Whatever the opposite of timely is, that’s what this is. Dave Chappelle exited the world of television after figuring that what he was being asked to do things he found distasteful. The actor and comedian may have thought that he’d sunk into a sort of self parody, or even worse a racial parody. That, though, is part of what made his art so demanding and so consumed by audiences.

Most folks know that Chappelle high tailed it to South Africa to collect his thoughts for a few weeks. And everyone knows that there isn’t any longer a Chappelle Show to speak of unless you’ve acquired the DVD boxed sets. And while its been pretty well documented that the husband and father has receded into his estate in Yellow Springs, Ohio, not too many know what that town is actually like even after having watched Block Party and hearing countless explanations of bucolic Ohio life.

When I first applied to undergraduate schools, one of the places I visited was Antioch College, which happens to be in Yellow Springs – or it was until the place closed down a few years back. But that city, from just my cursory visit, come off as something unique even amongst the litany of tiny, college towns that exist throughout rural Ohio. It’s worth noting that my guided campus tour was helmed by a chick with a dreaded Mohawk, which in and of itself should explain the social and political climate in Yellow Springs.

I decided to attend a different university, pretty much based upon my tour guide’s attire. But what I saw while in Antioch, which was Coretta Scott-King’s alma mater, was unique – even beyond just hair styles.

The city didn’t seem like it was still a part of the ‘60s, but it also wasn’t too removed from that either. Obscured by time, perhaps, I still recall brightly painted businesses along whatever the main drag in town is called. There was a rather shabby (in a good way) music store not too far down the block from a coffee shop. It was clear all my needs would be met there. Beyond all of that, the Gits formed there. And that alone was a draw, just not a strong enough one.

Along side all of this obvious liberalism were auld tymey town folks who had maybe spent more time working the land or standing behind a counter than reading a book. And this is where Dave Chappelle resides. Certainly, his abode isn’t well marked, but the man seems to fit this milieu perfectly. There’s not a hint of haughtiness to be found. And while the pace was detached from anything to be found on either coast, that probably appealed to the comedian. Surely, he’s easily spotted when walking around town doing errands. In this setting, though, Chappelle can’t mind. None of these folks want his autograph. There, he’s just another guy. Although, I wonder where his kids goto school. Who knows? But maybe we’ll find out if and when he re-emerges from a self imposed exile.