Celebrating Chicken Day in 1921 Glendale, Arizona


When I first started running across ads for "Chicken Day" while looking at old Phoenix newspapers at the Library of Congress site, I immediately liked the idea. As far as I can tell, it only happened in 1921, in spite of how much the Glendale District Commercial Club made it seem as if it had been a celebration before that year, with the hopes of it continuing year after year. And as an old Marketing guy, I understand that it's just promotion. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm sure that a lot of people were excited at the time. Let's time-travel back to 1921, and go to Chicken Day in Glendale. Come on!



I've been looking forward to Chicken Day ever since I saw it in the paper, how about you? What? You've never even heard of it? Well, my friend, get ready for the greatest celebration that the city of Glendale has ever seen. It's today, May 20th! Chicken Day!

Yes, I'm a member in good standing of the Glendale District Commercial Club, and a proud citizen of Glendale, Arizona. And that's why I'll be wearing my chicken suit. I have an extra one if you want to wear one, too? No? I understand.

I've lived in Glendale since old man Murphy started all of it, and I'm proud to say that I'm a temperate man, proud to live in a temperate community. Help me on with this chicken suit, will you? And I could sure use a shot of your whiskey! Just for medicinal purposes, you know, to get my courage up.

How do I look? Wait 'til the girls see me! It itches a bit, but I'm sure that'll go away. I'll only have to wear it from 10 am to 10 pm. Hand me that basket of eggs, and let's go to the parade. Chicken Day! This is going to be great!

I foresee a future when Chicken Day is more popular than the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Long after people have forgotten about the roses, they'll be thinking of the chickens! And someday I'm sure that whenever people think of chickens, they'll think of Glendale, Arizona! Boost for Glendale!

Here comes the parade. I think that I see Mr Lamon and Mr. Rommell. It had to be postponed because of them, but now it's here. Hooray! Boost for chickens! Boost for Glendale!

1921 article about Chicken Day, Glendale, Arizona

Wow, there must be about 4,000 people watching the parade. This is sure going to put Glendale on the map. You just wait and see, Glendale will be known far and wide as the Chicken capital of the United States, maybe of the whole world!

I'm having a lot of fun, but it's a hot day, and this chicken suit making me even hotter. I think I feel faint. Thank you for celebrating Chicken Day with me!

1921 ad for Chicken Day, Glendale, Arizona

1921 ad for Chicken Day, Glendale, Arizona
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