Coca-Cola Serving Trays: A Look Back (1897–1950s) by Brad Cross

Coca-Cola started making tin serving trays in 1897, and they became a big part of the brand’s charm. These trays were used in soda fountains to carry drinks to customers and to show off the Coca-Cola logo. Let’s take a trip through the years to see how these trays changed from the early 1900s to the late 1950s.

1925 "Party Girl or Girl at Party"

Early Days (1897–1919)

In the early 1900s, Coca-Cola trays were simple but eye-catching. They were made by companies like H.D. Beach Company and American Art Works in Coshocton, Ohio. The trays often had the name of the maker printed on the rim. They used bright colors—sometimes up to 8 or 10—to make the designs pop.

One of the first big names in these trays was Hilda Clark, a singer and actress. Starting in 1900, her picture was on trays, signs, and other ads. These trays were sturdy and meant to be used in soda fountains to serve drinks. They showed people enjoying Coca-Cola, which helped make the drink feel fun and popular. The designs were printed using a special method called lithography, where images were transferred from a stone to a rubber blanket and then onto the metal tray. This made the trays colorful and detailed.

The 1920s: A New Look

By the 1920s, Coca-Cola trays started to change. They still went to soda fountains, but now they also showed off the new Coca-Cola bottles. In 1915, the famous contour bottle was created, and by the mid-1920s, trays started featuring it. These trays cost the company about 12 to 14 cents each to make, which was a small part of their advertising budget.

Bottlers began buying trays from Coca-Cola to give out to customers. They used them for contests, door-to-door promotions, or even gave them to groups like schools or clubs. The trays were practical but also a way to remind everyone about Coca-Cola. The designs often had happy people drinking Coke, and the bright colors made them stand out.

The 1930s–1940s: Art and Ads

In the 1930s, Coca-Cola trays got even more artistic. Famous artists like Norman Rockwell painted pictures for Coca-Cola ads, and some of these ended up on trays. For example, in 1935, Rockwell’s “Out Fishin” showed a boy fishing, and it was used on a Coca-Cola calendar. Trays from this time often had cheerful scenes, like people at the beach or enjoying a soda.

During the 1940s, World War II changed things. Coca-Cola made sure soldiers could get Coke for just a nickel, no matter where they were. Trays from this time were still used in soda fountains, but they also showed up in places like restaurants and stores. One famous tray from 1946 was the “Yes Girl” tray, painted by Haddon Sundblom, who also made Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus ads. These trays were bright and showed off the fun side of drinking Coke.

The 1950s: A Golden Age

The 1950s were a big time for Coca-Cola trays. The designs got bolder, with more focus on the Coca-Cola logo and the contour bottle. Ads from this time showed people of all kinds enjoying Coke, including Mary Alexander, the first African-American woman in Coca-Cola ads. She appeared in print ads and likely on trays, too, starting in 1957.

Trays were still used in soda fountains, but they were also collected by fans. Each tray told a story, with pictures of everyday life—like picnics, sports, or just hanging out with friends. The trays were made to last, but they were also beautiful, with bright colors and detailed designs that made people want to keep them.

Why These Trays Matter

From the 1900s to the 1950s, Coca-Cola serving trays were more than just something to carry drinks on. They were a way to share the Coca-Cola brand with the world. Whether it was Hilda Clark’s smiling face in 1900 or the “Yes Girl” in 1946, these trays captured the spirit of the time. They showed how Coca-Cola became a part of everyday life, from small soda fountains to big global markets.

Collectors today love these trays because they tell a story of Coca-Cola’s past. Each one is a piece of history, showing how people lived, what they wore, and how they enjoyed their favorite drink. If you ever find one, check the rim for the maker’s name—it might just be a treasure from the early days of Coca-Cola!