'Simpsons' creator clears up Springfield locale controversy
Simpsons The Real Springfield
Debra Gruell, Executive Director of the Springfield Museum, sits on the The Simpsons Couch at the museum Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in Springfield, Ore. One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been revealed, with "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening pointing to Springfield, Ore., as the inspiration for the animated hometown of Homer and his dysfunctional family. Groening told Smithsonian magazine, published online Tuesday, that he was inspired by the television show "Father Knows Best," which took place in a place called Springfield. Springfield, Ore., is 100 miles south of Groening's hometown of Portland. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)