Jefferson Street Coca Cola Signs
The Coca Cola sign on Jefferson Street features two different century old hand painted Coca Cola signs and two incarnations of the Carnes Company.
The original Coca Cola sign was painted with a window between “Coca” and “Cola” with the “Delicious and Refreshing” slogan to the left. Above the sign was the business name “Carnes and Patton” advertising their services in horseshoeing. When the Carnes Company started selling cars the sign was updated.
A new more condensed Coca Cola sign was painted on the right.
When the Carnes Company built onto their building in 1924 all of these signs were covered and thus preserved. In 2012 that addition was torn down and the Coca Cola signs started to become visible. By 2023 the full extent of the signs were uncovered and a UV sealant was applied.
The original Coca Cola sign was painted with a window between “Coca” and “Cola” with the “Delicious and Refreshing” slogan to the left. Above the sign was the business name “Carnes and Patton” advertising their services in horseshoeing. When the Carnes Company started selling cars the sign was updated.
A new more condensed Coca Cola sign was painted on the right.
When the Carnes Company built onto their building in 1924 all of these signs were covered and thus preserved. In 2012 that addition was torn down and the Coca Cola signs started to become visible. By 2023 the full extent of the signs were uncovered and a UV sealant was applied.
A History of the Jefferson Street Coca Cola Signs
James Carnes constructed this brick building on Jefferson Street in 1911. The Coca Cola sign is visible (above, left) in this photo taken between 1911 and 1916. At this time Carnes & Patton was a wagon factory that offered horse shoeing and repair work.
Above reads: "Delicious and Refreshing = Sold = Everywhere 5¢"
Coca Cola started using the "Delicious and Refreshing" slogan in 1904 and added “sold everywhere” in 1908. This was part of the original sign (painted between 1911 & 1916).
Coca Cola started using the "Delicious and Refreshing" slogan in 1904 and added “sold everywhere” in 1908. This was part of the original sign (painted between 1911 & 1916).
Above reads: “Dodge Brothers Service”
The Carnes Company had started auto repair in 1916. The now named Carnes Motor Co. secured the Dodge agency in Neosho in October of 1921.
The Carnes Company had started auto repair in 1916. The now named Carnes Motor Co. secured the Dodge agency in Neosho in October of 1921.
A second Coca Cola sign was painted between 1916 & 1924. In August of 1924 Carnes Motor Co. started construction of an addition to their garage which resulted in the signs being covered and preserved.
Thomas Cusack Company, established in 1875 in Chicago, was a leading outdoor advertising firm in the United States. They leased over 100,000 billboard and advertising spaces and worked out of over 100 offices across the country. The company’s logo was painted below the Coca Cola sign.
Unveiling the Coca Cola Signs
In 2012 the 1924 addition to the Carnes Company's original brick building was torn down and the Coca Cola signs started to become visible.
A view of the signs in 2016.
In 2023 the Carnes Company building received extensive restoration and renovations. Part of the process included applying a specialty UV shield to the Coca Cola signs. This will help protect them from light damage and extend their life span.
A Look Back at the Locations History
James Carnes constructed this brick building on Jefferson Street in 1911. At this time Carnes & Patton was a wagon factory that offered horse shoeing and repair work. This photo taken between 1911 and 1916.
The Carnes Company started auto repair in 1916. The now named Carnes Motor Co. secured the Dodge agency in Neosho in October of 1921. This photo was taken between 1916 & 1924.
In 1924 Carnes Motor Company built an addition to their original building (the far right half of the building above). This addition extended their business to the corner of North Jefferson Street and McCord Street. The Coca Cola signs were covered and thus preserved. This photo was taken in the 1940's.