“Centroplex” is an imitation of “Metroplex” (Dallas/Fort Worth, trademarked from January 1972). In December 1972, the Dallas-area city of Grand Prairie briefly used the name “Centroplex.” The central Texas cities of Belton, Killeen and Temple have used the “Centroplex” nickname since at least February 1977.
Another Texas “-plex” is “Petroplex” (Midland/Odessa, cited in print since at least November 1975).
Wikipedia: Belton, Texas
Belton is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 14,623 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bell County.
Belton is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Wikipedia: Killeen, Texas
Killeen is a city in Bell County, Texas, The United States. The population was 86,911 at the 2000 census. As of 2009, Killeen had 119,510 people. It is a “principal city” of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Killeen is directly adjacent to the main cantonment of Fort Hood, and as such its economy heavily depends on the post and the soldiers (and their families) stationed there.
Wikipedia: Temple, Texas
Temple is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. Located near the county seat of Belton, Temple lies in the region referred to as Central Texas. Located off Interstate 35, Temple is 65 miles north of Austin and 34 miles south of Waco. As of the 2000 census, the population was 54,514, and had increased to 60,118 according to a 2009 estimate. It is a “principal city” in the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.
24 February 1977, Belton (TX) Journal, “Cat Show April 23-24,” pg. 11, col. 7:
The Cougar Country Cat Club announces its sixth annual Centroplex Cat Show for April 23-24…
9 December 1979, Dallas (TX) Morning News, “Metroplex is nowhere unles you live here” by Steve Blow, pg. 6A:
As “metroplex” infiltrated the local vocabulary, it also began to spread geographically. It wasn’t long before Midland-Odessa was calling itself “the petroplex,” and the Temple-Belton-Killeen area dubbed itself “the centroplex.”
Google Books
January 1982, Texas Monthly, pg. 45 ad:
Centroplex Ford, Killeen
29 December 1985, Dallas (TX) Morning News, “‘Golden Triangle’ name game’s goal is rejuvenation” by Steve Blow:
In so doing, the area joins ranks with the Metroplex (Dallas-Fort Worth), Petroplex (Midland-Odessa) and Centroplex (Temple-Killeen) among others.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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