If you're from Scranton, Pennsylvania, chances are you've seen "The Office." Some of us just watch it to see what real-life references they make to the Electric City and if you look close enough, you'll see that there are a lot. Here are a few background details that only the people in the Valley will understand.
1. The opening credits.
The opening credits of the show have real footage of the Electric City. Before the show aired, a lot of the places in the credits were just ignored. We see them every time we enter the city. But now, if you're driving into Scranton, all of these tiny little details stand out more since they are seen nationwide.
2. Froggy 101 stickers
The sticker advertising the radio station can be seen whenever Dwight is at his desk. Froggy 101 is an extremely popular country radio station in the valley. They play everything from the most popular hits to throwbacks and many of us grew up seeing that yellow sticker with Froggy on it everywhere. They are also behind the great music concert that is known as "FroggyFest." It's the best station for jamming out with the windows down in the summer.
3. Gerrity's Supermarket
Gerrity's is a popular supermarket in our area. They pop up in many towns in the Valley. Most high school kids get their first job as cashiers there and there's a chance you'll run into someone you know every time you go grocery shopping.
4. Pam went to Valley View High School.
Pam mentions that this was her alma matter. I can't imagine how amazing it is to have your high school recognized on this show. Obviously, we all didn't go to Valley View, but a lot of our schools rival them in athletics and other activities. And obviously, the scenes weren't shot at the actual high school. Regardless, it's really cool to see a local school on a big name show like "The Office."
5. Bishop O'Hara was also mentioned.
6. Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins
Going to the Mohegan Sun Arena to watch the Penguins play was a huge part of my childhood. Those games are the reason I am a huge hockey fan today. The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are the farm team to the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the prides of Wyoming Valley. So when you see Michael Scott hold up a Penguins jersey, you can't help but get a little excited.
7. The Steamtown Mall
In "Women's Appreciation," Michael takes the women to the Steamtown Mall. While it's not what it used to be, the Steamtown Mall was the place to be. While the actual Steamtown Mall was never shown in the show, just the mention of the iconic mall has us getting giddy. Plus, a few of the actors from the show have paid a visit to the beloved mall as well.
8. When the gang goes to Lake Scranton.
In "Beach Games," the whole squad goes to Lake Scranton for the day. While the actual Lake Scranton beach is a lot smaller and a bit different, it's still pretty awesome to have that reference on the show. We are far away from any actual beaches, so a lot of people will spend the day at this makeshift beach. It's a good place to go to just get away for the day and have fun.
9. The Radisson
The Radisson Hotel is located in Scranton. The restaurant is known to be very classy and is a common place for dates and business meetings. Also, many high schools have their proms and formals here. It has been mentioned in a couple episodes of "The Office."
10. Jim reps the University of Scranton.
In "Basketball," Jim is wearing a University of Scranton T-shirt and there have been a few other episodes in which paraphernalia has appeared. It's one of the best colleges in the Wyoming Valley and people from all over the country study there. While the university has people from across the nation attend the school, it is very, very popular among the locals as well. Many students from local high schools end up attending. Also, John Krasinski has also been seen in a U of Scranton sweatshirt.
There was never anything real from Scranton that played a huge part in the show. It's all about the details. These tiny things are easy to miss if you don't know much about our beloved city, but if you are from Scranton, these things make the show that much cooler. People tell me all the time how awesome it is that I'm from Scranton because of "The Office," but they really have no idea.
