Second Supper Issue 181 09-24-09 Return of the King
Reviewed By: briana.rupel@secondsupper.com
Standing tall on Third Street is one of La Crosse's most lauded landmarks. We are not talking about the World's Largest Six Pack this time, but rather the King Gambrinus statue, which many consider to be just as big.
Reviewed By: briana.rupel@secondsupper.com
Standing tall on Third Street is one of La Crosse's most lauded landmarks. We are not talking about the World's Largest Six Pack this time, but rather the King Gambrinus statue, which many consider to be just as big.
Back in the 13th Century, King Gambrinus became an honorary member of the Brussels Brewers Guild, thus solidifying his place in history as the unofficial patron saint of beer. Fitting, then, that our own Gambrinus is perched spiritedly in front of the City Brewery, raising his chalice in celebration, as if to say,"Welcome! Be merry!" Perhaps equally as fitting, our beloved king just got a long-overdue, and much-needed, makeover.
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1 comment:
Hi from Lansing, MI. I am Ed Larkin, a retired public health physician, who lived at 1126 So. 4th St. during the 1950s and graduated from Aquinas and La Crosse State. I knew Gambrinus very well having worked several summers at the brewery and smelling the fermented malt every morning. My wife, Janice, a Logan and St. Francis graduate, reads the online La Crosse Tribune and brought your efforts to my attention. I had used the below poem as an overlay on a jpg photo of Gambrinus on 13/19 canvas taken in the 1990s from 3rd street. With Octoberfest upcoming I thought I would send my poem to you. My English Literature professor at Lax State, Emerson Woolling?, encouraged me to write in the 50's and I haven't stopped. Good luck in your ventures and congrats on your thoughtful restoration. I have researched Gambrinus for many years and consider him a friend of the family.
Gambrinus: King of The Beer
I am Gambrinus: King of The Beer.
For 5000 years I have quenched the thirst of mankind
who, as nomads, have roamed the bounds of planet earth.
I am of malted barley and grains, hops, yeast and water.
Over the years I have bonded with brethren of all class, rank and passion.
I have been casked, canned, barreled, bottled, tapped, pumped and poured.
Brewers across all lands and seas concoct me in their vats.
They gently cradle and nurture me
as I emerge from barley malt and blossom
and bubble and burst into infancy and first life.
My journey, which began as barley, first must be christened.
Though nameless, I venture out
and am comforted in a grand mug, clasped by a touching hand.
At last I am presented as beer: frothy and feisty.
Once beyond scrutiny, I must waft past the nose,
inspire the lips, tantalize the tongue
and be swallowed with gusto.
In a sip I am given parentage, title and distribution.
I passed the test of pleasing you.
For a moment we are one in spirit and
soon to be bound in flesh.
King Gambrinus am I. Mighty is my domain.
I raise my stein and tip my crown
to the creator of the legions of life.
Pristine waters, solar warmth and the hearty sods of the earth
give me the strength to replenish those
who kiss and quaff my innocence.
My soul relieves the thirst, warms the heart and regales the celebration.
Come and share a drink with me.
I, Gambrinus, live to be served and released from bondage.
And as a final salute to you, my friend,
let us hail and jest as we bid not farewell, but aloha.
To the House of Heileman and its offspring, July 1999
Edwin R Larkin
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