Of all the questions we've asked Eastern Iowans in the more than a year since The Gazette launched the On the Street feature, this week's was perhaps the hardest.
Usually we ask people to name one of their favorite foods or tell us something about themselves. Not this week, though. This week was more of a history lesson pop quiz when I asked folks watching Marion's Swamp Fox parade just what a swamp fox was.
I'll admit. I didn't know until Thursday afternoon. I had to do a little Internet searching to find out the answer. As it would turn out a swamp fox is acutally a person. Francis Marion, for whom the city of Marion is named, was a was a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army and later brigadier general in the South Carolina Militia during the American Revolutionary War. He became known as the "Swamp Fox" for his ability to use decoys and ambushes to disrupt enemy communications, capture supplies and free prisoners.
One person I talked to knew the right answer, most guessed it was something to do with the military. Others had no clue. All were intrigued to hear the real answer.
My revelation for the day was when on of the women I interviewed commented on how cool my job is. How right she is. I get paid to go out into the community, to fun events, and talk to people. Of course, like any job, mine isn't without frustrations. But, more often than not I am struck with how lucky I am to get paid for doing something I love. Cheesy. I know. But, it's true.