Evansville is a city with Midwestern roots and hints of Southern charm. While most residents don’t carry a distinct accent, Evansvillians do have their own unique way of pronouncing some of the city’s most well-known roads and landmarks, especially those with Evansville’s signature German influence.
Goebel Drive
A short road on the West Side (not to be confused with Goebel Lane in St. Joseph, Indiana), Goebel Drive presents a challenge for residents. While the official German pronunciation would be “Go-bull,” most Evansvillians know the road as “Gay-bull” drive.
Reitz
F.J. Reitz High School, the Reitz Home Museum, Reitz Memorial High School — the word Reitz carries a lot of weight in Evansville. While locals confidently pronounce the surname as “rights” it’s not uncommon for visitors to mispronounce the famous family name as “ree-tzs” or “Ritzs.”
Boehne Camp Road
Another West Side and German-rooted word, Boehne Camp Road is one of the most debated road names. While most of Evansville says “Bay-knee” Camp, there are several mispronunciations including “Bone-knee” Camp.
Smythe Drive
Just past Morgan Avenue off of N. Green River Road, Smythe Drive causes controversy. Correct pronunciation of the short road is “Sm-eye-th” but it’s easy for visitors and residents alike to mistakenly refer to it as “Smith” Drive.
Boeke Road
A main thoroughfare on the East Side, Boeke Road may be the hardest name to pronounce on our list. While long-time residents don’t hesitate to say “Bake-ee” Road, visitors confidently — but incorrectly — pronounce the road as “Boh-kay” or “Boh-key.”
Photos provided by reitzhome.com and wkdq.com.
