Coca-Cola advertisements have always been unique and interesting. They have continuously followed current events and happenings across America and are, therefore, a rich source of cultural information. Coca-Cola is a classic example of an American icon. By collecting Coca-Cola magazine ads from their inception, you have a timeline of American history which is easily traceable. Few collectibles are as rewarding as vintage Coca-Cola magazine ads.
Earliest magazine ads
The first magazine ads for any product were in black and white, as when the process of adding color to paper came along, it was quite a bit more expensive to use. One of the earliest Coca-Cola ads featured a lovely young woman, smiling, dressed very nicely, wearing pearls, holding a glass that has the Coca-Cola logo etched on the side of it. The picture is framed by flowers along all four sides in a square. The message with the picture reads, “Delicious and Refreshing. Drink Coca-Cola at Soda Fountains and Carbonated in Bottles for 5¢.” This magazine ad was published in June 1904.
Coca-Cola is an all-American product and its Classic Coca-Cola beverage recipe has withstood the tests of time, even shaking off efforts to make an improved “New Coke” formula. The American public wasn’t having any of it. “Classic is better” and “Keep the original” were cries that could be heard from across the country, as well as around the world.
The American original
Coca-Cola is definitely an American original. The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage manufacturer of non-alcoholic drinks. The product, Coca-Cola, was first introduced in 1886 by a pharmacist, John Stith Pemberton. The Coca-Cola Corporation was founded six years later, in 1892, by Asa Griggs Candler and it has been going strong ever since. The beautifully illustrated Coca-Cola magazine ads of the early days were published in many popular magazines, one of which was The Saturday Evening Post.
Coca-Cola has always reacted to events in the world and marketed their advertisements to special occasions, such as the Olympic Games, the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR sporting events, and Christmas, just to name a few; they are varied.
Santa Claus drinks Coca-Cola
Beginning in 1931, Coca-Cola came up with ads that pictured Santa Claus in one image that remained consistent throughout their magazine ads: a jolly, rather rotund fellow with a white beard in a red suit. Some people believe that Coca-Cola gave us the image of Santa Claus we know and love today. Before Coca-Cola’s ads, Santa Claus was pictured in a variety of ways, from tall and gaunt, to, admittedly, a little bit scary-looking. Perhaps Santa Claus, as well as the rest of us, has Coca-Cola to thank for his much kinder, gentler image. Some Coca-Cola impassioned collectors will tell you Santa’s suit is red because that is the color of Coke.
Successful marketing campaigns
A magazine ad from 1937 advertises Coca-Cola as “the pause that refreshes.” This was a great marketing phrase that was repeated often by the American consumer and it continues to be known today. That phrase is now synonymous with its intended product, Coca-Cola, which is the result of a very successful marketing strategy. Coca-Cola has enjoyed several successful marketing strategies through the years, many of which have played out through the ad pages of magazines.
Collecting Coca-Cola magazine ads is not only nostalgic, but historical and educational. You can learn a lot about American culture and society from collecting Coca-Cola ads published during the various time periods through which America has traveled. Coca-Cola has represented many of them, quite well. Coca-Cola magazine ads from the early years make wonderful gifts for any collector.
Norman Rockwell Cover Artist On The Saturday Evening Post
Norman Rockwell was born on February 3 1894 in New York City to his parents Jarvis Waring and Ann Mary Rockwell (nee Hill). From High school he went to art school at Chase Art School when he was 16, from there to the National Academy of Design and then eventually to the Arts Student League. His very earliest art works were produced for St Nicholas Magazine. He got his real break after doing works for the Boy Scouts of America in 1913 at the age of 19 when he was made the editor for Boys Life. from there he had an illustrious and celebrated career passing away at the age of 84 in Massachusetts. Norman Rockwell Cover Artist On The Saturday Evening Post
An artist featured more than any other, Norman Rockwell featured on 322 covers for the Saturday Evening Post. He was quoted to say “if you did a cover for the Post you had arrived”. His covers depicted everyday life and as well the impacts of political and social events of the time. Starting at the age of 22, Norman had an illustrious career with the Post and ending this career in 1963, becoming the leader in cover artists for the Post. When the Post is mentioned it is his name that pops into mind the most. So successful was he that hundreds of thousands of magazines had to be added to the print run to keep up with demand for his work. His most memorable work was the portrait of J.F Kennedy which was featured twice and was chosen as the memorial cover for the Post.
Norman Rockwell has sometimes been criticized for his too sentimental side to his art. His works depict humor and feeling. His passion for showing the trends of the time put him at the forefront of his profession. His works total over 4000 pieces and can be seen in several museums.
