Why the strong hatred towards Illinois? (Milwaukee, Madison: houses, buy, high school)

[Homewardbound66]

Hey Dreamhunter65 - Yes, definitely not afraid to get dirty. My Mom always called me "Biz" kid (before Oxy clean) and now my son is pretty much the same way. The city, by far, smells much worse than the country. I can't imagine thinking otherwise. I lived in Chicago for long enough to know it can't compare to the country. Its definitely for the young and not for me. Thanks for your post and you well wishes. I really hope something happens before the snow flies, but I'm prepared to wait.

[Larnan]

I actually get a kick out of the Illinois/Wisconsin fued. I currently live just outside of Appleton, WI. I grew up in New York City then moved to New Jersey. Talk about neighbor state fueds. I just can not help but think where ever two states border there is a major city near the border, fueds are going to be there.
Seeing what I have of Wisconsin, it probably goes way back to a Packer lose to the Bears. After that lose people probably started complaining about the FIBs buying up all the land.

[Homewardbound66]

That is too funny Larnan! Who knows, maybe you're right about the Bear - Packer thing, but guess what - I'm a Packer fan. My boss took me to a game a few years back and I was in love. I loved the field, the city, the team and the tailgate experience. It was a lot of fun. I've never been to a Bears game. I do agree with the idea of a bordering state and major city having problems. You do see that all over the country. Take care!

[Southside Shrek]

Chicago people have always been viewed as different by Wisconsin folks. When I was a kid visiting relatives and cousins up there, a cousin would always make the comment "I couldn't stand living in a big city like Chicago with buildings, concrete and asphalt all over the place." That sort of jab made me feel bad and I didn't want to return to the concrete jungle of the Windy City.

By the way, I still love Chicago deep in my heart even if a Cheesehead or two puts it down. Our Chicago Bears can beat the Packers any old day.

[miltownman]

On the Chicago thing - I think the attitude actually is toward the city of Chicago, and not the whole state. I also think that it is mostly not hateful, but good natured, and very similar to cross state/city rivalries anywhere.

However, it is amplified by the following: Wisconsin does not have anything like Chicago in terms of urbanization. People who live in major cities like Chicago tend to develop mannerisms that are less concious of others space, and less mindful of local traditions and versions of etiquitte. As a result, big city folks tend to rub non big city folks the wrong way. Even in Milwaukee, you could argue that until the last 5-10 years, there was a small town feel to how people got along here.

It is further amplifed when folks w/ such an urban attitude disregard the rules of the locals - and since Chicagoans vacation here, there is frequent opportunity for this type of friction. For some this is speeding - which to be fair cuts both ways, but it is hard to deny the way it looks when traveling north/south in terms of chicagoans and speed - or the DNR fishing/boating rules (for example, a Wisconsin fisherman would NEVER go anywhere within 100 ft of another fisherman, tend to respect catch limits, would always leave plenty of room between boats, etc.. Lake users would expect waterskiers would wait until the afternoon so fishermen were done, etc - it is undeniable that most Chicago area folks who vacation up north ridicule those rules as for "rubes").

But its truly mostly for fun. At least thats been my sense.

Superior is pretty, across from Duluth, so its not like there is no urban life - but not alot of diversity and sort of limited in culture. but amazing outdoor opportunities - especially if you like it never to get warmer than 75 degrees - ever. Very short summer.

Peace

[Homewardbound66]

Thank you for that very insightful post. I think I do finally understand the conflict. If I lived up there and was fishing I would become angered also. I never thought about the space issue, but having lived in Chicago can understand that also. Thank you very much for taking the time to post.

As far as Superior, its not happening. I do not mind days with the highs of 75degrees - I'd say that's heaven! I love Winter and Fall. They are my favorite season. I guess we'll have to see what happens as far as the jobs right now. I'm sitting tight and dreaming of the rural life.

[dreamhunter65]

Maybe have your hubby look at Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls/Menominee areas for work..Not large cities but lots of Technology and smaller towns to live in nearby and country air.

[Homewardbound66]

Thanks dreamhunter. Good advice. We're also including Iowa in the search because its very similar to Wisconsin and if we can't find him a job in Wisconsin then we'll do Iowa, if possible. We would like the Dubuque area. I like the land around the Mississippi because of the hills. We'll see! Thanks again. We want a quality of life change and would prefer Wisconsin, but will look at different possibilities if we can't do Wisconsin. I just want to be in the country again!!

[tinydancer]

Hello
I consider myself from both WI an IL. I was born in IL but came to northern WI as a 5 yr old. My sibs and I spent summer and holidays in IL with our dad. I have fam in both states. When we moved up here--in '68--my mom and step dad were not so welcomed, but that didn't last too long. Our family has out-going personalities and that helps. I prefer the small town life and the woods and wildlife. I do not mind taking a day to shop or to attend cultural events an hour or four away. Of course, I love to visit my fam and friends in IL. They live in a north suburb. Sometimes I shop and site-see, but it is not a big deal (the city, etc.). I agree that many visitors to WI do not always observe traspassing laws and boating rules. I lived on a lake for 15 yrs with my x. We were always careful around the fisherman and other skiers or tubers on the lake--we did not always get the same respect. I would like to believe that most of this is out of ignorance. Not all the land up here is public. Asking politely to cross the land when hunting is required and neighborly. Our yard and beach-front sometimes looks like a park. When people are on our dock- fishing or just watching a beautiful sunset, I would usually walk down there and let them know that this is private property (there is a small sign). I never chased them away and often would bring juice and cookies for my kids to share with theirs'. There is a liability issue, too, that people should keep in mind.
I also think some Wisconsinites resent people from other states buying land, lake prop or other. The wages up here are less than those in southern WI and northern IL. We live simpilier and enjoy what we have. This is a choice, for many. Coming from a family with a tourist business (small resort and tavern and than a big supper club) I know the benefits that vacationeers offer. There are so many resorts up here Price Co. and surrounding counties) that tourists are welcome. Repeat visitors are welcomed like family. Many relocate here. I am proud that I came from IL and I have never tried to hide it. I can take the ribbing and do not take offense. Some people will always make sweeping generilized statements--oh well. Consider the source. Children do not treat kids from other states badly-never heard about it anyway. My x is president of our school broad and this issue has not come up-neither has it from neighboring districts-that I know of. South-west of here there is a big Amish and Menenite population. They are treated with respect. Doing business with these folks is sought-after. Quality, honest, low cost work.
I do think Eau Claire is a good area. The University of Wisconsin and Tech schools are there along with many types of employment and cultural oppurtunities. It is not far from the Twin Cities--more entertainment.
Thanks for letting me ramble---

[Homewardbound66]

Thank you Tiny Dancer,

That was very interesting about your side of things being from both sides. The rub with my husband finding work is that he's been at the same company for 11 years and has worked his way up the ladder, but never finished college. His current employer is fine with that BUT there have been a large amount of employers that won't even consider his experience because of his lack of a college degree. I know that's not a Wisconsin thing because he's been trying for a long time to find another job. He actually went on one interview with the guy asking him college questions. How did you handle the stress of college life and what did you do in this situation? He's had some college but never attained the degree, but for God sake's he's 42 years old and even if he had the degree I seriously doubt would remember specific college stresses. I thought that was unbelievable and by the way, he didn't get the job and they are now readvertising for the position. Oh well.

Thank you for letting me vent. I'm very proud of my husband and would like to slap all the employers that won't give him a chance because he doesn't have the paper. I definitely will encourage our son to finish college and get the necessary degree because of my husband's experience. Can you believe Bill Gate's never got a degree or so I've heard.

Take care!