Springfield ‘Home-r’ is where the heart is, residents sour over ‘Simpsons’ inspiration

Springfield, Vermont moves on from Groening's "Springfield."
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20120412/NEWS02/704129947

Published April 12, 2012 in the Rutland Herald
Springfield ‘Home-r’ is where the heart is Residents sour over ‘Simpsons’ inspiration

By Christian Avard
Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — The word spread in Springfield on Wednesday that the inspiration for Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons” television show was Springfield, Ore. But despite Groening’s announcement Springfield, Vt., town officials say it will not affect the town’s character, its identity or the fact they hosted the world premier movie.

In a recent interview with “Smithsonian” magazine, Groening revealed the inspiration for the hit television show is Springfield, Ore., two hours south of his home city of Portland, Ore. But although the show is based on the Oregon town, “The Simpsons” distributor, 20th Century Fox, held a contest for towns and cities across America to host the world premier of “The Simpsons” movie.

The idea was to find the Springfield town that closely resembled the town in the “The Simpsons.” Springfield, Vt., won the contest and hosted the world premier in July 2007.

The event was a huge success for the town, according Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Cole. Cole heard about Groening’s interview on Wednesday morning and residents were calling the chamber about the news.

Cole said the recognition draws international visitors to Springfield, Vt. Despite the new identity of the hit television show and movie, she believes the town won’t be harmed.

“Even though we were the new adopted home of the Simpsons, I don’t think anyone had any indication prior to the interview that Springfield, Ore., was the actual home of the Simpsons,” Cole said. “We’ll just continue along and build on the town’s tradition, with or without the ‘Home of the Simpsons’ banner.”

Mark Blanchard was Select Board chairman when Springfield hosted “The Simpsons” world premier. Blanchard is a devoted Simpsons fan but was surprised when he heard the creator’s confession.

“It sounds like another stunt by Matt Groening to get ‘The Simpsons’ some publicity,” Blanchard said with a laugh. “Groening can do whatever he wants but we’ll always be the home of the Simpsons.”

20th Century Fox Television headquarters in Beverly Hills, Calif., has received hundreds of calls regarding Groening’s interview, according to spokesperson Antonia Coffman. She said the inspiration for the show was always Springfield, Ore., and Groening never revealed the town’s true identity because it was “his way of having fun.”

Groening was not available for comment but released a statement, saying, “I have no idea where the hell it is. Like all Americans, I flunked geography,” he wrote.

Coffman agreed.

“It’s the most generic name of any city. That’s why he picked it and we toyed with it in episodes over the years,” Coffman said.

In the opening credits of “The Simpsons” television show, Bart Simpson writes “I will not ... “ multiple times on a school chalkboard for misbehaving in class. Coffman said Bart Simpson will address the controversy on the chalkboard in this Sunday’s episode on Fox Television.

As for the sign on Clinton Street that says “Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Home of the Simpsons,” Cole was unsure what will come next.

“There needs to be a conversation. The sign is for the chamber and it will be a decision by the board of directors. Matt Groening is the creator of “The Simpsons” and he is fully within his rights to say what he says,” Cole said.

“The Simpsons” premiered in 1989 and is one of the longest running television shows in history. “The Simpsons” movie grossed $527 million worldwide, according to the website Box Office Mojo.