05/08/2026
Church History is a good thing.
Greenfield Native Created Famous Orange Crush Soft Drink
GREENFIELD, TN — Long before Orange Crush became one of America’s most recognizable soft drinks, the roots of the famous orange beverage could be traced back to Neil C Ward, a former resident of Greenfield.
Originally known as “Ward’s Orange Crush,” the drink was first introduced in the early 1900s as an alternative to traditional orange juice. At the time, concerns over fruit juice spoiling without proper refrigeration led inventors to search for a flavorful drink that could remain shelf-stable while still delivering a refreshing citrus taste.
While the idea of replacing breakfast orange juice never fully caught on, customers quickly fell in love with the sweet orange-flavored soda. By 1919, the beverage was ready for mass production and was introduced nationwide through a major advertising campaign.
Believing the drink would become a tremendous success, Ward even commissioned famed American artist Norman Rockwell to paint a series of advertisements promoting the product. The campaign helped push Orange Crush into homes across the country.
The soda’s popularity exploded during the 1920s. By 1924, there were reportedly nearly 1,200 Orange Crush bottlers operating internationally, making the drink one of the most successful soft drinks of its era.
For many Tennesseans, the story carries a special hometown connection. According to historical accounts, Neil C Ward, who was responsible for helping create the beloved beverage, had once been a member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenfield.
Over the decades, Orange Crush became a favorite of both children and adults, remembered by generations for its bright orange flavor and iconic glass bottles. Even today, many people across West Tennessee still remember enjoying an ice-cold Orange Crush on hot summer days at country stores, ballgames, and family gatherings.
What began as a simple idea tied to a small Tennessee community eventually became an internationally recognized drink enjoyed by millions around the world — a reminder that even small towns like Greenfield can leave a lasting mark on American history.
The next time you enjoy a bottle or can of Orange Crush, think of Greenfield, Tennessee.
“Information compiled from the book “The Church on the Hill” by David M Biggs, who is a native of Greenfield. The book is one of most well-researched and written historical publications in Weakley County. Biggs tells the history of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield along with Greenfield History.
David Biggs' parents Mike & Nancy Biggs and family are the owners of Biggs Greenhouse and Nursery in Greenfield.”
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By: Robert G Reynolds of Weakley County History
