The Coca-Cola Mural, Albion

In 1922, Albion underwent significant changes. Post-World War I, the influx of immigrants was halted due to restrictions on ocean travel, prompting factories running at full capacity to seek labor from the southern states. This recruitment brought both black and white workers north, infusing Albion and other northern communities with a distinctly southern flavor. Concurrently, Coca-Cola aimed to expand its market to these new northern residents.

Coca-Cola, destined to become the world’s best-selling beverage, was promoted by Asa Candler’s marketing genius. He dispatched sign painters nationwide to advertise the drink, resulting in approximately 16,000 wall murals. Many of these faded over time, including the one in Albion, which was restored in 1983 after it had almost faded completely.

In 2019, plans emerged to restore this mural again. This rare mural, located over a river, is not only a testament to the town’s industrial past but also a reflection of the community’s pride and heritage. Maggie LaNoue’s digital photo art, created from an aerial photograph by Kent Davis, captures this historic sign and the heart of downtown Albion. The artwork, with its blend of realism and illustrative detail, highlights the brick building adorned with the vintage Coca-Cola mural beside a serene river. This piece not only showcases Albion’s rich history and transformation but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Coca-Cola.