Grand Ledge, Michigan

Grand Ledge is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city lies mostly within Eaton County, though a small portion extends into Clinton County. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 7,813.

Contents

1 Geography 2 Demographics 3 Education 4 Culture

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.4 km² (3.6 mi²). 9.2 km² (3.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.20% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 7,813 people, 3,262 households, and 2,123 families residing in the city. The population density is 849.8/km² (2,199.2/mi²). There are 3,405 housing units at an average density of 370.3/km² (958.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 96.33% White, 0.44% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. 2.61% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,262 households out of which 33.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% are married couples living together, 13.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% are non-families. 29.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.39 and the average family size is 2.95.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $47,043, and the median income for a family is $55,727. Males have a median income of $44,255 versus $29,503 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,438. 9.3% of the population and 6.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.5% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Education

Education in Grand Ledge is of much pride to the population, the district was established in 1886 and is very much a part of the community's spirit. The district comprises an area of 125 square miles centered 10 miles west of Lansing, Michigan's state capital. Within the school district are the City of Grand Ledge, the communities of Delta Mills, Mulliken, Wacousta and Eagle. As well as a large portion of Delta Township. The school district, which is mainly in Eaton County, also covers portions of Clinton and Ionia Counties. The schools of Grand Ledge district consist of 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school and alternative education high school. The total enrollment in the district is 6811. The total population of the district is 31,000. In the 02-03 school year the budget amounted to $40,960,013.86. Enrollment for each school is as follows. The students of Grand Ledge excell academics state-wide as well as nationally and 90% of students move on to higher education.

• High Schools (Enrollment): Grand Ledge High School (1,778), Sawdon Alternative High School (102)

• Middle Schools: Beagle Middle School (540), Hayes Middle School (786)

• Elementary Schools: Delta Center (483), Greenwood (282), Holbrook (382), Neff (293), Wacousta (343), Willow Ridge (498)

• Adult Education Program: GED Success Center (200), Lansing Community College Extension Center (175)

The big school events of the year are varsity football games at home, the high school's team name is "The Comets", the team colors are gold and blue, and in tern many clothing articles found in Grand Ledge gift shops bare gold and blue. Grand Ledge is strong in sports programs (22 varsity sports for boys and girls) including MHSAA State Championships in football, baseball and boys' golf. The award winning music programs in the district are of high standards as well, the Grand Ledge Comet Marching Band, directed by Michael Kaufman, plays a big role in school and community spirit. On January 1, l986, the Grand Ledge High School Band became one of the very first high school bands to receive the Louis Sudler Flag of Honor. The Sudler Flag of Honor is awarded annually to particular High School Bands throughout the United States that have demonstrated exceedingly high standards of excellence at the international level over a period of several years.

Culture

The culture of Grand Ledge is a very historical one. The Chamber of Commerce puts together a few days celebrating historical elements of Grand Ledge such as Victorian Days where the Victorian heritage of Grand Ledge is celebrated. Grand Ledge is home to many Victorian houses, some of which are used for commercial purposes. Possibly the biggest celebration in Grand Ledge is the Color Cruise Festival. The Color Cruise celebrates the colors of the leaves in Autumn and a paddle-wheel boat takes people on a small cruise on the Grand River. The festival takes place on an island park. During the Festival there are many spots that companies, families, and individuals rent to sell a product, craft, or to give adults and children an activity. Some of the spots include:

• blacksmith
• old machines
• pumpkin painting and other arts and crafts
• llamas and other petting-zoo animals
• musical shows put on by groups around the community (e.g. tap dancing)
• educational sets about the pioneers and such

There is a myth behind the islands of the Grand River: A mother was on a sinking boat and she tossed her 7 sons out of it and an island formed where each son landed. At one time Grand Ledge was a resort town, but the heavy tourism subsided with the invention of the automobile.

There are a few parades in Grand Ledge, and they are one of the many events that bring the population together. The parades include:

• High School Football Homecoming Parade -- Mid-October
• Christmas Parade -- Early December
• St. Patrick's Day Parade -- Saturday Prior to St. Patrick's Day
• Memorial Day Parade -- Saturday Prior to Memorial Day
• The Yankee Doodle Days Parade -- Late June

Most parades have the usual Marching Band, children's organizations, and advertisers. Usually each group has a car, float, or don clothing relating to whatever they are celebrating.

A large part of the community centers around high school football. If you were to take a trip to the local grocery store in Grand Ledge, you would be quick to spot someone with a Grand Ledge shirt or sweater sporting the colors Yellow(Gold) and Blue. Most of the people are proud to live in Grand Ledge, although teens of the area may often think otherwise. Year-round gathering places for residents are the Sun Theater, Fitzgerald Park, The Opera House, and the Island Park. Other places are high school football games, an ice cream shop, or the river shoreline. Grand Ledge hosts one of the few rock climbing locations in Mid-Michigan.