Paducah Coca-Cola Bottling Plant (1 of 3)
I was thrilled to come upon this beautiful old Coca-Cola Bottling plant on a quick trip through Paducah with my daughter in April 2013. Stood there for the longest time waiting for an opportunity to get out in the middle of the intersection so I could try to get the darn traffic lights out of my shot. But I never had a chance. What a busy corner!! I was lucky to finally get off a shot with no cars in the frame - naturally the sun picked that moment to duck behind a cloud! :-\
It's by far the most interesting old Coke bottler I've seen in person. A shame to see it empty - and of course you wonder what will become of it. Later, when we were down by the river, we found it had been memorialized in one of Robert Dafford's floodwall murals. See my other photo. (You can view all the murals here. They are truly amazing to see in person - a beautiful way to enjoy the history of the area.)
Here is the text that accompanies that mural:
Paducah Coca-Cola Bottling Company was founded in by Luther F. Carson. The business moved into this landmark building at 32nd and Broadway in 1939. The building was designed by Lester Daley of Metropolis, Illinois. The lighted dome colorfully graced the night skyline for many years. In 2003, thousands of people toured the building during the centennial celebration of 100 years of Coca-Cola bottling and distribution in Paducah. Coca-Cola ceased operating in this facility in 2005.
In doing a little research before posting this photo, I discovered that there is a happy ending to this building's story! : ) It was purchased by a young couple with vision, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places (July 2013) and is being restored. See "A REFRESHING New Future for Paducah's Coca-Cola Bottling Plant" here in Paducah Life Magazine.
The neon lights in the dome are even shining again!! : )
Have a look at all the wonderful photos on The Coke Plant's facebook page! You know, if I had money, I'd go around rescuing great old buildings like this. Wouldn't that be fun?!! : )
Paducah Coca-Cola Bottling Plant (1 of 3)
I was thrilled to come upon this beautiful old Coca-Cola Bottling plant on a quick trip through Paducah with my daughter in April 2013. Stood there for the longest time waiting for an opportunity to get out in the middle of the intersection so I could try to get the darn traffic lights out of my shot. But I never had a chance. What a busy corner!! I was lucky to finally get off a shot with no cars in the frame - naturally the sun picked that moment to duck behind a cloud! :-\
It's by far the most interesting old Coke bottler I've seen in person. A shame to see it empty - and of course you wonder what will become of it. Later, when we were down by the river, we found it had been memorialized in one of Robert Dafford's floodwall murals. See my other photo. (You can view all the murals here. They are truly amazing to see in person - a beautiful way to enjoy the history of the area.)
Here is the text that accompanies that mural:
Paducah Coca-Cola Bottling Company was founded in by Luther F. Carson. The business moved into this landmark building at 32nd and Broadway in 1939. The building was designed by Lester Daley of Metropolis, Illinois. The lighted dome colorfully graced the night skyline for many years. In 2003, thousands of people toured the building during the centennial celebration of 100 years of Coca-Cola bottling and distribution in Paducah. Coca-Cola ceased operating in this facility in 2005.
In doing a little research before posting this photo, I discovered that there is a happy ending to this building's story! : ) It was purchased by a young couple with vision, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places (July 2013) and is being restored. See "A REFRESHING New Future for Paducah's Coca-Cola Bottling Plant" here in Paducah Life Magazine.
The neon lights in the dome are even shining again!! : )
Have a look at all the wonderful photos on The Coke Plant's facebook page! You know, if I had money, I'd go around rescuing great old buildings like this. Wouldn't that be fun?!! : )