thependulumswings

Surely you have been told that you must tell the truth or you will suffer the consequences?  But did you know that the first tv game show was named Truth or Consequences?  It aired first as a radio show in 1940 and later was on tv and in syndication until the mid 1960’s.  Oh, and surely you have heard of Hot Springs, New Mexico? No?  Well, if you were born after 1950 you probably have not.  Why?  It’s because Hot Springs, NM officially changed its name to Truth or Consequences, NM in 1950. 

Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to “Truth or Consequences”, the title of the popular program. In March 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the then tv quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that he would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the show.  Hot Springs won the honor, officially changing its name on March 31, 1950 (the program broadcast from there the following evening, April 1). Edwards visited the town during the first weekend of May for the next 50 years. This event was called “Fiesta” and included a beauty contest, a parade, and a stage show. The city still celebrates Fiesta each year during the first weekend of May.

Truth or Consequences, NM is far from the only town that has an odd name derived from odd origins.  Why would towns name themselves such a thing?  Below are a few more for you to ponder.  We begin, actually, with a town named Why.

Why, Arizona

Why, oh why, is this town called Why? It’s said to be because State Routes 85 and 86 formed a Y-intersection near the area. Since Arizona law required city names to have at least three letters, the founders changed the name from “Y” to “Why”—although if residents hadn’t seen it written down, no one would have known the difference.

No Name, Colorado

This is one of many funny town names that aren’t really names at all. Credit for the town’s unusual name goes to the developers constructing Interstate 70, who left several exits unmarked. When a Colorado Department of Transportation official went out to improve the signs, he wrote “No Name” on Exit 119. The town has had No Name ever since. State officials once tried to rename the area, but locals wouldn’t allow it.

Embarrass, Minnesota

The township gets its name from the French word “embarras,” which means “an obstacle or difficult situation.” When French explorers first traveled through the area, they had trouble getting their canoes down the river, so they named the river (and, eventually, the town) accordingly. See? Nothing to be embarrassed about here.

Hot Coffee, Mississippi

One inn owner, L.J. Davis, advertised that he made the best hot coffee around—and it very well could have been. Davis made the coffee with pure spring water and New Orleans beans, and he used molasses drippings as sweetener. People loved it so much that they named the town after it. 

We’ll have five more funky names to ponder soon.  Until then enjoy some Hot Coffee wondering Why No Name would Embarrass itself so.  At least it’s the Truth, hence there are no Consequences.