This is my soda empire….I have been collecting bottles and advertising since I was 12 yrs old. Today, as a historian, preservationist, and collector, over the past 38 years, I have amassed a collection of over 20,000 bottles, thousands of cans, dozens of clocks, signs and over 100 vending machines. This pursuit has allowed me to meet some of Alabama’s most well known historians and preservationists, often collaborating with them on projects and lectures. This website’s initial purpose was to showcase bottles from Alabama and neighboring states but as a historian and preservationist of local history, I am finally expanding and showcasing some of my other local collections within the categories along the top of the page.
I occasionally rent out soda props to movie and commercial productions. Look under my ‘my soda collection’ tab for an idea on what items exists in my soft drink collection. For members of media, if you need a piece or picture for an article you are writing, do not hesitate to contact me. I will gladly collaborate or assist with pictures as needed. Please do not steal my images without permission. This is copyrighted material. Just ask.
I am currently President of the Mobile Gulf Coast Coca-Cola Collector’s Club, having served various positions on the Board of Directors for the past 25 yrs. The club is based in Mobile and serves the entire Southern U.S. for persons and families that collect Coca-Cola memorabilia. I also currently serve as the ‘Coca-Cola Can Expert’ on the expert panel for the National Coca-Cola Collector’s Club in Atlanta, GA, answering questions from around the world regarding Coca-Cola prototype and test market cans.
I have been a freelance writer for a variety of soft drink publications for over 15 yrs, been published in several newspapers and historical society publications, appeared on television several times – even appeared in the intro film at the World of Coke, and currently writing a book on the past bottling companies of Mobile County. Stay tuned!! Should be published next year!! See some of my articles under the ‘My Soda Articles’ tab at the top of this page.
As far as expanding my collection, I’m always looking for Alabama bottles and jugs. The smaller the town, the better. The site is constantly updated as I have thousands of bottles and artifacts to go through and photograph, so please check back often. This effort will take several years to complete. If you have anything you think I may be interested in, let me know. I buy any size collections in all price ranges. Enjoy!
Jerry L. Reeves
jerry.lee.reeves@gmail.com
Mobile, AL
UPCOMING BOTTLE SHOWS!!!
References!
Soda Empire 
Jerry,
You have done a wonderful job and what a great collection! Keep up the good work.
Philip Pfeiffer
Hey Jerry
Super job! I know that it has been a lot of work, but it is wonderful for the hobby, and I appreciate it. Best Regards and thanks for keeping History Alive! Barry Graham
Jerry,
Three cheers for a super clean user friendly website for tri-state bottles! Great pictures and some rare gems! Much needed and much appreciated from the bottle collecting community… It’s one of my favorites!
Ruben Negron — excellentstuff-auctions
HeyJerry,
This is an outstanding site. Great job! Maybe later you can add some photos and history of those bottling works from which these bottles came from. Regards, Gary
Wow, I Never Seen So Many Bottles, I Thought I Had
Some Bottles
Hey Jerry, I have a bottle I don’t see on your site and would like to see what you think of it. It is a Lime Cola Bottle?
Nice work Jerry. I am an avid MS jug and saloon bottle collector. Do you have any of the same?
Hi Jerry. Wow! That’s an awesome collection you have there. I live in Blount County Al, about 30miles north of Birmingham. And recently came across a HUGE pile of all different types of glass. I would like to say it was a dump site because of the unusual amount of bottles and jars and also because there are several different piles but I really dont know. There’s thousands of them and so far havent had to dig for any! I’ve dated alot of them. For instance I found several Coca Cola bottles with the Diamond embossing that dates in the 60’s. Amber colored Clorox from the 50’s. Cobalt and green glass. And they range from medicine bottles, Old spice, whiskey to old perfume bottles. Im not a collector but this has gained my interest for sure. My question to you is…should I just sell them to collectors and if so, how do I start that process or try taking on this hobby at 40yrs old? I also dont have room to store them. ice, whiskey
Good to hear from you! Sounds like a good spot. Unfortunately, just because it’s old and glass, doesn’t necessarily mean it has value. The Diamond Cokes usually bring a couple dollars. Keep digging. You never know what might turn up. Start by offering them on Craigslist.
thanks so much! I will try that for sure. I recently found some old Dr. Pepper bottles that has picture of a hillbilly on the side and also Pepsi bottle made of thick glass with [Duraglass] on the bottom. You were right on the advice to keep digging because I think these have some value, however I have really enjoyed this and like to call it my new hobby. 😉 Thanks again
I Would Like To See The Dr Pepper Bottle With
The Hillbilly On The Side, Please Send Me A
Picture Of Them.
Thank You
Johnny
HI JERRY! CAN YOU PLEASE SHOW ME WHAT A LATE 1980’S YOOHOO BOTTLE LOOKS LIKE? IM WORKING ON A 1988 PERIOD FILM AND WANT TO BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT DETAIL!! THANK YOU!
Wow! Absolutely the most clean, hassle-free & user friendly site I’ve come across with a fresh, crisp look of being the best of the best! Thank you for your over the top hard work & commitment in providing such an exquisite site for all to enjoy! Much appreciation! Ashley
i found a lime cola bottle today from Dothan. is it worth anything ?
I have a near perfect Pop Kola bottle from Lafayette, Al. I have pictures if you’re interested.
My first visit to your website left me with a one word description…WOW!!!
Keep Up Good Work!!! Later, JCM
Wow!! I am amazed at your collection of Graf’s dairy bottles!! They were my grandparents and I have never seen half of these before. I only inherited one when my grandmother passed and I know my cousins all have one or two. Do you exhibit them? I would love to see them if you do.
HI Jerry, Just Found A POP KOLA Bottle From Chipley, Fl., From The Chipley Bottling Company. Is It Worth Anything?
Hi – I sent an email last week about the Wilson’s Dairy from Marianna, FL. Can you please contact me at your earliest convenience? Thanks, Tiffany Garling garling06@gmail.com or 8505593451
I have 200 ACL Soda Bottles for sale
I love your web page.
Spent a few hours over a few days clicking on every link.
You are a collector of some amazing collections.
You should be proud.
Not only do you have this awesome stuff but you even have it on a web page.
I am sure that took many hours of work.
Thanks for sharing your collection with the world!
Glad you enjoyed! Yes, takes many hours of work but if others enjoy it, the time has been well spent! Check back often as I have hundreds of more bottles to list. Takes a while!