On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, reopens at 1:00 p.m., with a welcoming entrance via the newly-repaired front stairs, or the ramp from the back parking area.
Presenter Dick Volker of Princeton, IL, offers an entertaining program for all ages, based on 40+ years selling Coca-Cola. His discussion begins promptly at 1:30 p.m. “Be Refreshed” (1961 slogan), and enjoy a complimentary small can of Coca-Cola and bag of popcorn as refreshments.
Those who collect Coca-Cola memorabilia are urged to bring an item for “show and tell.”
Volker states, “I enjoy Coca-Cola. Quite a few every day. Having been employed in Sales Management with the Fountain Sales Department for over 40 years, it is only natural that we have a four-drink fountain dispenser in our kitchen!” Wife Loretta created a Coke museum in their kitchen. It has been documented on television and in many newspaper features. Some items are on display in a gallery. He found this 1900 photo of a Mississippi delivery wagon.
Since retirement, Volker “marketed myself to present the history of Coca-Cola.”
The still-popular beverage began from a syrup concocted as a remedy for baby colic, invented Dr. John Stith Pemberton. It was promoted as “a valuable brain tonic” and “intellectual beverage;” “a cure for all nervous affections; the ”temperance drink.” The 1979 slogan advised, “Have a Coke and Smile.”
Bring a companion to the 1:30 program, because “Things Go Better with Coke,” (1972 slogan.)