Inverness in Citrus County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Coca-Cola Building
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2018
1. Coca-Cola Building Marker
The All-American drink was introduced to Citrus County in the early 1900's. W.T. Baxley acted as a sub-bottler to the Tampa Coca Cola Bottling Company, and began bottling it in Hernando in 1906. Empty bottles were washed in Hernando Lake, then filled and transported by horse drawn wagon to Inverness. In 1914, World War I was underway in Europe, and the phosphate mines in Hernando started closing. W.T. Baxley then moved his building and business to Inverness behind his home at 110 N. Pine Street. After Mr. Baxley's death on December 29, 1931, Mrs. Pearl Baxley headed the operation in this brick building (pictured above) at 112 N. Apopka Avenue. In 1933, the Inverness plant bought the Brooksville territory. Mrs. Baxley died in May of 1960 at 85, and the business was continued by their son, Carey Baxley, and daughter, Ina Lee Baxley Green. In the early years, it would take a year to use a 50-gallon barrel of syrup, producing around 250 cases a year - of course, it developed into a thriving and prosperous business. The family business and building were sold to Florida Coca-Cola in 1979, with the County purchasing the building from Coca-Cola
this page online
Erected 2000 by City of Inverness, Florida and the Rotary Club of Inverness.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list.
Location. 28° 50.233′ N, 82° 19.803′ W. Marker is in Inverness, Florida, in Citrus County. Marker is on North Apopka Avenue north of Courthouse Square, on the right when traveling north. Marker is large metal plaque, mounted on a waist-high post, directly in front of the old Coca-Cola Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 N Apopka Ave, Inverness FL 34450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Valerie Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Citrus County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); 109 Courthouse Square (about 300 feet away); The Dampier Building (about 400 feet away); Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); The McLeod House (about 400 feet away); Korean War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Military Order of the Purple Heart (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inverness.
Regarding Coca-Cola Building. The old Coca-Cola Building now serves as a Citrus County Government offices building.
Also see . . .
2. Marker detail: Vintage Coca-Cola Delivery Truck
3. Marker detail: Original brick building at this address
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2018
4. Coca-Cola Building Marker (wide view; marker visible left of entrance)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2018
5. Original 1932 building dedication plaque (mounted on building left of window tiles)
known as the
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
It was built in 1932 by:
Bert D. Vaughan
He was the Worshipful Master
of the Masonic Temple of Citrus,
#118 F & A.M. in 1936
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2018
6. Coca-Cola Building (north end view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 6, 2018
7. Coca-Cola Building (middle view; marker visible at right)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 539 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on May 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
