Capital of Whaaat?
Many small U.S. towns have taken pride in being the “world capital” of something. Sometimes this is tied in to local history, a booming industry, or a clever marketing move. Let’s take a look at a few U.S. “world capitals.”
Earmuff Capital of the World
Earmuffs are a necessity in cold areas, and the citizens of Farmington, Maine, are aware of this. That’s why the town celebrates Chester Greenwood Day every first Saturday in December. Yes, Chester Greenwood, an American teen from Maine, invented the earmuff when he was just 15 years old in 1853 after getting cold ears from ice-skating.
Lost Luggage Capital of the World
Did you know that all lost and unclaimed luggage from U.S. airlines ends up in a single location? Scottsboro, Alabama, is home to the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Since 1970, they have sold, donated, or recycled these items for the public. This makes it the only lost-luggage retailer of its kind in the country.
Shark Attack Capital of the World
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, claims this title. According to the International Shark Attack File—a verified database of global shark attacks—this town truly is the Shark Attack Capital of the World. Anyone who has swum there has likely been within 10 feet of a shark!
Carpet Capital of the World
You may think most carpets are made in the Middle East, but 90 percent of the world’s carpet comes from Dalton, Georgia. More than 30,000 people are employed in its massive carpet industry. That’s impressive, because the city’s population is under 35,000!
If you could create a “capital” of something, what would it be?
I have a pastor friend who has collected Nazarene manuals for decades. I have several Bibles I cherish—some from my deceased loves ones. I also have quite the Coca-Cola collection . . . but nowhere near what the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta has.
God has quite the collection of YOU!
Scripture tells us He collects your tears in a bottle.
“You have . . . put my tears in your bottle.” (Psalm 56:8 ESV)
And He collects your prayers in a bowl:
“ . . . the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8 ESV)
You are so very loved!
Pastor Susie
