Janesville - my hometown
I was listening to Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” on the way home a few nights ago and I started thinking of all the reasons I love being in Janesville. Here are a few reasons I love my hometown - Janesville.
I feel safe in every part of the community. People tell me I shouldn't but I do. No matter what side or ward of Janesville I'm in I feel safe.
We’re a large city but still have a small town feel. This isn't just something I feel. New community members tell me they feel it too.
Cougar pride...
...and Vikings too. You gotta wanna.
People with strong opinions and the're willing to share with anyone who will listen. I think this goes back to number two in the list.
Dr. Bostian practiced in this city. This is a selfish one.
I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren't for him.
Janesville loves to throw a party or parade.
The party or parade must be debated to death before it is approved.
After all is said and done the beer tent is always full.
City council meetings when sidewalks or volleyball bars are on the agenda. It's nice to see council chambers full.
JPAC. I can walk past my seventh grade locker, hand out programs, greet patrons and see a wonderful show.
The Armory. I haven't seen a show but have enjoyed a meal. Look at what can be done when you rehab an old building. I hope the owner of the building across the street is taking notes. The Montery deserves better than mothballs.
The Janesville 99.
Thanks Grandpa Knox, Great Uncle Henry and Great Uncle Bill.
Even though the joke is “Chainsville” we have a ton of great local businesses.
Bessie the cow. I could care less what is or isn't written on her. She was in a Snapple commercial and that's good enough for me.
The Rock River. OK, you can give me a hard time on this one but it appeals to me. I always envision removing the Centerway Dam and a lock system at Indianford. We could go from the south side of Janesville to Jefferson by boat.
A great school district...
...Jim Lyke secretly wishes he went to Janesville schools :)
The Hedberg Public Library. When I talk to anyone who has spent time in Janesville they tell me the city should be thankful they have a wonderful library. I am.
The revival of festivals. Rock Around the Block, Labor Fest and the Corn Roast. It's nice to see your neighbors.
Fourth of July Fireworks at Traxler Park. Thanks Aqua Jays.
Appreciation of a wonderful history.
A passion for building the future.
Just a few reasons why I love my hometown. How about you? Why do you love where you live?
Steve
Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.
Jan 27, 2010 at 7:18 p.m.
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Steve, if you think Janesville is a large city (number 2), that probably explains why you're here. Living in Janesville is actually about number 1 on your list. Janesville is safe and quiet and clean, and the cost of living is relatively low. And that's worth a lot. I walk all over Janesville, and I've never been bothered. Not even by a dog. My top 10 list of things I like about Janesville begins with the city's biking trails and all those inviting sidewalks. Too bad more people don't take advantage of them. They're heart healthy!
Jan 27, 2010 at 6:14 p.m.
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Oh and also Franklin Gardens Bowling Alley
Jan 27, 2010 at 8:38 a.m.
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I forgot the Pember-Nuzem (sp?) Clinic Downtown.
Jan 27, 2010 at 8:36 a.m.
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Remember...Scott's Dept Store, Robert Hall, May's Drug, Jupiter, Jack's Shoe Store, Sam & John's (famous hot dog roller in the front window), Buehler's (SP?) Meat Market, National Tea, A&P, Swanson's, Graves, Krogers and Woodman's (when it was in the Castaways location) grocery stores...The Chicken Coop, Pizza Villa, Terrace Pizza and the later Mario's Pizza, Pregont's Bakery...mmmmmm. Yes, I do remember Orchard Garden.
Jan 25, 2010 at 12:13 p.m.
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NVGrf- You have a strange map.
Parks
Steve you didn't mention bike tunnel???
Season Changes.
Walking in a hilly neighborhood for exercise for FREE!
Court house hill and The Tallman house. Thanks to who ever for making them stay historic.
Historic Home and Garden Tours
Rotary Gardens
Fall- walking in the brisk air with a insulated cup of red wine- (SSSHHH)
The fish at K & W and Rotary gardens.
Good and cheap bar food!
Jims Pizza Still my Fav over Lisas.
Jan 24, 2010 at 6:55 p.m.
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The CIRCUIT!! The real cicuit.. Waste of gas yes..However, I met my husband down there!
Jan 24, 2010 at 5:07 p.m.
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How about ice skating at Goose Island, swimming at Lions Beach, ice skating at Adams, Roosevelt, Wilson and Washington school. Swing Lobby at the YWCA, Caberet at the YMCA. French Slipper Shop, Bostwicks, Elliots, Hagens, Murils for shopping. Jefferis theater, Beverly theater, Hitching Post for movies. Sherwoods restaurant, Central Restaurant, Adamanys restaurant for french fries and catsup. Colvins bakery for the smell of freshly baked bread. Parker Pen, Woolworths, Kresge's. Many, many memories
Jan 24, 2010 at 4:09 p.m.
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oldtimer....Another midwestern myth. Go shovel some snow. LOL
Jan 24, 2010 at 12:39 p.m.
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you say "we're a large city" ??? Janesville is a small town.. I'm living in the DFW area..the suburbs here are bigger..
Jan 24, 2010 at 10:56 a.m.
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NVgrf, when you run out of water dont come crawling to us.
Jan 24, 2010 at 10:43 a.m.
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Oops...forgot my real #1....has never snowed..EVER.
Jan 24, 2010 at 10:39 a.m.
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Can't believe Rockport Park was not on Knox list!
My list...
1. The Colorado River
2. Surrounded by mountains (esp. Spirit Mt.)
3. Perfect weather
4. Around the clock entertainment
5. Rodeos and Score races
6. Grapevine Canyon
7. Christmas Tree Pass
8. Annual River Run
9. Oatman
10. No Bessie the cow
Jan 24, 2010 at 8:24 a.m.
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Ok my turn, Do you realize the centerway dam is generating electricty? ask for a tour of the plant and then blog on that, Does anyone remember "Orchard Gardens" on Milton Ave? Riverside park is great just love it. I love Rock River flowing through Janesville, the bike trails, Rockport park, I could go on forever. I have been around for 84 years, If you want a well rounded community you must have something for everyone. I think Janesville does great in that dept, just have to get a skate park, people wanted disc golf and they got it. I love geocaching and have hidden some caches in Janesville and always get emails from finders that have said I have always lived in Janesville and did not know that was there, (park, trail, pond etc). In the summer my neighbor and I ride the bike trails 15 to 20 miles. yes I love it. Lets all get positive and find solutions to problems together and quit complaining so much. bye
Jan 24, 2010 at 8:05 a.m.
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You can't forget Riverside and Palmer Parks.
Jan 24, 2010 at 7:49 a.m.
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If my parents' farm had been a mile further south, I would have. :)
Jan 24, 2010 at 6:37 a.m.
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Wasn't Bessie the cow in a Fruitopia commercial? Or was it Snapple?
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