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SHIPPING AVAILABLE > Standing 7.5" tall, measuring 2.25" in overall diameter, a deep amber color soda bottle featuring cast relief lettering to the body reading > LOGAN BOTTLING WORKS ~ COCA-COLA in stylized script lettering ~ REGISTERED ~ LOGAN, W. VA.
The specific type of Coca-Cola bottle produced around 1905 that is deep amber or brown in color is commonly referred to as a Straight-Sided Amber Coca-Cola bottle. These bottles predate the iconic contour or "hobbleskirt" bottle that was introduced in 1915. The amber bottles were produced by various glass manufacturers for bottling plants across the country.
These early straight-sided Coca-Cola bottles featured straight cylindrical shapes, embossed lettering with "Coca-Cola" written in script, and the bottler's city or state name. The amber or brown glass was used to help protect the contents from sunlight, which could impact the flavor of the beverage. The amber glass Coca-Cola bottles were relatively short-lived and became less common after the introduction of the contour bottle, making them highly collectible today.
Collectors often seek these amber straight-sided bottles due to their rarity and historical value, especially when they bear the embossed city name and original Coca-Cola script. They can be distinguished from the later green-tinted contour bottles and represent an important part of Coca-Cola's early bottling history.
CONDITION REPORT > A notably well preserved example ~ Perhaps typical and minor elements relative to age, handling, material and early production methods.
History of Logan, West Virginia
Logan, West Virginia, is a city with a rich history rooted in the coal mining industry, located in the southwestern part of the state along the Guyandotte River. It serves as the county seat of Logan County, an area known for its natural resources and rugged Appalachian terrain. The town's history is shaped by its geographic setting, the growth of the coal industry, and significant events that have marked its development over the years.
Logan's history dates back to the early 19th century when the area was settled as a small, isolated community in what was then part of Virginia. It was named after Chief Logan, a leader of the Mingo tribe, who lived in the region during the 18th century and is known for his famous speech lamenting the loss of his family in conflicts with settlers. The town itself was originally called Aracoma, after Chief Logan's daughter, but it was later renamed Logan when it became the county seat in 1827.
The transformation of Logan began with the discovery of coal in the surrounding mountains in the late 1800s. The arrival of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) and the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W) in the early 20th century made it possible to extract and transport coal, leading to a rapid expansion of the coal industry in the region. As coal mining boomed, Logan evolved into a thriving coal town, with mining camps and small communities developing throughout the county.
The early 20th century was a period of economic growth for Logan, but it was also marked by labor struggles between coal miners and mine operators. The area became a focal point during the West Virginia Mine Wars, a series of labor disputes and conflicts over workers' rights, wages, and conditions in the coal mines. One of the most notable events during this time was the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, which took place just north of Logan County. This confrontation between thousands of armed miners and law enforcement, backed by private mine guards, was one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history.
Logan itself became a strategic location during the Mine Wars, with the Logan County Sheriff, Don Chafin, playing a key role in suppressing union activity. The conflicts had a lasting impact on the community and its identity, contributing to the complex relationship between the local population and the coal industry.
As coal production slowed in the mid-20th century due to mechanization and shifts in energy sources, Logan faced economic challenges, like many other coal towns in Appalachia. Despite these challenges, the city has remained a center of community life in Logan County, with its downtown area and historic landmarks reflecting its past.
Logan's history is still evident in its architecture and cultural sites, including the courthouse and historic buildings that line the town's streets. The community remains deeply connected to its Appalachian heritage, with festivals and events that celebrate local traditions, music, and history. The decline in coal has led to efforts to diversify the local economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and revitalizing the downtown area.
Today, Logan serves as a reminder of the complex history of coal mining in Appalachia, with a legacy shaped by both the prosperity and the hardships brought by the coal industry. Its history of resilience and adaptation continues to define the character of the town and its people, reflecting a broader story of Appalachia's past and present..
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