In 1922, there were some changes to the community of Albion Michigan. It was just after World War I, and the immigrants who were hired to work in the factories, were not able to cross the ocean due to the changes brought by the war. Since the factories were going full steam, a new plan was made across the northern states to recruit people from the south, both black and white workers.
The flavor of many northern communities, especially Albion with its foundries supplying war efforts, because distinctly more southern. At this same time, a southern company, Coca-Cola was looking for ways to increase its sales to the north, where these southerners had moved.
Coca-Cola would one day become the world’s best-selling beverage and the most recognized and beloved brand in the world.
Marketing genius Asa Candler commissioned sign painters to fan out across the country to extol the virtues of the fledgling drink. “Delicious and Refreshing.’
As many as 16,000 wall murals were painted by the Company and its many local bottlers. Many of these faded into obscurity. The sign in Albion was repainted at least once, but most recently in 1983, when it was so faded that it was about to be painted over. In 2019, this sign in Albion, 36’ x 40’, possibly the largest Coke mural in the world, is about to be restored to its early glory.
This photo art was created by Maggie LaNoue, using a drone photograph by Kent Davis. Learn more about the project, and other scenes of Albion, at AlbionMich.net
Learn more about Albion’s history including the Purple Gang, Superior Street, parks, art, and trails at AlbionMich.net.
Coca-Cola Mural - Albion, Michigan Print #226 CGP
Vibrant color Giclée prints by Maggie LaNoue are archive quality with fade resistant ink and acid free paper. They are fade-resistant prints lasting up to 100 years under glass.
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