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Opinion

Flick Fact: The Bloomington-Normal streets with significant identity issues?

Question: In Bloomington, you're driving along G.E. Road when suddenly it becomes Vernon Avenue. Or, you're cruising Beaufort in Normal and - surprise - now it's Hovey. Can you name more streets in Bloomington-Normal that change names without warning?

Answer: Plenty. Hannah becomes Morrissey. Kingsley becomes Center. Fort Jesse becomes Willow. Cornelius turns into Carlene. Towanda becomes State. And within barely a mile, Emerson somehow morphs into Fairway and then Regency. Perhaps the best intersection joke in town: Woodrow suddenly becomes Wilson in north Bloomington - a street transformation worthy of a former U.S. president. And there are probably many more lurking out there behind the next stop sign.

bflick@pantagraph.com

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 9:59 PM.

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