I've never heard this term before. So "Upstate" is anything north or east of Cincinnati, I suppose? Is this an anomaly or some "Enquirer thing" that I don't know about?

 

Salad dressing floods homes upstate

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS01/307020011/1056/COL02

Lake Erie is the focal point of Ohio since it is the frontier and the coast so everything away from it is "downstate".

Oh, I thought it was because of the booming metropolis of New Ohio City along the Ohio River, and everything north of that was upsate Ohio. 

Since "upstate" is not capitalized, I believe they are using it as a directional rather than a region name.

I don't know C-Dawg.  I've lived in Cleveland for many, many years, and I have always referred to it as Southern Ohio or Northern Ohio.  I have never told anyone in Cincy that I live upstate in Cleveland.  Or I have never told anyone I am headed downstate to visit some friends.  I have seen the North Coast used in marketing for Cleveland, but I have never heard Cleveladn referred to as the Noth Coast or the Mideast.

^ ditto gotribe. i have never hear the term upstate or downstate used in ohio either. in conversation its usually referred to as southern ohio or northern ohio.

 

northeast ohio, central ohio and southwest ohio get some play in the media too, but that's about it.

 

also, this article was in the cinci enquirer, so it makes sense for them to use the term directionally as everything is upstate.

I have never told anyone in Cincy that I live upstate in Cleveland. Or I have never told anyone I am headed downstate to visit some friends.

 

lol, we'd be like "wtf did you just say?"

 

 

This ain't New York people.

^ ditto gotribe. i have never hear the term upstate or downstate used in ohio either. in conversation its usually referred to as southern ohio or northern ohio.

 

It's used in Toledo media constantly these days. They'll say "big storm hitting downstate."

 

I thought you lived in Athens? Did you move back to Toledo?

^ ditto gotribe. i have never hear the term upstate or downstate used in ohio either. in conversation its usually referred to as southern ohio or northern ohio.

 

It's used in Toledo media constantly these days. They'll say "big storm hitting downstate." It's an obvious directional term. It's replaced "down south."

 

 

 

Exactly, I could see it used as a directional statement just like every state does that.  But in Ohio, we do not refer to our regions as downstate or upstate as they do in New York 

Oh, I thought it was because of the booming metropolis of New Ohio City along the Ohio River, and everything north of that was upsate Ohio.

The river would be the frontier with Dixie by that account.

We in Columbus think all of you in outstate Ohio are weird for making such a big deal of this.

 

Actually, this kind of phrase is common in a lot of states, but doesn't make much sense in Ohio. In New York, everything outside of NYC is "upstate." In Chicago, everything in Illinois outside of the metro area is "downstate," even, it seems, if it's in Lake County. In Minnesota, everybody in "the cities" has a summer cabin "up north." I don't know how far north you can have your permanent home and still go to a cabin "up north."

^I thought Michigan had a lock on "Up North."

 

Hey: you had your shot, Ohio, but you were all like, "We think we'll hold on to Toledo, mmkay?"

My high school used to chant "UP-STATE! [stomp-stomp] UP-STATE! [stomp-stomp]" at pep rallys, about 24 hours before traveling upstate to thump whoever was on the menu.  Worst football high school fans in Ohio?  Lancaster and Massilon.  Those people need to get a life! 

We in Columbus think all of you in outstate Ohio are weird for making such a big deal of this.

 

Actually, this kind of phrase is common in a lot of states, but doesn't make much sense in Ohio. In New York, everything outside of NYC is "upstate." In Chicago, everything in Illinois outside of the metro area is "downstate," even, it seems, if it's in Lake County. In Minnesota, everybody in "the cities" has a summer cabin "up north." I don't know how far north you can have your permanent home and still go to a cabin "up north."

 

Correction, Metro NYC, as Long Island wouldn't be considered "upstate". 

 

other examples include "northern" and "southern" cali; south Florida, which, IIRC, consist of Dade, Brower and Palm Beach counties.

 

I like being Upstate Ohio, but prefer "the North Coast".

I refer to Columbus as "the Soul Patch."

 

Correction, Metro NYC, as Long Island wouldn't be considered "upstate". 

 

 

Thanks for the Long Island correction/clarification.

This ain't New York people.

 

...or Illinois.

 

"Downstate" has a definte cultural connotation, and I think its only used by folks from Chicagoland, and can also mean also Illinois areas actually somewhat to the west of Chicago as well as to the south.  So Galesburg and Monmouth are "downstate", even though they are really "sidestate".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i prefer thee states, which i use liberally when i am in gstaad skiing or playing a little baccarat in monte carlo.

i prefer thee states, which i use liberally when i am in gstaad skiing or playing a little baccarat in monte carlo.

 

Bond......

"Upstate" is probably more fitting for the NORTH COAST, not Bustown. That's been used in marketing in every Lake Erie county. You also see some "Lake Erie West" in the Western Basin (Toledo to Sandsuky)....

 

Oh come on, Sandusky isn't that bad.  It certainly doesn't suk at least. ;-) LOL!  Sorry, just a bit of humor at your spelling.  No offense intended.

 

Anyway, I'm sure the Enquirer probably just.....well, I don't know what it just.  The more I think about it, the more it doesn't make sense to refer to Columbus as "upstate".  Granted, down here we always refer to Dayton as "up in Dayton" and Columbus as "up in Columbus".  Same with Cleveland and Toledo, but the way they have their headline worded just makes it sound weird.

 

Then again, I've never heard of Cleveland as "the north coast".  I mean, as if there is a south coast.  I hardly look at the Ohio river as a "coast".  A shore maybe, but not a coast.  So why not simply refer to Cleveland as being on Ohio's only coast.  Oh well, ignore me.....I'm just rambling.

Upstate?  Downstate?  Ohio?  These people are nuts.  It'll always be "SW Ohio, NE Ohio, Central Ohio, and everybody else."

I'd put money that the headline writer had to be from one of the states where upstate/downstate is a common usage (IL or NY). Especially, since one of the rules of Enquirer coverage is never to mention that Cincinnati is actually a part of Ohio.

This ain't New York people.

 

...or Illinois.

 

"Downstate" has a definte cultural connotation, and I think its only used by folks from Chicagoland, and can also mean also Illinois areas actually somewhat to the west of Chicago as well as to the south.  So Galesburg and Monmouth are "downstate", even though they are really "sidestate".

 

 

I currently live in the Chicago metro/media market and this statement is very true.  As a matter of fact, IIRC, I once heard a news story and they claimed Rockford as downstate (even though its north/northwest of Chicago)!!!

 

Another interesting note.......anything outside of the St. Louis area is usually considered either Outstate Missouri or Outstate Illinois.

Upstate?  Downstate?  Ohio?  These people are nuts.  It'll always be "SW Ohio, NE Ohio, Central Ohio, and everybody else."

 

But surely you realize you forgot the most important region of Ohio: North Central :D

^ I call North Central "Mid-Ohio".

that north coast thing has been pushed big in cleve and then somewhat elsewhere along the great lakes since the early 80's and it isn't getting anymore traction today than it did then. it's cute, but it gets minimal recognition at best. it's no land of a thousand lakes.

Then again, I've never heard of Cleveland as "the north coast".  I mean, as if there is a south coast.

 

It's a big marketing campaign that includes all of the Lake Erie Counties. The South Coast is the Gulf of Mexico. They're thinking nationally. You see "North Coast" on other Great Lakes too.

 

I thought the idea was you have east and west coast, with north coast being from Minnesota to New York.

 

Either way, it seems to be really common on radio and some tv promos and that's about it, in fact if you asked most people from the region, most would probably have no idea what you mean. It also seems less common in Toledo and seems like it picks up steam around Sandusky.

Was just in Sandusky this past weekend and "Lake Erie Shores and Islands" or something like that is the new official tourism moniker so I think "Northcoast" is finally, officially being put to bed, in some places anyway...

I use upstate, downstate, and central ohio probably more often than SW or NE especially when talking to my family members.  When people tell me that they've been to Cleveland after I tell them I'm from Cincinnati, I usually mention that Clevelands upstate from Cincinnati.

^ that's interesting weed because that is the first time i've ever heard of anyone doing that in conversation. just curious, are you/your family born & raised ohioans?

I just remember MSB rockin' the North Coast...but with 25 years in Cleveland and 10+ in Cincinnati, I don't know that I've ever heard "upstate" and "downstate" used anywhere...

 

I just remember MSB rockin' the North Coast...but with 25 years in Cleveland and 10+ in Cincinnati, I don't know that I've ever heard "upstate" and "downstate" used anywhere...

 

Most people refer to either northern or southern Ohio.

The term "North Coast" is not known outside of Ohio. I have never heard people use the terms "upstate" or "downstate" when referring to Ohio.

 

I use the term "upstate" for NY, when I say NY; I'm usually referring to NYC. The term "upstate" helps distinguish between the two with little explanation.

I wonder how someone from NYC or Boston would respond to the term "North Coast", after you tell them you're talking about Ohio?

I wonder how someone from NYC or Boston would respond to the term "North Coast", after you tell them you're talking about Ohio?

 

Oh, I'm sure they'd assume you meant MSB's 1981 release:

 

 

That record was really big back east, wasn't it?

 

How 'bout down East?

Heck, the average american has no idea which ocean is on what coast, but everyone seems to know the great lakes, especially lake Erie.

I have not heard anyone use the term 'upstate' or 'downstate when referring to Ohio, I haven't heard anyone use those terms for california either, only when referring to new york state. The official terms for Ohio would be the directional terms of North West, North East, Central, South West, and South East. I have yet to find anyone to use the term East Coast when referring to places south of the washington dc area.

people from north or south carolina do not use those terms, and neither do people from florida.

Like any region that wants to be distinct, maybe Northeastern Ohioans (of whom I am one originally) should go back in time and once again start calling their quadrant of land the Western Reserve (is Ohio History still a 7th grade requirement? I think I was in the very first class in which this was offered--there wasn't as much to learn back then--e.g. Blennerhassett Island). This would not only set them apart from the rest of the state in name, but with its historical association with Connecticut it would infer a more refined class distinction as an area of East Coast breeding and genteel manners :weird: (of course in reality, these were never characteristics that defined my upbringing nor anyone in my immediate circle of acquaintances  :drunk:—but hey, those outsiders in the other three quarters of the state don’t have to know that!)

But surely you realize you forgot the most important region of Ohio: North Central

 

Well, technically, the state doesn't recognize it as a seperate region. The tourism of Ottawa and Erie Counties is included in Northwest Ohio. Still, I agree it's by far the most important part of the state. PIB and Sandusky trump everyone.

 

Well, legally recognized or not, we identify as a region that is not quite Toledo, not quite Cleveland, and not quite Columbus.

 

Also, it's more of a local thang, but where I'm from the term "Firelands" is often used to identify our area.  But I'm sure not many people from outside of the immediate area knows this term or its history.  The Firelands is composed of Erie and Huron Counties, one township in Ashland County, and one township in Ottawa County.

Firelands

 

The Firelands or Sufferers' Lands tract was located at the western end of the Connecticut Western Reserve in what is now the U.S. state of Ohio. The land was set aside for residents of the Connecticut towns of Danbury, Fairfield, Greenwich, Groton, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, and Ridgefield who lost their homes in 1779 and 1781 due to fires set by British forces during the American Revolutionary War. Originally referred to as the "Fire Lands" (two words), it is now spelled as one word, "Firelands."

 

In 1792, the Connecticut legislature set aside 500,000 acres (2,000 km²) for the Sufferers at the western end of the Western Reserve, consisting of all of the present-day counties of Huron County and Erie County as well as Danbury Township in Ottawa County and Ruggles Township in Ashland County.

 

About 30 towns, cities and villages ended up being situated in the Firelands near the southern shore of Lake Erie.

 

However, very few of the original "Sufferers" ever settled in the Firelands, as the land was not given for settlement until many years after the war. Even then, the land was not readily hospitable due to Indian hostilities prior to and during the War of 1812 and the necessity of clearing dense forests from most of the land so that it could be used for farming purposes.

 

In 1803, the Sufferers, or their heirs, legal agents, and purchasers of their deeds, formed a corporation to manage the lands to which they were entitled in the newly formed state of Ohio. The land was divided into 30 five mile (8 km) square survey townships, which were further subdivided into 120 quarters, each containing 4,000 acres (16 km²). (Note: Although the standard for U.S. survey townships in the Northwest Territory was six miles (approx. 10 km) square at that time, the older standard for survey townships in the Western Reserve was employed.) A drawing was held to determine the land received by each individual. Many of the local communities and townships in the Firelands are named for locations in Connecticut.

 

In 1809, Huron County was formed from the entire Firelands. For the next 30 years, all of the Firelands would lie within - and therefore co-exist with - Huron County.

 

 

Weird that Firelands High School is in western Lorain County, but isn't actually in the Firelands...

 

...back to arguing upstate, downstate, upriver, downriver, uplake, downlake...

I'm impressed, you guys!  You know your history and geography :)

I knew about it, but had to look it up for the details!

 

I think there is or was a Firelands winery. 

 

North Coast is a bit odd, as one would think the North Coast of Lake Erie is Ontario...and "coast" usually means an ocean.  In Chicagoland there is the North Shore, not coast.  But I have heard the term used when up in Cleveland (in advertising).

 

Say, does anyone up in NE Ohio use "Western Reserve" as a regional indenfier, or is that name relegated to the hisory books (and a certain private university)?

 

 

If we can debate this for 2 pages, than we probably do not refer to the regions of Ohio as Upstate, Downstate, Northcoast etc etc. 

i've heard of sandusky, port clinton, etc. & the islands region mentioned as firelands (most common), ohio's vacationland (a fairly popular old moniker) & as north central ohio. there is even a bgsu firelands campus.

 

also interesting is the dialect in that the area is usually pronounced as "firelinz" or with the typical ne ohio accent "fire-LAANds," but also i noticed that on the western side of it that the nw ohioans might use the original two-part "fire lands."

 

ps -- jeffery like the other coasts, the north coast is a reference to the north coast of america, not of lake erie. i think the reason it never took off is that even tho cleveland ran hard with the term every great lakes state has one so it is confusing. also, yes western reserve is used fairly regularly in the local ne ohio media. you know you live in the western reserve and firelands when you live in these regions, it's publicized. oh and yes there is a firelands winery and its still there -- the lake erie wineries are generally known for gerwurztramminer and especially for ice wines. worth a visit!:

http://www.firelandswinery.com/

 

this thread turned into a fun & interesting topic!

To finish C-Dawg analysis of Toledo attitudes, I once had a hotel worker (African-American) give a sideways glance and engage in intense questioning over why I did not have a Southern accent since I was from Cincinnati (since it "was all the way down by Kentucky). I used the excuse that I went to school in Toledo for four years. But I'm not sure she believed me. It was an odd experience.

To finish C-Dawg analysis of Toledo attitudes, I once had a hotel worker (African-American) give a sideways glance and engage in intense questioning over why I did not have a Southern accent since I was from Cincinnati (since it "was all the way down by Kentucky). I used the excuse that I went to school in Toledo for four years. But I'm not sure she believed me. It was an odd experience.

 

Same thing happened to me during the Dodgers series (they were from LA) ... I was thinking ummm ... let's see ... who is going to influence the other more? KY, or Cincinnati? Tough one.

If we can debate this for 2 pages, than we probably do not refer to the regions of Ohio as Upstate, Downstate, Northcoast etc etc.

 

Best point of this thread.

Majority of my cincinnati friends are from the west side. I always make fun of how they say words like "home".

 

Anyway, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Cleveland or Toledo but you guys just aren't important enough for people to refer to your region as 'upstate'. It's a journalist's job to use a wide variety of words and that's why they did it. Ohio is a much different dyamic than Chicagoland vs. downstate Ill or NYC vs. Upstate. We're an archipelago of decentralized medium and small cities. Don't expect it to catch on.