‘Oh, this is the true Springfield from the Simpsons’

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- Smithsonian Magazine reported Wednesday that 'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening said Springfield, Oregon, was the inspiration for the city from the show.

A day later, TV Guide magazine reported that Groening said he was misinterpreted. “I never said Springfield was in Oregon,” said Groening in TV Guide Magazine on Thursday. “I said Springfield was the name of my sled," making a reference to the film 'Citizen Kane.'

But at the Simpsons exhibit at the Springfield museum, die-hard fans told KVAL News they’re still not convinced. "Oh, this is the true Springfield from the Simpson's,” said Cindy Broussard, during a visit to the museum on Thursday. “Yes!”

“We’re from California,” said Mark Broussard, as he sat next to a statue of Homer Simpson. “We heard on TV that Springfield, Oregon, was the true Springfield from the show. So, we decided to come up.”

The Broussard family decided to take a trip to the Springfield Museum on Wednesday after they heard Springfield, Oregon, was the inspiration for Homer’s hometown.

Cindy said her husband is the “biggest Homer fan ever.”

“I’m as big as they get,” said Mark, who has a bald head and facial hair resembling the famous cartoon dad.

“He looks like Homer,” said Abby Broussard, Mark and Cindy’s daughter.

“My call name on the Internet is Homer,” said Mark with a laugh.

Whatever the truth is, Springfield Museum director Debra Gruell said she does not need an admission from Groening to feel pride for her city.

“I understand the other Springfields were pretty upset,” said Gruell, as she sat next to the Simpsons family at the exhibit in the museum on Thursday. “But no matter if we are or aren’t, we love it. We love the attention. We love having the couch here. We love Matt. We love the show. So, maybe one of these days he’ll change is mind.”

The Springfield Mayor’s office told KVAL News the public interest in the city’s supposed connection to the Simpsons has been so great; the city may hold a community event celebrating the show, anyway.

“He must have heard from the other Springfields,” said Springfield City Spokesman Niel Laudati, at the mayor’s office on Thursday. “So, he’s back-tracking, but it’s all with a laugh. And we still know that he’s an Oregonian.”

“It’s all fun,” added Laudati.