Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Today, as I was researching some local soldiers who served during World War II, I came across this Coca-Cola ad in the January 26, 1944 issue of the Elmira Star-Gazette. I love the note on the bottom right: "Coke" = Coca-Cola It's natural for popular names to acquire friendly abbreviations. That's why you hear Coca-Cola called "Coke".
Full text of the ad reads: Have a "Coke" = Meet a new friend...or how to relax on leave. What more friendly way to welcome a soldier to a family gathering than the three short words: Have a "Coke". It says, We're happy you're here. And there's no better way to show it than to be sure you have Coca-Cola in your icebox ready to offer its refreshing hospitality. From "Down under" to back in the U.S.A., Coca-Cola stands for the pause that refreshes, - has become the symbol of friendly folks the world over. Bottled under authority of the Coca-Cola Company by Elmira Coca-Cola Bottling Works, 415 West Second St., Elmira, N.Y.
