By Jessica Gorman
In 2026, Coca-Cola Bottling of Minden celebrates not only 125 years as a company, but the Coke Plant itself turns 100 this year. In celebration of the construction of the new, modern plant, Coca-Cola and the Hunter family welcomed thousands of guests to its grand opening.
The company was started in 1901 by W.S. Hunter who had come to Minden in 1882. Originally Minden Bottling Works, it was soon reorganized and renamed North Louisiana Bottling Works. “Hunter Brand” soda water was bottled before Coca-Cola was added in 1905. By 1914, construction of a new building was necessary and twelve years later, they again found themselves in need of upgraded facilities.
The new plant, built by F.C. McClanahan, symbolized the exceptional growth and success of the company in its first 25 years. It was the third building to house operations and featured the latest machinery used in the manufacturing and bottling of Coca-Cola ensuring the highest standards in quality and sanitation. This new equipment was capable of producing thousands of bottles per day.
On 25 June 1926, the doors of the new facility were opened to the public. Those in attendance were treated to refreshments, souvenirs, and all the Coca-Cola they could drink. The evening began with a full tour and demonstration of the bottling process.
Visitors learned about the manufacturing of the drink from the cane sugar syrup colored by caramel and flavored by fruit juices, to the mixing process, to the transfer to the filling machines below the mixing room. They also watched the machinery in action as the bottles were sanitized by soaking in an alkaline solution heated to 150 degrees for twenty minutes. The bottles were then scrubbed and rinsed twice. The sanitized bottles were inspected before being filled.
Next, one ounce of syrup was added to each bottle by the syruper. Five ounces of carbonated water, kept at a constant temperature of 36 degrees, was added by the filler. The bottles then moved to the crowner where they were sealed. The final step was one last inspection before being ready for sale. Guests were treated to the newly bottled drink.
At 8:00pm, guests made their way outside to a dance floor constructed in honor of the occasion and decorated with Japanese lanterns. Music was provided by the Bryson-Smith Orchestra of Shreveport. Just as the party really got started, the festivities were interrupted by rain. Not to have their good time ruined, the crowd made their way to Hemler’s club house on Bayou Dorcheat where the party continued until midnight.
(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, President of the Minden Cemetery Association, and an avid genealogist.)