Bethany Paulson | Welcome to Sadness: The (un)Happy Legacy of the Champion City

Welcome to Sadness The (un)Happy Legacy of the Champion City

BETHANY RACHAEL PAULSEN

Abstract

Springfield, Ohio was a flourishing industrial city during the first half of the 20th century. It was home to large manufacturing companies including Champion Farm Equipment, which eventually became International Harvester, and Crowell-Collier Publishing, which published periodicals such as Women’s Home Companion, The American Magazine, and Collier’s.

place

is derived from

When manufacturing was declining across the nation in the late 20th century, Springfield was among many other cities that struggled in the changing economy. These cities are known as legacy cities. Springfield is small among comparison with some of the larger legacy cities, such as Detroit and Pittsburgh, but it still faced the same challenges. Springfield’s population has been decreasing since 1970, and the economic challenges continued into the 21st century.

the experience of

Now, Springfield, Ohio is “The Unhappiest City in America” according to a 2012 Gallup Poll, which may be more anecdotal than factual, but be that as it may, it brings an opportunity to consider what Springfield truly is instead of what it was.

past and present

This project aims to rebrand a city in the here and now, rather than in the past.

It challenges the notions of city branding and marketing that are desperately clinging to the past. It calls for embracing the fact that Springfield is not what it once was, instead of encouraging the hope that the large manufacturers that once fueled the local economy might come back. Lastly, it builds upon the characteristics and efforts that are demonstrating success in the current economy. This includes a small arts district in the downtown core, and a proposed annual festival that will put Springfield back on the map.

memories

Memory

Clark County Fair Annual Calf Scramble

lin

extr

nk

Place

ract

South Vienna Annual Corn Festival

A Small Legacy City...

Small Legacy Cities in the United States

...Springfield, Ohio

Springfield Urban Center

Growth, Development, Production...

Crowell-Collier Publishing, c. 1940

...Decline, Decay, Destruction

Crowell-Collier Publishing, 2020

Springfield, Ohio

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TUESDAY

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BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

28

FEBRUARY 2012

Springfield, OH Voted USA Today 'Unhappiest byCity in America' (/springfield-oh-unhappiest/)

Springfield   deemed 5th hottest housing market in the country Springfield housing market in the country

by USA Today   deemed 5th hottest

Log In Log In

by Kimberly Prijatel (/author/kimberly-prijatel/), on February 2012 (/tag/february-2012/), Local (/tag/local/)

Cityembraces rejects ‘unhappiest’ label as old, unfit real City rejects ‘unhappiest’ label as old, unfit | May 6, 2012

By Andrew | May 6, Mcginn 2012

By Andrew Mcginn

Gallup poll on city’s well-being recirculates via Facebook posts

Gallup poll on city’s well-being recirculates via Facebook posts Advertisement Advertisement

SPRINGFIELD — The first reaction is to mumble some profanity — but the angriest city in the nation at was Longview, Texas. some profanity — but the angriest city SPRINGFIELD —last Thecheck first reaction is to mumble

resolving the physical void between past and present histories & establishing an annual celenbration in the heart of Springfield

A place to experience...

...the crowning of Miss Sadness

A place to experience...

...the monthly flea market

Get in line for...

the mundan the melancho

ne, oly.