Springfield and the Simpsons

I think I have the answer to the question of life, the universe...wait.

No, I mean the question of where the Simpson's Springfield is located.

All we had to do was ask Google Maps where it is.
maps.google.com/maps?um=1&tab=wl&hl=en&q=simpsons%20%2B%20springfield


Simpsons contest heats up
Web vote will pick winning Springfield

By BRUCE RUSHTON
STAFF WRITER

Published Thursday, June 21, 2007

www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/117186.asp

HELP SPRINGFIELD WIN THE SIMPSONS
MOVIE PREMIER
www.springfield.il.us/TheSimpsons.htm


In search of the true Springfield

The Simpsons live in Springfield. But which Springfield? That's always been unclear. So now, 14 cities named Springfield are competing to be the best "real-life" Springfield and win a special yellow-carpet premiere of The SimpsonsMovie on July 26. The winner will be determined by your votes on USATODAY.com in early July.

www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/simpsons-contest.htm

Simpsons entries are all in
When voting starts is yet to be decided

By BRUCE RUSHTON
STAFF WRITER

Published Thursday, June 28, 2007

www.sj-r.com/Sections/News/Stories/117694.asp



7-Eleven: Thank you and come again
Some 7-Elevens become Kwik-E-Marts in new promotion
Associated Press
Published July 2, 2007, 7:25 AM CDT

Over the weekend, 7-Eleven Inc. turned a dozen stores into Kwik-E-Marts, the fictional convenience stores of "The Simpsons" fame, in the latest example of marketers making life imitate art.

www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-070702kwikemart,1,2353553.story

D'Oh! The Simpsons Live HERE!

Nation's Springfields Compete To Be The Site Of Movie Premiere

By ROGER CATLIN | Courant TV Critic

June 30, 2007

www.courant.com/news/local/hc-simpsons.artjun30,0,4503807.story



Woo hoo!
We can now view all 14 state of the Simpson's Springfield videos and vote on this issue.

thesimpsons.usatoday.com

or

www.usatoday.com/life/movies/simpsons-contest.htm

Voting ends on July 9, 2007 at 11:59pm PT.

Update: Find out who won here:

www.usatoday.com/life/movies/simpsons-contest.htm

Discussion here



Visit the official website for the Simpson's movie.
www.simpsonsmovie.com/main.html?cid=us
Be sure to create your own Simpsonesque avatar.

Share your opinion on the Springfield email list at:
groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Springfield, Kentucky has a website up promoting their city as the
"real Springfield".
therealspringfield.com

Where Is The Simpsons' Springfield?
www.snpp.com/guides/springfield.list.html

Map of the Simpson's Springfield
www.mapofspringfield.com/

Springfield (The Simpsons) Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_(The_Simpsons)

The Simpsons Collectibles

HGTV Ultimate Collectors : Episode UTC-208

Exciting activities to do in Illinois this summer
(WGN-TV video report includes Simpson's Springfield mention.)

Recent news articles regarding the Simpson's Springfield

You're welcome to go ahead and bookmark this page.
I plan on updating the links when we're actually able to vote on this "issue".
Feel free to leave a comment below.


More Springfield photos linked below.

1850s Strawberry Party @ Elijah Iles House
Scenes from the Downtown Fireworks
Local Fireworks Displays July 4, 2007
When the Rain comes down..downtown
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria

Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007
Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone
Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!
Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations
Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine

Scenes from various local parks this weekend...
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...
Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy

Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois
Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Did you enjoy the photos on this page?
If yes, please click on an Amazon link below.
It is a websurfer's method of applause.

When the Rain comes down..downtown

Jefferson Street at Isringhausen's
after the rainstorm on June 23, 2007.

If you click on a photo for a larger view you'll note folks on either side of
Isringhausen's staring at the situation on Jefferson.

The train tracks were flooded at the local Amtrak station.

A lovely breeze traveled thru this rare open window during the storm
at the a/c free Lincoln Library.

Note the Old State Capitol and its reflection in the photo.

The speed dryer at Lincoln Library.

It might be an idea for the people who live/work near streets that flood to get the streets blocked off and then have some fun with a remote controlled toy boat...or just have a shark swim about. :)
These water toys were found at Atlantis Pools.


More links after the Amazon ads.

More Springfield photos

Springfield and the Simpsons
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset

I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria
Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos

Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007
Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone

Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!

Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
Sushi Beautiful Sushi

The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations

Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine
Scenes from various local parks this weekend...

Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...

Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy
Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners

The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois

Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Photos by Springfieldphotos@yahoo.com

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

"Business After Hours" Party Photos

Mark Thoma from WICS TV 20 news poses with Diane from Donna's House of Type.
(Wikipedia page on WICS)

The invitation said to "dress casually".

A table centerpiece.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Nelson's catering, Party Creations, the accounting firm of Eck, Shafer and Punke, Bob Gordon and the Springfield Marina were involved in making this party a success.

Discussion from the Springfield email list

Rock The Dock Fireworks Show... FREE tickets

also see:

Springfield Marina

“ROCK THE DOCK”
Friday, June 29, 2007
Lake Springfield Marina
Interstate 55 & Chatham Exit
Gates open at 6pm
Fireworks & Light Show at Dusk
www.wqlz.com/rockthedock/
More Springfield photos

Springfield and the Simpsons
When the Rain comes down..downtown
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!

Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset

I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria
Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos

Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007
Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone

Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!

Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
Sushi Beautiful Sushi

The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations

Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine
Scenes from various local parks this weekend...

Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...

Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy
Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners

The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois

Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Photos by Springfieldphotos@yahoo.com

Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!

On a recent trip to one of the local Goodwill stores I was delighted to see that they are now organizing their clothes for sale by size.

Believe it or now, this is a new thing for our local Goodwill store.

This will make it more likely that shoppers will find something to buy.

If you haven't shopped at a Goodwill store lately, now is the time to shop.

Coffee mug available for sale at a local Goodwill store.

Our local stores are located at:

2531 N DIRKSEN PKWY
SPRINGFIELD,IL 62702
(217) 793-3113

815 N 11TH ST
SPRINGFIELD,IL 62702
(217) 793-3113

420 N MAIN PLZ
CHATHAM,IL 62629
(217) 483-5818

Coming soon in the former K's location
2001 Wabash
Springfield, IL

Above: another unique item available at the North side Goodwill.

Update May 22, 2008 : The Dirksen Parkway Goodwill store has recently expanded.
Be sure to check out the HUGE new room of sale items.

MARCH 27, 2008 Whatís in store

Once-troubled Goodwill plans big changes in coming weeks

www.illinoistimes.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A7435


The teen page in the local paper ran a couple articles regarding thrift shopping.

Teens say thrifty stuff is nifty

By NANCY LIN
VOICE CORRESPONDENT

www.sj-r.com/voice/story.asp?SID=6511

Treasure Hunt

Published Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Thrift shopping proves the old adage that one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

But, we wondered, how easy is it to find that treasure?

We sent three Voice staffers out on the town with $10 apiece. Their assignment: Visit any thrift store they liked to find their “treasure” while staying within a budget.

www.sj-r.com/voice/story.asp?SID=6508

The SJ-R also published a list of local thrift stores which included...

Avenue Thrift Shop 719 W. Jefferson St.

Best Value Thrift Shop 1650 W.Wabash Ave.

The Cedar Chest (two locations)
3001 W. White Oaks Drive
130 S. John-Silo Center,Rochester

Hope Thrift Center 1800 S. Dirksen Parkway

Plato’s Closet (buy and sell) 3203 S. Veterans Parkway

The Salvation Army 1762 West Wabash Ave.

Sojourn’s Westside Fashions 2815 West White Oaks Drive

The Clothing Rack 271 S. Sherman Blvd., Sherman

Handy links

www.goodwill.org

Goodwill now has an auction site.
www.shopgoodwill.com

Goodwill Industries info (Wikipedia)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodwill_Industries

Habitat for Humanity store photos

Springfield's Overflow Shelter fundraiser

Mayor Tim Davlin today announced that City Water, Light and Power and Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries will jointly participate in the “Hand Up” program which will offer CWLP delinquent customers an opportunity to earn money toward the payment of their utility bills.
www.springfield.il.us/RELEASES/2007%20Releases/HandUp.htm

More Springfield photos

Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 1
Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 2

Flower and garden shopping at Lowes
The Apple Barn in Chatham is now OPEN!
Suttill's Gardens
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies

Old Capitol Art Fair 2008 photos
The Livery
Name that restaurant...part 28

Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 1 of 4
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 2
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 3
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 4

Nelson Center Pool
Weekend wheels as seen in Springfield
APL Upscale resale event photos 2008
First snake of the year...and more deer
Name that restaurant...part 27
Weekend Birds...can you name this bird?

Weekend wildlife photos, etc.
Bike trail and I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
Bye Bye Hazel Dell, Hello Walmart
Tea Thyme Tea Room
El Presidente Burritos and Baja Grill
Centrum Cafe on Toronto Road
Lake Pointe Grill

Weekend photos - April 2008
The Heritage House Smorgasbord...now you see it......
Photos from a drive down S. Sixth Street
Lake Springfield Deer
Vito’s Italian Pizzera, Chatham, IL
Which one of these is not like the others ?
A drive around Lake Springfield (photos)
Red Hat Society Ladies
Ginger Asian Bistro
Blueberry waffled eggs, Naked Fruit Drinks, Dr. Oz
Photos of the upcoming Walmart at S. 6th and Hazel Dell
Fried Sushi

Name that restaurant...part 26
Road Trip: dining at the Ikea store...part 1
Name that restaurant...part 25
Name that restaurant...part 24

Name that restaurant...part 23
Name that restaurant...part 22
Name that restaurant...part 21
Springfield, IL Ice Storm

The Veggie Burger at Memorial's Cafeteria
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update Nov 8, 2007
CWLP Power Plant Construction Tour
Lake Springfield Improvements
More I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction

Pound Dog Rescue Benefit
Open Dome in Riverton, IL
Humphrey's Pizzeria is now open!
What kind of bird is this? (From Lake Springfield)
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway

Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Another alternative energy car !

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
That electric car at Washington Park
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Smoker's lungs

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
The Pizza Machine
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Gulls Gulls Gulls

Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Ryan O'Malley and the Chicago Cubs
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
2005 Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos

More Illinois State Fair photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
More photos from the Decatur Celebration
My trip to Decatur
April 19, 2005 - President Bush visits Springfield

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum celebration
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
Illinois Products Expo photos

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway

You've probably glanced at the chainsaw wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway,
but not had a chance to really see them when driving in traffic.

You can click on a photo for a larger view.

This is too funny!
The day after this page was uploaded, the local paper ran a story on this same topic!

Homeowner couldn’t bear to let go of trees

By DAVE BAKKE

Published Friday, June 22, 2007

We have known about the chainsaw art on Dirksen Parkway for weeks...

www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/117241.asp

Now we know that Carl Higginbotham from Oak Hill Power Carving in Oakford is the chainsaw artist. The statues are a tribute to the owner's grandfather, who planted the pin oaks many years ago. Last year's tornadoes damaged the trees enough that they were a risk to the home and nearby powerlines.

Regarding the new remote controlled iron gate...

"People see the gate and joke that we had to build a cage for the animals," Bill said.
(Quote from SJR article)


More Springfield photos

APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies

Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria

Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007
Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone
Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!
Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations
Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine

Scenes from various local parks this weekend...
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...
Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy

Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois
Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Check out the chainsaw sculptures shown below at Amazon.