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FeedJan 27, 201307:29 PM
Ko-Ko Tulu Chewing Gum — A Memphis Best-Selling Brand
Did you know that I am still perusing the 60-year-old back issues of the Lowen-Behold, the newsletter of Lowenstein's department stores? Two reasons for that: 1) They are filled with amazing stories, and 2) I really, honestly, and truly have nothing better to do. Sad, I know.
Anyway, I wanted to share this with you: an early 1900s advertisement for one of the store's top-selling products. Yep, chewing gum. But not Wrigley or Dentyne, or Super-Bubble. No, this gum had the rather bizarre name of Ko-Ko Tulu (which they never bothered to explain).
But it must have been good stuff because, after all, it was "The Standard of the World" and Sol Coleman — whoever he was — wouldn't lie about a thing like that would he? Or would he? Hmmm.
You'll notice that the ads back then didn't claim that this gum actually tasted good. Apparently that wasn't even a consideration. Instead, Ko-Ko Tulu "perfumes the breath," "will aid Digestion," and — an important consideration when selecting your chewing gum — "will not Crumble."
And finally, the most important feature of all: "It will not injure the System." What "system" they mean is not clear, but oh the hospitals of the day were no doubt filled with unfortunate patients who had foolishly purchased the wrong chewing gum, and now faced the rest of their days in a nursing home, with damaged Systems. All because they didn't listen to Sol Coleman.
Ask Vance is the blog of Vance Lauderdale, the award-winning columnist of Memphis magazine and MBQ: Inside Memphis Business. Vance is the author of two books: Ask Vance: The Best Questions and Answers from Memphis Magazine's History and Trivia Expert (2003), as well as Ask Vance: More Questions and Answers from Memphis Magazine's History Expert (2011). He is also the recipient of quite a few nice awards, the creator of several eye-catching wall calendars, and the only person we know with a vintage shock-treatment machine in his den. 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1903-CHEWING-GUM-BOX-BILLHEAD-MEMPHIS-TN-KO-KO-TULU-/360180565757
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51992558@N00/4951760639/
more promo pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51992558@N00/4951760639/
Sol. Comelan obit in the Feb 16, 1913 Forrest City Times:
"Death of Sol Coleman: We note with sincere regret, the death on last Sunday at St.Joseph's hospital in Memphis, of Sol Coleman. The name of Sol Coleman is known in every home in the South where the Memphis newspapers ever entered, and many more besides. You might truthfully say that "It was Sol Coleman who made Memphis famous," He has always kept his business before the people, and hence was successful. He was interested in several small manufacturing enterprises, and manufactured Chewing Gum during late years. "Coleman's Taffy Tulu," or some such brand, we do not remember it definitely, was a household joy to all the people. He came to Memphis in the late 60's and for several years worked as a traveling salesman, becoming familiar with all the Memphis commercial territory, and making acquaintances and friendships. After five or six years of salesmanship he established a small cigar business in 1865, and manufactured the famous Ross Concha cigar. Mainly through his extraordinary energy, coupled with a wonderful knowledge of advertising, which was an almost unknown science in those days, he built up a successful business and for a number of years has had one of the largest wholesale and retail cigar businesses in the South. He made money and was noted for his wise use of it, and for his unassuming charity."