Lillian Nordica was born in Farmington, VT on December 12, 1857. A famous opera singer, Lillian was one of the earliest celebrities to appear in Coca-Cola ads. Download Image

In her time, Lillian performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall in NYC. Lillian poses in costume as ‘Elsa’ in this 1914 photo. Download Image

Her image appeared on calendars, trays, posters and novelty items distributed by Coca-Cola starting in 1904. Download Image

The ad ran in Good Housekeeping and other leading magazines of the day. Attached to the bottom of this ad was a sampling coupon for a free glass of Coca-Cola. Almost $43,000 worth of coupons were redeemed in 1905 alone. Download Image

She made her concert debut in 1876 and made her opera debut in a performance of La Traviata in 1879.  Download Image

Along with Hilda Clark, a singer and actress who appeared in 1900 ads, Lillian Nordica was one of the first faces of Coca-Cola. Download Image

This serving tray was created in 1904 and shows Ms. Nordica next to a serving of Coca-Cola. Download Image

This metal tray is an authorized reproduction done in the 1960s but the manufacturer misidentified Ms. Nordica as 'Lillian Russell.' Download Image

This portrait was used as the basis for many of the advertisements featuring Ms. Nordica. Download Image

Lillian Nordica died in 1914 while on a world tour in Jakarta. She would be followed by many other famous faces. In this 1934 ad, actress Jean Harlowe is positioned next to Ms. Nordica. Download Image

A 1942 article from The Red Barrel, a Coca-Cola publication, that highlights features of the Nordica Museum. The Nordica Memorial Association converted Ms. Nordica's house into a museum in 1927 with support from The Coca-Cola Company. Download Image

In Farmington, ME to visit a Coca-Cola bottling company, archivist Ted Ryan made the surprise discovery of a museum dedicated to Lillian Nordica, a Farmington native. Read the story of his discovery.