THE Funniest Birthplace Marker EVER!

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No one would ever accuse me of being a “Trekkie.” I know some of the very basics about the classic TV series Star Trek that I think “everyone” knows, but the intricate details (such as what type of font was used for the “Let That Be Your Last Battle” script ) are beyond me. Still, I was aware that, somewhere between Sherman Potter’s hometown of Hannibal, MO and Radar O’Reilly’s hometown on Ottumwa , Iowa lay another famous birthplace. That birthplace is Riverview, Iowa. Well….sorta. If you know about Star Trek (the original series, or TOS, or just THE Star Trek for us old geezers) you know that it’s set way in the future. So, obviously Captain Kirk hasn’t been born yet. And that is what makes this the funniest birthplace marker I’ve ever seen. Across from the post office, and next to the city hall, is an empty lot. On the lot is a stone marker: Future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk March 22, 2228 As I said, I’m no Trekkie, but THAT is funny. The town has a population of about 1,100, and probably a lot more during Star Trek conventions. For the record, the town itself is NOT mentioned as Kirk’s hometown; however, it is noted in one of the movies that he was (or shall be, I guess I should say) from Iowa. (If you’re wondering, William Shatner, who played Kirk, is from Canada.) The town, with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s blessing, sort of declared itself to be Kirk’s birthplace. And it makes for a pleasant and amusing stop along the way to wherever. PHOTO COLLAGE: 1. Empty lot where Kirk’s familial home will be in 2228. 2. Signs marking the location of the birthplace. 3. Current marker. 4. Original marker, which is now on display at a Star Trek museum.