning The Coca-Cola Company's 82 year involvement with the Games.  We have blogged before about our efforts at those games to provide Coca-Cola to spectators and athletes at kiosk near the venues. 

But you may not know that Johnny Weismuller, who appeared on the 1934 tray to the left, won two gold medals for swimming at the Amsterdam games.  During his Olympic career, Weismuller won a total of five gold and one bronze medals.  Weismuller was actually the second person in his family to model for Coca-Cola, his wife, Lupe Velez appeared in advertising beginning in 1932.

 

Samson Introduced 40 Years Ago Today

We are celebrating another birthday today.  On July 27th, 1970, The Coca-Cola Company announced that it was continuing its development of protein based beverages with the introduction of Samson in Surinam.  We have blogged previously about the different nutritional beverages, Samson followed Saci in this space.  While it was originally sold in bottles, later, a powdered version was released.  We have samples of both the powder and the bottles on display in the innovation section of the Milestones Gallery at the World of Coca-Cola.

If you are interested in more information, I have attached the original press release. Download Samson 1970 Press Release

Holeman & Finch - Yes!

Readers of the blog know that we have featured Holeman & Finch Public House in several of our blog post.  Both Chef Linton Hopkins and Mixologist Greg Best have even contributed videos of some of their favorite Coke recipes.  If you have visited the Public House, you may have also noticed that we have one of our posters on display there. 

This month, we have the "Yes Girl" poster on display. When I loaned them the poster, I also sent additional information on the artist and awards it had received.  I was excited today when I saw that they had used the information creating a blog post on the art today.  Make sure to check out their site and if you are in Atlanta, stop by for a great meal and a perfect serving of Coca-Cola.

Changes on the Blog

Our regular readers will notice some changes to the blog over the last few weeks. It is now a team effort with all members of my team posting to the site. You can see brief biographies of myself, Ted and Jamal on the right hand side of the blog.

In addition to his contributions to the blog, Ted also manages the Archives Facebook account.Jamal is our in-house video expert who has edited much of the video content you have seen on the site.I think that you will enjoy the unique perspectives that they bring to our posts.

As always, we encourage your comments on the subjects posted.

A gentle reminder: As we have stated in the past, we are not able to offer individual appraisals of your collectibles either in our posts or in responses to comments.

Coke and Jazz

Did you know that Louis Armstrong performed at a Coke-sponsored concert in 1944? You can actually see the program script from that event at The World of Coca-Cola. I'm a huge music fan, and I've been working on a small Coke and music exhibit which reminded me of all the jazz greats that were featured in Coke programs over the years such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Artie Shaw. We often joke that Ted and I fight over the Coke and music projects, and I was happy to be involved in this latest one. Check out this 1953 Coke ad featuring xylophone player Lionel Hampton. This is valued around $500 dollars.

Brazil 2014 World Cup Can

As soon as the 2010 World Cup was over, the logo for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil was released. And just a few days ago we got in our newest artifact for our sports collection: A Commemorative FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 can that features the logo prominently. We received this from our friends in the sports marketing department, and before I catalog it, I'm sharing a picture with you. The line on the bottom of the can that reads "Felicidade é ter a Copa do Mundo FIFA Aqui" means "Happiness is having the FIFA World Cup Here".

They Call Me Mello Yello

Just in case you had not seen the news, Mello Yello has received a brand and graphic overhaul.  We worked with the brand team during the last six months as they reviewed the packaging and positioning of the brand. Mello Yello was introduced in 1979 in the US and apparently made an impact on a brand blogger.  Garland Pollard writes the BrandlandUSA blog and recently had an interesting post remembering Mello Yello.  Check out his post and let me know what you remember of our "Smooth" brand.

Coca-Cola Collectors Club Meeting Highlights

Last week we attended the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This meeting, held each summer is a great chance to see old friends and meet new Coca-Cola collectors.  The highlights of the convention are the silent auction, seminars, swap meet and the live auction.  The Club received great media coverage during the convention.  Watch this video from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Make sure to attend the Convention which will be in Atlanta next year.  If you want more information or want to join the Club, check our their website.  http://www.cocacolaclub.org/

I have attached some photos of items that were sold during the live auction.  The telephone with pad sold for $ 1,100, the match pull reached a high bid of $ 1,500 but did not meet the 2,000 reserve, the bottle topper was $ 550, the Kay Display life preserver sold for $ 375 because the condition was not great and the tire piece sold for $ 1,250.

25th Anniversary Of Space Can

Today, July 12th, marks the 25th anniversary of the first serving of Coca-Cola in space.  The original Space Can was used aboard the Space Shuttle, Challenger.  I have blogged about Coke in space before, but I ran across this print ad the other day.  It has always been one of my favorites.  If you are in Atlanta, we do have one of the original space cans and space dispensers on display at The World of Coca-Cola, look for them in the vending section of the Milestones Exhibit.