Bob

Batz

Read Bob's bio and previous columns

September 8, 2008

There’s No Fun Like Map Fun

Next time you find yourself with some spare time on your hands, grab a map of your state and have a little fun.

Yes, I said “grab a map.”

TV’s an OK way to kill time. So is reading. When I have a little time to read, I like to grab a map of a state – any state – and check out the great names of communities in that state. The beautiful thing is it doesn’t matter what state you choose, you’re bound to find wonderful names.

Some names are serious names. Others are quite whimsical. And quite a few names seem downright silly to the casual map reader. 

Ohio – the state where I hang my hat – is no exception when it comes to wonderful town names.

The Buckeye State has more than its share of delightful monikers. Ohio has towns called Aid, Alcony, Alfred and Ada. Speaking of Alfred, it’s just one of several Ohio towns named after people. There’s also Alma, Arnold, Arthur, Avery and Cecil.

What’s new in Antiquity, Ohio? And, hey, what’s old in New Rumley?

Like short names? Then you could head for Ohio and settle in Key, or maybe Fly.

Looking for an ideal place to call home? How about Joy? Or Blissfield? Or Brilliant?

Some small Ohio town names have downright impressive names, like Empire, and Brokensword.

Ohio is also the home of such communities as Bangs, Getaway, Celeryville, Charm, Dawn, Crooked Tree, Friendship, Funk, Good Hope, North Star, Olive Green, Round Bottom, Parrott and Assumption.

I looked for a town named Batz but the closest I came to finding one was Batson. 

In the process of looking for a Batz I did find towns named Gore, Orange, Brilliant and Eureka. I also came away with some questions.

For example, are there any women living in Guysville? And does anybody drink booze in Temperance?

When it comes to oddball names, Ohio has all kinds, including Seventeen, Kinikinnick, Pitchin, Rising Sun, Unity, Veto, Torch, Texas, Paris, Long Bottom, Sedan, Bath and Nellie.

And if you still haven’t found an Ohio town with a name that suits you, check out Utopia.

You can reach Bob at BBatz@woh.rr.com.

© 2008 North Star Writers Group. May not be republished without permission.

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