In 1936, an iconic photograph of a young boy selling Coca Cola from a roadside stand was taken in rural Alabama. This photo, showing the boy in an old-fashioned straw hat and white shirt, has become an important part of American culture and is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The boy, who was likely around 8 years old at the time, had been selling Coca Cola from the roadside stand since he was 4. The stand was located near his family’s farm, and he was able to earn a few coins each day to help his family make ends meet.

This photo reminds us of a different era, when a simple roadside stand could be the source of a family’s income. It also reminds us of the hard work and determination of all those who helped shape our history.