Southside Taverns
Taverns survived Prohibition and the shortages of the wartime years to emerge as a standard feature of many neighborhoods. Shortly after National Prohibition was repealed in December, 1933, the Chicago City Collector's Office granted nearly 7,000 liquor licenses. This was equivalent to an average of one saloon for every 500 Chicagoans. With the return of legalized alcoholic beverages, the term "saloon" used prior to Prohibition was banned and the term "tavern" adopted. Standing at the bar was also prohibited, in an effort to civilize the tavern environment, causing taverns to install stools bar side. On Chicago's South Side, these taverns featured blues and jazz musicians, particularly in the city's African-American neighborhoods like Bronzeville.
Miller, Wayne F. Chicago's South Side 1946-1948, University of California Press, Berkeley, 2000. Regenstein F548.9.N4 M55 2000
Two unlit Chicago beer signs are seen in the windows for Fox De Luxe Beer (Peter Fox Brewing Company) and Rheingold (United States Brewing Company). Slogans for these two brands included "Don't Say Fox...Say Fox Deee Luxe!" and "Not a common name. Not a common beer."
Miller, Wayne F. Chicago's South Side 1946-1948, University of California Press, Berkeley, 2000. Regenstein F548.9.N4 M55 2000
Another popular beer enjoyed in Chicago's South Side taverns in the postwar years was Fox Head 400, brewed in Milwaukee by Fox Head Brewing. A poster advertising the brand may be seen, as well as political advertisements and a poster for a blues show and dancing at the Savoy Ballroom (1927 to early 1970's) at 4733 South Parkway (now Martin Luther King Drive). A bottle of this brand also appears on the table in the photo of this South Side tavern.
Miller, Wayne F. Chicago's South Side 1946-1948, University of California Press, Berkeley, 2000. Regenstein F548.9.N4 M55 2000
A bottle of the Fox Head brand appears on the table in the photo of this South Side tavern.
