Corinth Coke Museum
We have drawn on the fascinating 100 year history of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works to create a unique and well designed museum.
The museum features over 1,000 pieces of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia, plus a large collection of old fashioned drink machines from years gone by. If you are a fan of Coca-Cola memorabilia, or the old fashioned Soda Fountain era, you will enjoy this museum.
History
Our story actually begins in 1905, when Avon Kenneth Weaver bought an interest in Corinth (MS) Bottling Works, a small soda water plant owned by Mr. C. C. Clark. At that time, Coca-Cola was being produced in Jackson, Tennessee and shipped to Corinth by rail car. Mr. Weaver and Mr. Clark were set on obtaining a Coca-Cola franchise for Northeast Mississippi and while awaiting developments in Corinth, were granted a license for Coca-Cola in New Albany, Mississippi. Mr. Clark moved there to begin that operation in 1906.
Early equipment was simple. Bottles were washed and filled by hand and were capped with a foot-powered machine. Rural areas were served by rail, but in downtown Corinth, a young man named Luke Caldwell made deliveries in a wheelbarrow. Finally, gasoline operated trucks came on the scene.
Many changes have occurred in the Coca-Cola business in 100 yearsand Coca-Cola Bottling Works has evolved into a modern industry. Corinth Coca-Cola was able to expand its operations considerably with acquisitions of Corinth Dr Pepper in 1969, Tupelo Coca-Cola in 1977 and Lexington (TN) Coca-Cola in 1985. With those acquisitions, the Company covers a broad area from south of Tupelo, MS to north of Camden, TN.
In 1962, the field of food vending was entered. This operation is now Refreshments, Inc. Expansion in this area in Jackson Tennessee in 1990 and in Tupelo, MS in 2000 enabled the Refreshments Companies to become a formidable competitor on a regional basis.
Nothing about the history of Coca-Cola Bottling Works could be more outstanding than the many people who have contributed to its success. This certainly includes the loyal employees and customers that have been such a large part of the legacy of Coca-Cola Bottling Works.
The Company continues to be owned and operated by the descendants of Avon Kenneth Weaver. Four generations of family members have worked in the business during the past 100 years.
It is with pride in the past, an unfailing trust in employees and customers and an overwhelming optimism for the future, that we look forward to our next century of service to the area.
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