A Discovery That Could Rewrite History

When buying a historic home, new owners might expect to find vintage fixtures or architectural details. But what Jeff Notrica, an American entrepreneur and president of Inman Park Properties, discovered during a basement inspection of his new acquisition in Atlanta, Georgia, exceeded all expectations: a barrel bearing the iconic Coca-Cola brand that specialists have dated to the early 1900s.

What initially seemed like a curious antique quickly became a historically significant find: experts believe the container may have been used to store the original Coca-Cola prototype, making it potentially invaluable to historians and collectors worldwide.

The Preservation Project

Notrica purchased the property with a clear mission: to preserve Atlanta's historic buildings. His plan is to transform the mansion into a commercial space that honors its legacy, as he explained to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

To execute the restoration, he hired preservation specialist Alison Gordon, who will work alongside the Atlanta Preservation Center to carefully recover and transform the property while maintaining its historical integrity.

"It's very exciting to be part of something so deeply connected to Atlanta's history"

The Origins of Coca-Cola: A Fascinating Story

The beverage was created by John Stith Pemberton in 1886 as a medicine for headaches and fatigue. However, it was Asa Griggs Candler who recognized its commercial potential and decided to purchase the formula in 1888 for US$2,300—an investment that would prove extraordinarily profitable.

The move was brilliant: just four years later, sales had multiplied tenfold. Between 1894 and 1895, national expansion began with bottling plants opening in Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California.