Typical of many commercial blocks built in late-19th- and early-20th-century Georgia, this structure served a dual purpose as a general store and Masonic lodge.
Tag Archives: Coca-Cola
World’s First Coca-Cola Mural , 1894, Cartersville
In the early 20th century, Coca-Cola wall paintings, or murals, were ubiquitous in small towns all over America. But through research and authentication by the Coca-Cola Company, it has been determined that the very first such advertisement was created here in Cartersville, on the side of Young Brothers Pharmacy, in 1894. It was painted by syrup salesman James Couden.The Coca-Cola Company regularly refreshed the sign with new paint until the late 1970s, and in the 1980s, Dean Cox, who had purchased the pharmacy from one of the Young brothers’ daughters in 1970, became curious about the historical sign. In 1989, he hired Alison Free and Aggie Ferguson to restore it to its original condition. 25 layers of paint were removed to reveal the mural visible today. Coca-Cola fans and collectors from all over the world have been making pilgrimages to Cartersville to see it ever since.
Cartersville Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --BARTOW COUNTY GA--, Cartersville GA
4 Way Lunch, 1931, Cartersville
Fred Garrison began selling made-to-order hamburgers on the corner of Main Street and Gilmer Street in downtown Cartersville in 1931. The business was so successful, in large part due to the boost in traffic from tourists passing through on the Dixie Highway, that Garrison built the no-frills lunch counter you see today. Fred’s son Ernest took over in 1972 and operated it for the rest of his life. It survived a fire in 1993 and remains as popular now as it was in 1931.
You can visit Monday-Saturday from 6AM-3PM, but you have to bring cash, and don’t try calling ahead to place an order. The 4 Way prides itself on the fact that they’ve never had a telephone.
Cartersville Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Filed under --BARTOW COUNTY GA--, Cartersville GA
R. E. Ringer General Merchandise, 1927, Carroll County
This tin-sided false front store should get your attention if you’re traveling on US Highway 27, just south of Carrollton. A sign on the building notes that the store operated from 1927-1957. Like the Johnson Sweet Potato barn, another roadside icon located nearby, the Ringer Store’s Coca-Cola signs and murals have been repainted.
Filed under --CARROLL COUNTY GA--
Jackson General Store, Lowell
L. H. Jackson General Merchandise was likely the main store in the crossroads community of Lowell, which had a post office from 1878-1903. It is very typical of late-19th and early-20th-century stores in Georgia. The Coca-Cola mural, though faded significantly, is an amazing survivor.
Filed under --CARROLL COUNTY GA--, Lowell GA
J. T. Jones Grocery, Putnam County
This old country store was photographed in May 1991 by Anne Chamlee. It is presumed to be gone now.
Filed under --PUTNAM COUNTY GA--
W. T. Bickers Store, Greene County
This is a wonderful example of the most common rural store type of early 20th century Georgia.
Filed under --GREENE COUNTY GA--
Hogan’s Store, Oglethorpe County
The Hogan General Store is a familiar landmark in Oglethorpe County, located near the ruins of the Birdsong-Hogan House.
Filed under --OGLETHORPE COUNTY GA--, Hogan GA
