Williamston, Michigan
|
|
Williamston is a city in Ingham County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As such it is very near Lansing, the capital of Michigan. It is also very near East Lansing, the home of Michigan State University. Proximity to these larger cities gives it the advantages of nearby well paying jobs and the ability to live in a small town. It is well known for its antiques markets and its quaint, small town feel. Many of the buildings in downtown date from the 19th Century when the town was populated and built.
| Contents |
Geography
MIMap-doton-Williamston.PNG
Location of Williamston, Michigan
Williamston is adjacent to exit 117 from I-96 which makes it easy to travel from Williamston to most other areas of the state. The main street, running east-west through town, is Grand River Avenue which is also M-43 at this point. Larger shopping centers such as the Meridian Mall are 7 miles west on Grand River Avenue. The Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand River, passes through town and was a primary reason for the town's founding at its current location. The center of town is about 2 miles north of the expressway, and just south of the Red Cedar River.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.7 km² (2.6 mi²). 6.6 km² (2.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.17% water.
Demographics data from the Census of 2000
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 3,441 people, 1,470 households, and 905 families residing in the city. The population density is 521.0/km² (1,351.2/mi²). There are 1,528 housing units at an average density of 231.4/km² (600.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 96.95% White, 0.17% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. 2.94% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,470 households out of which 33.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% are married couples living together, 11.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% are non-families. 31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.99.
In the city the population is spread out with 27.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $39,727, and the median income for a family is $51,014. Males have a median income of $38,375 versus $30,174 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,798. 8.2% of the population and 6.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.2% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
Williamston was first settled by Hiram and Joseph Putnam in 1834, who moved here from Jackson, Michigan. One of the main streets through town, Putnam Street, is named after them while it is within the city limits. It continues as Williamston Road both north and south of the city. Interestingly, for many years the spelling of one of the signs in town for the street was misspelled as Putman, making it unclear as to the correct spelling of the family and street name. The Putnams sold their land to Oswald B.,James M., and Horace B. Williams in 1839, three brothers who came here from Batavia, New York. James M (sometimes called Miles) Williams built a dam, saw mill and later a grist mill here, eventually platting the land in 1845, naming the town "Williamstown" after himself. It is unknown how the town lost the "w" in the name. The town was a popular stop on the Grand River trail (and later the Plank Road) from Detroit to Lansing in the 19th century. The route of that trail and plank road is now Grand River Avenue (M-43 through Williamston). The primary means of transportation was the horse and buggy and the trip from Detroit to Lansing would take more than one day, and Williamston was conveniently located as an overnight stop on that trip from the State capital to the most populace city. The town was incorporated as a village in 1871, and later as a city on April 1, 1945. A later revised City Charter was adopted by the people effective in April 1963. This charter has been amended several times, but remains in effect today.
A history for the area was published for the City's centennial celebration in 1971, with many photographs and anecdotes of the early city and its inhabitants. There were earlier histories published in 1963, the 1930s and in 1880 (see reference below) as well.
Law and government
The city is headed by an appointed city manager and an elected seven member city council. The Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem are chosen by Council from among their members. City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7 PM in City Hall downtown.
The City also has a Downtown Development Authority (Meetings, 7PM 3rd Tuesdays of each month at City Hall) Economic Development Corporation (meetings, 7PM, 3rd Mondays of each month) and a Planning Commission (meetings, 7PM, first Mondays of each month).
Economy
The economy is primarily that of a residential town where many people commute to local, larger towns such as Okemos, East Lansing and Lansing where much of the employment is. Though once very central to the economy, the prominence of farming in the community has declined recently and very little farmland it is within the city limits any more. Much of the surrounding area is still devoted to farming. Many services and restaurants are available for the city's residents. There are also a number of shops in the downtown area such as antiques that draw people from all over the area. In addition there are a number of industrial parks, designed to take advantage of the city's proximity to the major highways and cities in the area.
Other local draws include the two golf courses, the Brookshire, a 18 hole championship golf course, with a number of holes along the Red Cedar River, and the Wheatfield Valley golf course on the south side of town near the expressway.
Events of interest
Weekly during the Spring, Summer and Fall Williamston's Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Corporation, and City Government sponsor a Farmers' Market. For calendar year 2004, it is held at the parking lot on the corner of High and Putnam streets downtown, Thursday afternoons from 3-8 PM. Hours and location may change in 2005, but the market has been well received so it will likely be back. The Market runs until the end of October 2004.
A major event in town is the week long festival known as the Red Cedar Jubilee. It is typically in the last week of June and starts with a kids 'bike parade' through town, and ends with the Boy Scout pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. It includes small town favorite events such as the "demolition derby", along with a chicken barbecue and many events and games for children including carnival rides and games. This is a very busy time of year at the Williamston Bucket, the popular local bar. Many of the events act as fundraisers for local community groups.
Another recent addition to the local festival calendar is the Artfest On The River, held the second Saturday in July each year in McCormick Park downtown. This includes performing arts on multiple stages such as dance, drama and music, as well as display arts for sale. There are also 'activity tents' for young and old to try their hand at art endeavors.
Also, the First Saturday in December brings the annual Chamber of Commerce Light Parade through Downtown Williamston. Activities start in the afternoon, and culminate with a parade of lighted floats and vehicles, ended with Santa who stops at City Hall and then meets with the children who want to speak with him in preparation for the big day! Typically there are stores and street booths selling hot drinks, wandering musicians in the street during the afternoon and evening leading up to the parade, and stores stay open late for early holiday shopping. Occasionally you will find an ice sculpture or two, weather permitting.
Sports teams
There are no major local sports teams, besides the community schools athletics teams whose mascot are the Hornets. The school's sports teams are generally quite competitive in the area and the wrestling team won the state team championship in 1999, boys cross country won the state title in 2001, and boys track also won the state title in 2001, both coached by Paul "Coach" Nilsson.
External links
- http://www.williamston.org Main website
- http://www.michigannature.org/index.shtml Michigan Nature Association, located in Williamston
- http://www.usgolfer.net/brookshire/index.html The Brookshire Golf Course and restaurant.
- http://www.rootsweb.com/~miingham/Williamstown.html Public domain text of Williamstown History
Sources
An excellent public domain source of early history of the area can be found in the book "History of Ingham and Eaton Counties Michigan", by Samuel W. Durant Published by D. W. Ensign & Co.; Philadelphia, 1880. The book has been adapted into web form in the website listed fourth above.