I Love Me Some Coca Cola.......and History too!

As you know by now, I divide my time living in two states.  For half the month, I spend my time in Monroe, LA, hosting two radio shows, with the other half spent in Nashville, running two pregnancy centers, as well as, traveling the weekends for speaking engagements.  Life is busy, but good.  Today, I'm in Central Louisiana and after finishing up my radio shows this afternoon, I decided to explore West Monroe a little bit.  I've passed by the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens several times since I've been here, but never had time to stop.  What better day than today to explore! 

I was pretty excited about this little adventure, only wished I could have shared it with Kolby, but she was still in school.  I made my way to the gift shop to purchase my ticket.  The lovely lady working looked behind me searching for whoever was making this trip with me.  Then she asked "Are you alone?"  I answered, "Yes."  She escorted me into a small room, where I watched a video about the Biedenharn Family, where they came from and how they began their business empire in the bottling industry.  The Biedenharn Family are well known in these parts.  Instead of trying to explain to you who they are, here's an excerpt from their website that does a pretty good job:

"In 1894, Joseph A. Biedenharn, a country businessman in Vicksburg, Mississippi and owner of the Biedenharn Candy Company, made a world changing decision. In order for his customers outside downtown Vicksburg to have Coca-Cola, he had his brother Herman put Coca-Cola in a bottle making the Biedenharn Candy Company the first to ever bottle Coca-Cola. Today, Coca-Cola is sold in more than 200 countries.

 

Under Joe's leadership, his brothers, sons, and grandsons, established plants in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas eventually becoming the ninth largest bottling corporation in the United States.

 

Joe Biedenharn was not defined by his accomplishment of bottling Coca-Cola. Joe was also a vital part of the community of Monroe in the early 20th century.  His kind, gentle, and charismatic personality enabled him to become elected City Commissioner.  As City Commissioner, Joe paved the first streets in Monroe and helped transform Forsythe Park from a fairground to the park we see today."

 

I had a wonderful time exploring the home of the Biedenharn Family, the Gardens and the Bible Museum is filled with treasures.  Joe's only daughter, Emy Lou, lived in the home with her father until his death in 1952 and her own in 1984.  Emy Lou willed her wealth to ensure that the estate would continue long after her death. 

 

The Biedenharn Home was magnificent, still in pristine condition since Emy Lou redecorated the entire home for the second time in the 70's.  With silk wallpaper on both the walls and ceilings to the painted black furniture in the dining room, the home is tastefully decorated and seems untouched.

 

After my tour of the home, gardens and bible museum, where I admired a page from the famous Gutenberg Bible (priceless), I walked back to the gift shop to purchase a bottle of Coke for $.05.   I couldn't leave without my souvenir edition Coke bottle!  After my walk in the gardens, it was just the refreshing drink I needed.  Who doesn't enjoy an ice cold Coke every once in a while? 

 

I'm so glad I was able to enjoy an afternoon exploring some of the past.  I've always loved history.  I'm that girl who quickly turns off the exit when I see a brown "Historic Marker" sign!  This is why sometimes instead of flying home to Nashville, I choose to drive.  There's just so much to see! Today was a good day:) 

 

And, did I mention I hate Pepsi?