Syracuse,
New York. It’s a location known as Salt City. And, to my knowledge,
there aren’t a lot of other cities challenging it for the rights
to the nickname. It comes from a time when the area produced a
great deal of salt, though these days many would contend that
treating roads during winter months might seem more appropriate.
That
said, I often wonder about the designations cities enjoy or select.
Specifically, in recent days I have been wondering about the City
of Roses.
If
given the chance to guess, I think most people would point in
the direction of Pasadena, California when asked to identify such
a town. It’s a natural choice, as the city hosts the annual Tournament
of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl college football game.
And
yet, Norwich, Connecticut, also gets in on the claim. Norwich
traces its founding date back more than three hundred and fifty
years to 1659. It has long claimed to be the Rose of New England,
though the actual origins of the thought have never been definitively
agreed upon.
Understanding
the histories of Pasadena and Norwich, these two cities are not
alone when it comes to using rose in a nickname. More than ten
cities in the United States (and several in Canada) join the list,
including Portland and Little Rock.
History
is a fascinating thing.
Often,
when I meet people, I not only ask them where they’re from but
also what that location is known for. More often than you might
think, the answer is either some words that convey not knowing
or a comical answer.
Remember
Salt City? Ask someone from Syracuse and they might be just as
inclined to say snow as anything else. Although, to be fair to
a city I do love and have a history of my own with, Syracuse residents
(and those nearby) are far more likely to respond with tales about
Salt City, salt potatoes and the Great New York State Fair. I
don’t catch as many of them flatfooted with the question.
Many
years ago, I began keeping a checklist based on folks that lived
in New York City. Two people I knew in college claimed that despite
having lived in the city their entire life they had never been
to Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. Why that stuck
with me was that both also claimed to have never visited the Empire
State Building, though they could each rattle off restaurants,
theaters and more that would be immediately recognizable as places
they frequented. So, they avoided the touristy spots, but went
to many of the spots that are touristy.
And
that observations is from New York City and the Statue of Liberty.
I’m just going to say that with such information known first-hand
from the sources (and no reason to doubt either person’s claim),
I can easily believe just about anyone from any location telling
me that they don’t know the nickname or most historically notable
moments from their city or town.
I’m
going to close this essay with a challenge.
Learn
three new things about the place you live today. It could be simple.
Start with the location of town hall. Or perhaps the city’s nickname.
Maybe hit the internet for a quick search to find famous residents.
If
you were born someplace else, follow up your investigations by
checking out a few things from there as well.
I
happen to be a big believer in community. I love history. And
I think finding a bit of place within the neighborhood you call
home can be a great thing. (And often, a little surprising.)