Vigo County Historical Society

World-famous Coke bottle had its Root in Terre Haute

The class and distinctive 6.5-ounce green glass bottles with the slogan "Things go better with Coke" brought name and fame to Terre Haute because of a brilliant industrialist, Chapman Jay Root.

To serve its new soft drink, Coca-Cola, in a distinctive bottle, the company asked for designs in the early 1900s. The Root Glass Co. of Terre Haute submitted a design for the bottle that was immediately accepted by the Coca-Cola company for its unique shape and design, and a patent was obtained. Earl Dean, recognized as its designer, reportedly got the idea from the coca pod.

Coca-Cola, distributed in its uniquely designed bottle, became very popular all over the world. The bottle and the drink became integral parts of each other.

Root was born Nov. 22, 1864, in Wayne County, Pa., and was educated there. He started to work in a foundry in Ohio but joined the Ravenna Glass Co. later.

Because of his quality work, he became the company’s vice president and treasurer in a year. But then he moved to Milwaukee as the manager of Cream City Glass Co.

In 1901, Root moved to Terre Haute and founded the Root Glass Co. at the northeast corner of Third and Voorhees streets. From the beginning, he manufactured glass bottles able to stand high internal pressure.

In 1905, he built another plant at Maple Avenue and 15th Street to manufacture fruit juice containers. This plant was later sold to the famous Ball Mason Canning Co.

The original plant was destroyed by a tornado on March 23, 1913. But with his indomitable spirit, Root inspired his people, rebuilt the factory and in the same year, submitted the design of the Coca-Cola bottle that put Terre Haute on the map.

In 1932, Root’s company merged with Owens-Illinois Co. and became the largest glass manufacturer in the world.

A devoted family man, Root was married to the former Ellen Agnes Ruffle of Ravenna and had one son who died in an air accident in 1932, leaving a grandson, Chapman Shaw Root.

Root was a philanthropist and was involved with the education and character building of youth, and worked with Boys’ Clubs and Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and civic organizations and institutions, including Rose Polytechnic of Terre Haute. He dies Nov. 20, 1945.

The Root Glass Co. does not exist today, but a commemorative plaque can be seen at the corner of Third and Voorhees streets.

The Vigo County Historical Museum has an interesting exhibit of Coca-Cola memorabilia as well as extensive information and photograph files for research.