Green River (soft drink) facts for kids
Green River is a bright green, lime-flavored soft drink. It was first made by Richard C. Jones in Davenport, Iowa. The Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company in Chicago started selling it widely in 1919. Today, WIT Beverage Company makes Green River.
How Green River Started
Green River soda was first created in 1916 in Davenport, Iowa. A man named Richard C. Jones, who owned a candy shop, invented it. In 1919, Jones sold his recipe to the Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company in Chicago.
Before 1920, this brewery was famous for making Edelweiss beer. But then came the Prohibition Era, a time when it was illegal to make or sell alcohol. To stay in business, Schoenhofen started making soft drinks like Green River. The Sweetwater Brewery in Green River, Wyoming also made it.
Green River's Popularity
Green River became very popular as a soda fountain syrup. In the Midwest, it was the second most popular soda, right after Coca-Cola.
When Prohibition ended in 1933, the Schoenhofen Brewery continued to make Green River. They also started making alcoholic drinks again. However, the brewery closed its doors in 1950.
Green River Today
Even after the Schoenhofen Edelweiss brewery closed, other companies continued to make Green River. For example, Clover Club Beverages in Chicago produced it in the 1980s. By 1992, Green River was mostly sold only in Seattle.
Today, WIT Beverage Company makes Green River. Many people buy it because it reminds them of the past. Sales of Green River often go up in March because its green color is perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You can find it in some restaurants and stores, especially around the Chicago area.
Images for kids
-
A glass of Green River
