Springfield, Massachusetts

I had never been there before last weekend, when I went up to visit my girlfriend, who is currently stationed there (temporarily) for her job.  It’s about 2.5-3 hours northeast of NYC.  I had lots of extra time to buzz around its museums, a park (Forest Park), and the Springfield Armory. 

 Basics.  It’s about 5 miles north of the border with Connecticut, on the Connecticut River, up on I-91 which branches north from 95 at New Haven.  Springfield is the 3^rd largest city in Massachusetts, after Boston and Worcester.  The town dates back to the 17^th century, essentially founded by William Pynchon.  Its peak was the early 20^th century, so it has a phenomenal array of houses and architecture from that time.  Although it has long past its peak, it is still very nice looking, not run down at all (or not much).

 Simpsons.  No, it is not the inspiration for their town, beyond the name itself.  Groening picked the name because it was so common across the country, but did not base the town on any specific US city.  In fact, I could see nothing in this town which would show up in a Simpsons context, aside from very oblique Dr. Seuss connections.

Springfield, Virginia.  Until recently, this was the only Springfield I had any familiarity with.  Ours is purely suburban, located right outside the Beltway south of Alexandria.  It boasts a large mall with the name but no urban area which could be identified.  No one would confuse it with the Massachusetts version, which is very much a true city.

 Inventions.  Friendly’s Ice Cream Parlors, Indian Motorcycles, S&W weapons, and Duryea automobiles.  The museums claimed that practically everything was invented in Springfield – maybe they need the Museum of Wheels and Fire – the only things NOT invented there. 

 Basketball.  Yes, basketball was invented here.  The Hall of Fame is here.  I didn’t go, as I’m not really into basketball.

 Dr. Seuss.  He was from here and put lots of Springfield things into his stories, though I didn’t recognize any of it until these people brought it my attention.  They have a sculpture garden dedicated to him.

 Armory.  Started by George Washington and closed in 1968 by McNamara.  It’s no longer functional as an armory; most of the buildings are now a technical college, with the main building serving as the museum.

 Forest Park.  Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect of Central Park in NYC.  It has the usual sports fields, a pool, some nice looking aquatic gardens, and the bizarre Barney Mausoleum.

 Overall I’d say it’s a nice place to live and visit, remarkably attractive and well-maintained despite being decades past its peak, but I can’t identify anything so compelling or interesting to incline anyone from further away than Worcester or Hartford to visit.