Local people. People around Colorado. And people around the world.
Why? I'm just curious to know what people think about a small town in the middle of somewhere. And in the middle of nowhere. And come to find out that many people don't even know Florence exists.
One of the problems is that Florence isn't exactly on the way to any major destinations. It's certainly an easy drive from Colorado Springs and Pueblo. It's not that far from Royal Gorge and Canon City. But it's not on a major highway.
I've noticed when I go to the Springs (where I lived for over 20 years and knew about Florence) that when store clerks ask me where I am from--I often get a blank look. I can tell by their eyeballs they are too polite to ask where it is. And some people would say,"Well, Florissant sure is a nice area!"
Florence, not Florissant!
I thought I was the only one who ran into this phenomenon. The Florence vortex.
When I lived in Denver for a short time, it was even more strange. I'd tell a new friend, a hair dresser or store clerk, who asked about my background, that I was from the Springs, but missed Manitou Springs, since I missed small FUNky towns like crazy. I'd get those same blank looks. Manitou? Never heard of it.
So, when I told a few friends and acquaintances in Denver we were moving to Florence, most would say: "Now exactly where is this place? In Colorado?"
I came across this great blog post over at the Florence Brewery Company. Yes, in Florence!
https://www.florencebrewing.com/single-post/2017/06/01/Where-The-F-is-Florence-Colorado
Excellent post that sums up the frustration about finding out most people in our great state don't know we exist.
But I think that is going to change fairly soon. We have a lot of people determined to put Florence on the map. Florence, NOT Florissant!
Just think about it. If people don't know where Florence is they won't be able to get a cold, artisan beer from the Florence Brewing Company easily--or experience all the other great things our fair burg offers in a friendly, small-town environment.
It's the mid-1980s, and I am finishing grad school at CU-Boulder, where I have also been a graduate instructor in the English department. As I am cleaning out my closet-size office, the professor from across the hall stops by to wish me well.
ReplyDelete"What will you be doing next?" she asks.
"We're house-hunting in Florence," I reply, because I have a job in Fremont County coming up.
"Oh!" she says, "I'm so happy for you!!"
Beat. Beat. Beat.
"No," I say, "Florence, Colorado."
A blank look on her face.