COCA-COLA BOTTLING WORKS

According to a Johnson City Press article from 2006, the Coca Cola Bottling Works started its operation in that city in February 1906. Their first location was at 123-125 West Main Street, with H. O. Goddard as Manager. The company is also listed as a wholesale candy dealer in the 1908-09 City Directory. By 1913 J. D. Roddy is President of the company with William G. Scott as manager.

In 1915 we find that William G. Scott is listed as Secretary-Treasurer / General Manger of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Scott continues as manager of the company till June of 1918 when Herman R. Griffith came to Johnson City. from Jellico, Tenn, to take over as manager according to the July 15, 1919 article I found in the Kingsport Times.(4) Unfortunately the article wasn't about his taking over the office of manager, but that he was found dead, apparently overcome by fumes, in an empty gasoline tank in the rear of the bottling plant.(4) In 1921 we find that J. W. Barnett Jr. is listed as manager. Roy H. Woody is listed as manager by 1923. They appear to be bottling Coca-Cola, Cherry Blossom by 1921 and add Delaware Punch by 1923.

Between 1923 and 1925 they have moved to 226 East Market Street, and Arthur W. Griffin was the president of the company. Between 1968 and 1972 they appear to have moved to their present location at 310 Wesley Street.

Coca-Cola advertisement from the 1908-09 City Directory

These two store fronts are the first location of the Coca Cola Bottling Company of Johnson City at 123-125 West Main Street

This is 226 East Market street where Coca Cola of Johnson City would relocate to between 1923 and 1928.

This is the plant at 226 East Market street as it stands today. As you can see the building has been added on to over the years, but if you will notice the pole in front you will realize that the same pole stands in front of the older photograph.

6oz Straight Side Amber Coca-Cola bottle dated 1914

6 1/2oz clear "arrow" Coca-Cola Bottle from Johnson City, Tenn, which I think is from around the same period and maker as the Superior Soda below due to it having the same type of markings on the bottom.

6 1/2oz Superior Soda bottle from the C. C. Bottling Works. I would assume that this is an earlier soda water bottle unfortunately there isn't a date.

6oz Straight Side Star Soda Water bottles by Coca-Cola Bottling Works

6oz Coca Cola "Pat. November 16, 1915" bottle

The bottom of the Pat. November 16, 1915 Coca Cola bottle

Coca-Cola advertisement from July 18, 1922

6 1/2oz Johnson City Soda Water deco bottle by Coca-Cola Bottling Works dated 1923

Coca-Cola ad from June 20, 1923 listing that they are bottling Delaware Punch, Cherry Blossoms, and Orange Crush.

6oz Squat Orange Crush bottle from the 1920's which I feel was actually used by Johnson City Coca-Cola Bottling Works.

6 1/2oz Straight Side Star Soda Water bottles by Coca-Cola Bottling Works. The one on the left is dated 1924, and the other is dated 1925.

6oz Pat. D Coca-Cola Bottles The left one is dated 1942 and the other one is dated 1951

6oz In patent office Coca-Cola Bottles The left one is dated 1954 and the other one is dated 1956

10oz Southway Beverages bottle dated 1956

A receipt from the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Johnson City and Kingsport

10oz Southway Beverages bottle from The Coca Cola bottling works Johnson City - Kingsport dated 1956. Odd isn't it? Well from everything I have been able to research it appears that Coca Cola of Johnson City did indeed open a sister company in Kingsport which shows up around 1951. The Kingsport plant lasted until around 1971. You can check out my Kingsport Coca Cola page for more information.

A later 10oz Southway Beverages bottle from The Coca Cola bottling works Johnson City - Kingsport

6 1/2oz Coca Cola bottle dated 1968

12oz Coca Cola bottle dated 1982

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