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Metropolis, IL Marks 50 Years as the Hometown of Superman
Metropolis, IL is marking the city's 50th anniversary as the Hometown of Superman with the placement of banners by the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce around the world famous 15-foot-tall Superman statue located in the middle of town.
On January 21st, 1972, Metropolis officially became known as the Man of Steel's hometown following an agreement signed between when National Periodical Publications (later known as DC Comics) and the Chamber of Commerce which stated that Superman could be used in a not-for-profit manner to help promote good will in the city.
A ceremony to mark the occassion saw a crowd of more than 3,000 people as well as members of the media from all over the nation crowd around a special stage which has been erected in the middle of town. Local Reverend Charles Chandler, then pastor of First Baptist Church of Metropolis, served as the town's first official Superman and dressed in a costume worn by George Reeves during his portrayal of the Man of Steel on "The Adventures of Superman".
Publisher of National Periodical Publications, Carmine Infantino who was in attendance along with several State, national and local dignitaries stated during the ceremony that, "NPP was surprised there was a 'real' Metropolis" and that "this was the first time any town in the USA has adopted an alien from another world, friendly or otherwise."
A few months later on June 9th, 1972, the Illinois State Legislature would pass an official Resolution declaring Metropolis as the "Hometown of Superman" and recognizing the Man of Steel as a distinguished Son of Metropolis.
Metropolis has several events planned throughout the year to celebrate the city's 50th anniversary as the Hometown of Superman including the upcoming 44th Annual Superman Celebration which takes place June 10th - 12th.
For more information of the Superman Celebration, visit SupermanCelebration.com.
