I was just thinking of this because the most famous person to come out of my dear old hometown of Petaluma, California has been in the news quite a bit lately. That’s right, me and Winona Ryder were like this back home in Petaluma.
Okay, not really. She’s actually several years older than me, and the closest we’ve ever come is the time I almost walked right into her on Kentucky Street in 1993. But we did go to the same junior high and high school and a number of my teachers had her as a student as well.
I’m originally from Los Angeles, who has too many favorite children to list here.
The town I live in now, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is home to Jim Thorpe, who went to the Carlisle Indian School and went on to become one of the best athletes of the twentieth century.
Where I live now isn’t my home town, but it definitely has a favorite son.
Charles Barkley.
He is easily everyone’s all-time fave here, and is much loved due to the fact he has regularly given money (substantial sums) to our elementary, middle and high schools.
I’ve not met him, but my husband met him once at the grocery store not long ago, and my son’s met him twice at school. Both had nothing but glowing things to say about him.
Although I didn’t grow up here, I’m quite happy here now. And of course, you cannot mention Red Bank, at least not in Jersey, without someone brining up Kevin Smith, which is kinda cool, I like Kevin Smith. I’d hate to be from Tonya Harding’s hometown.
From the town in which I was born, Harvey Illinois, two of minor note: Quin Buckner, the basketball player; and Tom Dreeson, the comedian.
From my current town, Madison, Wisconsin, lamentably: Chris Farley. Maybe some others, I haven’t been here that long, and I only knew about Farley because he died.
Although he was born in Zanzibar, his family came to Bombay about a year after his birth, and he grew up here. So I guess he could qualify as this city’s fav…
Kobe Bryant went to my highschool but graduated several years after me. Rumour has it that he dumped his head-cheerleader girlfriend the week before the prom to take Brandi.
OH! OH! OH!* I LOVE MY HOMETOWN!* And any oportunity to blow it’s horn. Toledo, Ohio. (come visit our Zoo and Art Museum)
We have many many beloved boys here. They all wear the Mudhen’s cap! Don’t matter where they’re from or where they’re going. They were Mudhens, they were Toledoans!
Our Favorite sons?
The always lovable Klinger himself, Jamie Farr! He has his own Golf Tourney, and remains involved in his hometown.
Now deceased Philantropist and actor Danny Thomas. (He and Mr. Farr both have city parks named after them, in the parts of town they grew up in)
Jimmy Jackson. I believe he played for the Cleveland Cavs for a few seasons
Tom (can’t remember the last name) Member of Rock band Boston
Old time Jazz singer Theresa Brewer.
I’m sure there’s more, but my brain is on AM time.