Cincinnati, My Kind of Town
As we all know, Cincinnati is in the middle of a renaissance - neighborhoods are being rebuilt, arts scenes are vibrant, sports fans are cheering, home prices are fair, healthy transportation initiatives are on the right track, and overall livability seems at an all time high. The boisterous progressive attitudes here are only shadowed by the great things still to come.
There seems no end to this rolling stone that is Cincinnati.
And with this rejuvenation has come international praise, the most recent of which UrbanCincy reflects upon, which sparked today's post on the city's historical glow.
Here's a visit to the city of my youth - during the last great city expansion (1970s-1980s) - from May 1976 Ford Times article "Cincinnati, My Kind of Town". An issue probably more famous for Charley Harper's cover illustration:
Like most articles being produced about the city's developments today, this Ford Times article presents the city as kind of a niche locale with a surprisingly vibrant scene - in addition to the more notable sports' camps - and seems to miss on some of what us locals might consider crucial to the personality of Cincinnati. Nevertheless, it's media attention, and positive.
Here are some of the more descriptive passages from Ford Times author Nicholas J. Bush: (Delve into larger photos and read more of the article by clicking on the images below, or perusing the full article (link at end of post).)
"...I snap my mind to attention with pleasant thoughts about a city that would make Henry David Thoreau pack his bags and head back to town."
"...the city has a pleasant personality. It's evident at noontime on Fountain Square where on sunny days businessmen and women and families munch double-dip ice cream cones and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment scheduled..."
"For the life of me I find it hard to explain why the residents aren't terribly fat."
"Preparing your own food for an outing in Cincinnati is truly hauling coals to Newcastle - inferior coals, at that."
"When asked to rate Cincinnati chili, Texans are likely to turn red in the face and, if ladies are present, sputter something about 'that tendermouth slush.' What do they know? The cognoscenti among chili lovers agree: Cincinnati chili is the hautest of haute cuisine."
"A delightful town. Wonderful people. If you have the chance, drop by. It will do wonders for you."
• Read the complete 1976 Ford Times article "Cincinnati, My Kind of Town".
2 comments:
Just wanted to drop by and say that this was a really enjoyable read and I'm in love with your blog!
I wonder what ever happened to The Red Onion Chili Parlor. I can't find any trace of it online, except for these photos.
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