The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, when speaking with Smithsonian Magazine , has finally divulged where Springfield is located.
During the interview, Groening reveals the location of Springfield and the origin of The Simpsons’ street address, Evergreen Terrence.
OK, why do the Simpsons live in a town called Springfield? Isn’t that a little generic?
“Springfield was named after Springfield, Oregon. The only reason is that when I was a kid, the TV show “Father Knows Best” took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown. When I grew up, I realized it was just a fictitious name. I also figured out that Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the U.S. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, “This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield.” And they do.”
You’ve never said it was named after Springfield, Oregon, before, have you?
“I don’t want to ruin it for people, you know? Whenever people say it’s Springfield, Ohio, or Springfield, Massachusetts, or Springfield, wherever, I always go, “Yup, that’s right.”
You’re on record as loving your hometown. Is it all love or is there a little love-hate?
“I loved growing up in Portland, but I also took it for granted. Now, I look back and realize how idyllic a place it was. My family lived on a long, windy road on a little dead-end street called Evergreen Terrace — also the name of the street the Simpsons live on”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLyAOjaPdlU&feature=related
