Why is Epping, New Hampshire Known as the “Center of the Universe?”

Epping, New Hampshire has bumper stickers that say, "Epping is the Center of the Universe." You can get them at the Town Clerk's office for $1.

I have seen them on cars from time to time and although I have taken this as fact my whole life, I wondered aloud to no one in particular, "why IS Epping called the Center of the Universe?"  So I set out to get some answers.

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(Just a note about this video, the narrator uses the words, colloquialisms, paradoxical and self-deprecating all in one sentence.  Color me impressed.)

The research I did varied a bit.  One article from business NH said that it had to do with the connection between Manchester and Portsmouth and the rail system at the time. There was another idea from sribblesfromschreiber.blogspot.com that I like much better.

The Nickname Was Started by a Local Gas Station Owner?

One resident of Epping, Howard Phelps, owned a gas station in the town.  His brother in law, Rick Wells, worked at the station and it is said that he was the first to say the phrase, "Epping is the Center of the Universe."  The reason why is because the residents of the town would come by the station and complain about local politics.  Rick decided to get some bumper stickers printed up and people loved them.  They sold like crazy and so, an identity of a little NH town was born.

Can you imagine just coming up with a funny little phrase and having it become the town's unofficial motto?  Everyone around here knows that Epping is the Center of the Universe.

What would you call your town?  I live in Raymond and I have often thought our motto should be:  "Raymond's Steak Tips Are Better Than Yours." #thanksbobby  #tuckaway.