Coke time

The journal, Two Centuries of Swainsboro, continues to trigger my memories of the people, places and events that impressed my formative years. Starting with a person, my “Big Daddy”, Mr. El Flanders, was the first to be chosen. It was even more difficult to choose a place from among the beloved white marble courthouse, John C. Coleman Hotel and Community House. An article, not a photograph, triggered my nostalgia for a place. Near the end of North Main Street on the left corner, was a red brick and cast stone building. A large inscription across the front read “Coca-Cola”. The plant was highly automated for the time. Thirty bottles a minute could be produced. Large glass widowers enabled Coke lovers to stand and watch the beloved beverage circle before them before being capped and ready for sale. The plant was built in 1931, so I did not have this pleasure for at least ten years ahead, but I do remember standing and watching and returning home to pop open a small glass bottle of icy cold coke from the six pack always waiting in my refrigerator. My mother brought a carton of cokes each time she went to the store. Today cokes are much larger and in pop top cans and large plastic bottles. These carry the name Coke—but not the satisfaction of the small greenish glass bottle. It just ain’t the same!!

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