Going to Springfield
Rarely do I head to the theater to see a movie any more, especially with Netflix delivering dvds directly to my home, but I am really excited about “The Simpsons Movie“. Heard on NPR that Springfield, Illinois lost the bid to premier the movie to Springfield, Vermont of all places. For many fanatics the question of which Springfield this fictional family resides I think this choosing of Vermont is as close to an answer they can ever hope. Went to the Simpsons promotional site for the movie and tried my hand at making my likeness as a Simpsons character and you can see the result below.
My theory? “Springfield” is not a city named “Springfield” but the city of Eugene, Oregon.
What’s my proof?
First of all Matt grew up in Portland, Oregon and would know where Eugene, Oregon is.
There are streets in Portland named Flanders and Lovejoy.
How many other cities have a gorge by them too?
This sounds like I am making an argument for Portland but no, that is where he got some of his influences. Portland is actually Capital City to Eugene’s Springfield.
So why Eugene?
I passed the “pioneer statue” everyday on my way to class at the University of Oregon which is a dead ringer for Jebediah Springfield. Look it up, trust me.
There is an old comic book store just a few blocks from the statue.
A few blocks more and you’ll find a one story, dingy bar on the corner called “Max’s”. Which is eerily similar to “Moe’s”.
I know those are weak but I leave you with one more thing. Eugene has a sister city across the Wilamette River, it’s name is Springfield. The city and people look and act a lot like the people in Shelbyville. “Springfield’s” sister city.
So it’s not too hard to imagine Matt walking down the same street and seeing Jebediah Springfield in all his glory, stopping a few blocks later to check out the latest comics, and then three blocks later finishing up at Max’s for a beer.
It’s not a full proof argument by far but try and find me another “Springfield” with as much in common with the Simpsons as Eugene, Oregon. Does it have a sister city? A similar statue? Comic store and bar in close proximity with similar atmospheres? I don’t think so…