In the 1950s, Coca-Cola trays became popular symbols of the era. These colorful items captured the spirit of soda fountains and jukebox tunes, offering a glimpse into mid-century American life and culture.
The Origin and Popularity of 1950s Coca-Cola Trays
Metal Coca-Cola trays of the 1950s were more than just serving pieces. They showcased scenes of happy families enjoying refreshing drinks, reflecting the era's optimism. These trays got their start in 1887 when J.F. Meek, a newspaper publisher in Ohio, began printing ads on everyday items. By 1900, Meek teamed up with H.D. Beach, advancing advertising specialties that paved the way for Coca-Cola trays.
By the 1950s, Coca-Cola was using offset lithography to create bright, lasting designs on their trays. This process involved:
- Creating artwork with a grease pencil on polished limestone
- Applying water and ink to the stone
- Transferring the image to a rubber blanket
- Pressing the blanket onto primed metal surfaces
These images promoted the brand's message of happiness and refreshment. The trays became popular collectibles, each one a snapshot of American culture.
As society changed, so did the trays. Earlier designs might show elegant women in fancy clothes, while 1950s trays featured poodle skirts and youthful energy. Collectors like Jerry and Sue Cooper turned their love for these items into a shared hobby, finding unique pieces during their travels.
These trays have stood the test of time, gaining value and stirring up nostalgia. Today, a 1950s Coca-Cola tray can transport you back to a time when life's simple pleasures, like a cold Coke on a sunny day, were all you needed.
The Collectors' Passion for Coca-Cola Trays
For Coca-Cola tray collectors, it's about more than just owning a piece of metal with a pretty picture. It's about reliving the spirit of the 1950s. These collectors share stories about how Coca-Cola memorabilia became part of their lives, reminiscing about soda fountains and jukebox tunes.
The appeal of these trays goes beyond their looks. They trigger memories of family outings and fizzy drinks. Take Elon Nelson, who found joy in discovering old soda advertising clocks in settings that reminded him of 1950s diners.
"I just kind of held onto it," Nelson said, speaking of the 1950s diner ambience he's created in one of the rooms in his house, which encapsulates his vision of what an American diner looked like in 1952.
Jerry and Sue Cooper's collection includes trays from various sources, each with its own story. Sue even has a tray from her time as a missionary in Botswana, showing how these items have spread worldwide.
For collectors, the hunt for new trays is exciting. Each find brings a piece of history into their lives, celebrating a time when small pleasures brought big smiles. It's a hobby that's as refreshing as a cold Coke on a hot day.
Coca-Cola trays continue to remind us of a simpler time, evoking fond memories and inspiring collectors to cherish these pieces of 1950s Americana. As Jerry Cooper aptly puts it, "There's a story in every piece."
- Nelson E. Interview on Coca-Cola memorabilia collection. Local Collectors Series. 2023.
- Cooper J, Cooper S. Personal communication on Coca-Cola tray collecting. 2023.
- American Art Works. History of Coca-Cola tray manufacturing. Company Archives. 1950.