Mike Renning posted:

This dawned on me yesterday, and I have no idea why it took so long.
I'd like to say I thought of it while emptying the compost bucket,
but actually the revelation came to me in the shower.
 
El Dupree is from Manteca!!
 
Manteca is Spanish for "lard."  There is a town called Manteca in the
central valley of California, on Highway 99 between Stockton and Modesto.
As if the name weren't convincing enough evidence of El Dupree's origins,
consider this:  the whole town is perpetually enveloped in a most foul
odor.  (I'm sure Ernst and Tina can vouch for me on this...)  There is
a sugar refinery in town, about a mile off the highway, and it stinks
like hell ("to high heaven"?).
 
Thought you all should know,