Just Because

Toad Suck, AK sign post. Photo courtesy: Wiki Commons

I have been accused of having a very twisted sense of humour; and, this blog just may remove any doubts that may still be out there. I am publishing the following blog because I find it absolutely hysterical. You can't make this up.

A new poll across seven English-speaking countries has chosen Toad Suck, Arkansas, as having the "most unfortunate" town name in the United States.

Toad Suck, an unincorporated community in Perry County, took top dishonors, edging out Climax, Georgia, and Boring, Oregon.

The poll was conducted by the genealogy site Findmypast.com, and polled respondents in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

"Some people are disconcerted to learn that their forebears came from somewhere called Toad Suck, Roachtown or Monkey's Eyebrow," said Josh Taylor, genealogist and spokesperson for the site, in a press release.

Toad Suck reportedly takes its name from a once popular drinking location for boaters on the Arkansas River. The toadsuck.org site explains in more detail, "While they waited, they refreshed themselves at the local tavern there, to the dismay of the folks living nearby, who said: 'They suck on the bottle 'til they swell up like toads.' Hence, the name Toad Suck."

Keeping the flavour and the heritage of this area intact is of vital importance to the local residents. To this end, Conway, AK hosts the annual "Toad Suck Daze" Festival.

An interesting side note is that Climax's (#2 on the list) unique name isn't its only claim to fame. It's also home to the annual "Swine Time" festival.

The Top 10:

1. Toad Suck, AK
2. Climax, GA (Climax, MN uses the motto "Bring a friend to Climax")
3. Boring, OR
4. Hooker, OK
5. Assawoman, MD
6. Belchertown, MA
7. Roachtown, IL.
8. Loveladies, NJ
9. Squabbletown, CA
10. Monkey's Eyebrow, KY

"I maybe expected Squabbletown to rank higher," Taylor said.

Canada has many fine unusual city names as well. In no particular order: Spread Eagle, New Foundland; Bastard, ON; Nameless Cove, New Foundland; Come by Chance, New Foundland; Dildo, New Foundland; Climax, SK; Garden of Eden, NS or Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, AB to name a few.