I had always assumed the Simpson's Springfield was Springfield, Illinois as it's the State Captiol and Clinton is the Nuclear Power Plant. I guess it never was said expressedly, everyone I know around here would say it is a mockery of the idiots in Springfield Illinois (politicians etc...). The blue hairs in Springfield etc..., that show is pretty much poking at all the things I grew up hearing about most who live in Springfield.

We were watching the Simpsons in Central Illinois in 1988ish I know for sure, only over air, it wasn't carried on cable yet. After thinking about it. it would have to be 87-88 for sure as I had gotten in trouble for wearing a tee depicting Bart saying "Don't have a Cow man" and the Principal of my small, backwards HS declared it vulgar. I don't remember which part of the year that was in, so I can't be exactly sure when.

I did write a paper on excessive centureship in school and was talked to by him about being a trouble maker. LOL, what a dweeb. He was removed the next year after a teachers strike, so I guess that was kind of nice for my younger siblings.

__________________
Calvin: Sometimes when I'm talking, my words can't keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak.
Hobbes: Probably so we can think twice.

~Calvin & Hobbes~