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Metropolis - The mythical town where
Superman (a.k.a. "the Man of Steel") lived in the science fiction series
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN/SYN/1951-57. In the guise of Clark Kent, a
mild-mannered reporter for a quaint metropolitan newspaper,
Superman, an alien from the planet Krypton with powers and abilities
far beyond those of mortal man, protected the citizens of
Metropolis.
TRIVIA NOTE: In 1972, the citizens of a small town located in Massac
County along the southern tip of Illinois, just off Interstate 24
realized that their town was the only one in the United States named
Metropolis (established 1838). The city fathers convinced National
Periodicals, the company who produced the Superman comic book
character, to acknowledge the city as Superman's hometown. Since
then, the town has paid homage to Superman by painting Superman's
likeness on the city's water tower and holding an annual Superman
Celebration, that attracts more than three time the town's
population). The festival includes a Superman Tug of War, an antique
car show, a Miss and Little Miss Supergirl pageant, and a Superdog
contest.
The town's Chamber of Commerce office is filled with Superman
memorabilia, cartoon sketches, posters and a phone booth that
visitors can enter and listen to a recorded message from the Man of
Steel himself.
"Hello" Superman says, "My name is Clark Kent. Some people call me
Superman...I Hope you enjoy your stay in Metropolis and have a safe
trip home...I you want to be a real good friend of mine, I need your
help to fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
Even the town's weekly newspaper, "The Planet" gets into the act by
sponsoring an annual Lois Lane Award that honors the town's most
distinguished female citizen. A painted bronze Superman statue
(formerly fiberglass) stands proudly near the Courthouse (Market
Street at Superman Square).
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