(Credits: Far Out / Cal Montney / Los Angeles Times / UCLA Library)
Chicago, during its foundational years in the late 1800s, became home to one of the largest Irish communities outside of Ireland. This rich heritage has made St. Patrick’s Day a significant celebration, marked by vibrant parades, lively concerts, and festive pub circuits. One particularly unique tradition that began in the 1960s is the dyeing of the Chicago River green.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago has grown into a major tourist attraction, leading to an official soft drink sponsor: Green River, a classic lime soda produced nearby in Milwaukee. Many Chicagoans have savored this nostalgic drink at some point in their lives. Even individuals far from the Windy City, like John Fogerty from El Cerrito, California, have fond memories associated with Green River soda.
“Right up the street from the house I lived in was a pharmacy: a drugstore with a soda fountain,” Fogerty shared in a 2021 social media post. “And one of the drinks they would make for you was a ‘Green River’. I stared at the label on that bottle of syrup when I was about eight years old, and I said, ‘I’m going to save that. That’s important’. And for some reason, it stuck in my head, and eventually all this stuff became a song.”
Released in 1969 as the title track of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s second album, ‘Green River’ became another major hit for the band, climbing to number two on the Billboard charts. The song, reminiscent of CCR’s earlier works like ‘Born on the Bayou’ and ‘Proud Mary,’ draws on the nostalgia of Fogerty’s California childhood while simultaneously wishing to evoke memories of Louisiana.
“Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water / Shoo fly, dragon fly, get back to mother / Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River,” he sang.
The song also served as a delightful promotion for Green River soda. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time this particular soft drink inspired a hit song.
Dating back to 1920, Green River soda was originally named for the vibrant color of the lime-flavored beverage as it flowed from a tap. At that time, Chicago’s Schoenhofen Brewery began producing the soda as a means of survival amid the newly enacted alcohol prohibition laws. Its popularity rose quickly, leading the notable singer Eddie Cantor to feature a song titled ‘Green River’ in his minstrel show, a direct homage to the beverage. This catchy tune became one of the best-selling pieces of sheet music in 1920.
“Since the country’s turned prohibition / I’ve been in a bad condition / Ev’ry soft drink that I try / Just makes we want to cry / Take it back from whence it came / all your drinks are much the same / I tried one here today and believe me when I say / For a drink that’s fine without a kick / Oh! Green River! / It’s the only drink that does the trick!”
Although Cantor’s song helped establish Green River as a popular soft drink for a time, it eventually became less prominent, overshadowed by other lemon-lime beverages like 7-Up, Sprite, and Mountain Dew. Nonetheless, it remains well-known, particularly for its surge in sales every March in Chicago and the famous CCR song that it inspired.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago has a rich Irish heritage, especially evident on St. Patrick’s Day.
- The tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green began in the 1960s.
- Green River is a classic lime soda popular in Chicago, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
- John Fogerty’s song ‘Green River’ pays homage to both the soda and his childhood memories.
- Green River soda has historical connections dating back to the era of prohibition.
- Eddie Cantor’s 1920 song ‘Green River’ contributed to the drink’s early popularity.
FAQ
What is Green River soda?
Green River is a lime-flavored soda originally produced in Chicago, known for its vibrant green color.
When did the tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green start?
The practice began in the 1960s as part of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
What inspired John Fogerty to write the song ‘Green River’?
Fogerty’s childhood memories of drinking Green River soda at a local drugstore influenced the song.
Who was Eddie Cantor?
Eddie Cantor was a popular singer and performer in the 1920s who wrote a song dedicated to Green River soda.
Is Green River soda still available today?
Yes, Green River soda is still produced and is particularly popular during St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
In summary, the connection between Chicago’s vibrant heritage and the iconic Green River soda has created a lasting cultural significance, particularly evident during St. Patrick’s Day. The legacy of both the drink and the song continues to resonate with fans and celebrators alike.
