Goblu and Beatosu
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Goblu and Beatosu are imaginary towns that were inserted into the 1978-79 official state of Michigan map. The names refer to the slogan of University of Michigan fans ("Go Blue!") and a reference to their archrivals from Ohio State University.
Peter Fletcher, a U of M alumnus and chairman of the State Highway Commission, inserted the fake towns of "goblu" (near the real town of Bono, Ohio off Ohio State Route 2) and "beatosu" (near Elmira, Ohio, just south of Interstate 80). [1] The state of Michigan was not amused, however, and new maps had to be printed with the offending "towns" removed. The original maps are now a collector's item, and fetch up to $150 in mint condition.
Before Fletcher admitted to the ruse, some speculated that the fake towns may have been placed there as a "copyright trap", used by map companies to prevent other mapmakers from stealing their work. [2]
In the novel "Beautiful World", Goblu is the hometown of one of the main characters, and is known for making barrel staves; there is an annual festival there every July called Stave Days. Goblu High School's nickname is the Green Hornets; their traditional rival is the Beatosu Blue Griffins.
