Prohibition snuffed out the brewing mecca that was Chicago 100 years ago, but it didn't do in White Eagle Brewing. The presence of a white eagle on the Polish coat-of-arms was the inspiration for the name, of great use when catering to Chicago's huge Polish immigrant population. It wasn't such a profitable icon in the immediate post-WWII years, however, as the Polish eagle was easily mistaken for the German one. Accordingly, White Eagle tamped down the use of the eagle in labeling and amplified other ethnic touchtones (like Frederic Chopin). But the brewer couldn't recapture a broad market share, locally or otherwise, and went under in 1950. The sturdy castle-like brewery building at 37th and Racine (originally named Centre Ave) stood its ground another five decades. A tractor trailer parking lot and single-story factory now occupy the site (and most others within sight). Reader guesses came close, and one anonymous commenter nailed it. Thanks for playing!
·Hint: A Facilitator of Good Times, Long Since Shuttered on the South Side [Curbed Chicago]
Filed under: