Concordia, Kansas

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Concordia is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. The population was 5,714 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Cloud CountyGR6.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Location of Concordia, Kansas

Concordia is located at 39°34′9″N, 97°39′30″W (39.569035, -97.658398)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.8 km² (3.4 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 5,714 people, 2,310 households, and 1,399 families residing in the city. The population density was 652.7/km² (1,689.0/mi²). There were 2,671 housing units at an average density of 305.1/km² (789.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.90% White, 0.58% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.74% of the population.

There were 2,310 households out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 13.5% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,398, and the median income for a family was $40,389. Males had a median income of $27,764 versus $20,885 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,019. About 7.1% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.3% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Attractions

[edit] The Brown Grand Theatre

In November of 1905, Concordia resident Colonel Napoleon Bonaparte Brown announced to the townspeople his plans to build a fully outfitted opera house for Concordia. Renowned Kansas City theatre architect Carl Boiler was hired to prepare the design drawings and the blueprints.

At its completion, The Brown Grand Theatre stood sixty-feet high and spanned one-hundred- twenty feet in length. Renaissance in style and overall design, the $40,000 structure became a priceless jewel amid rare aesthetic fiches in a small town in turn of the century mid-America. The formal opening of the Brown Grand Theatre took place September 17, 1907 with the production The Vanderbilt Cup (a comedy set against the backdrop of the auto racing trophy Vanderbilt Cup. In the 1970s and 1980s, the theatre underwent extensive restoration. Today, the Brown Grand Theatre provides a unique experience for all who visit.

[edit] Cloud County Historical Museum

The Museum preserves and exhibits objects and documents of historical items representing early-day Kansas. It is housed in the former 1908 Andrew Carnegie Library building and a large newer annex. The treasures of Cloud County, Kansas are exhibited for your viewing - nature, radio, railroads, quilts, photography, toys, vintage clothing and furniture, musical instruments, fossils, tools, and stained glass.

Records are on display of the military Prisoner of War Camp, churches, organizations, schools, and businesses. Displays of glass cutting, rare coins and books, rock and gem shop, micro-film of county newspapers and many others too numerous to list.

Large displays in the annex include the "must see" 1908 Lincoln-Page Airplane, an 1898 Holsman belt driven horseless carriage, and a 1915 Model T Ford.

[edit] Nazareth Motherhouse

Known as the beacon light of Concordia, the well-known rose window looks over the community from the convent. It is the official Motherhouse and Home for the 260 Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. It was built in 1903 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. The beautiful Lourdes-Park, restored in 1990, offers a place for walking and enjoying nature.

In 1884, the Rev. Joseph Perrier invited the Sisters of St. Joseph to come to Concordia to open a school in the Catholic Parish. Mother Stanislaus Leary, superior, and five sisters answered the invitation. They came to Concordia and established the Nazareth Motherhouse and Academy in a new building located next to the church.

The sisters quickly gained a fine reputation for the education of young women at Nazareth, giving them a sound academic program as well as instruction in the fine arts, music, French and the social graces. In 1903, the Sisters of St. Joseph entered the health care field in Concordia with the establishment of the St. Joseph Hospital on the original site after the new Nazareth Motherhouse was built at its present location.

[edit] Camp Concordia

During World War II, a German prisoner of war camp was maintained a few miles north of Concordia. The original guard house remains and has been restored.

[edit] Stained Glass Tour

Concordia claims the title "The Stained Glass Capital of Kansas" and a local tour has been established. Although common in many houses of worship, many private residences also have quality stained glass installed and available for viewing on the tour.

[edit] Small Game Hunting

Small game hunting (particularly game birds such as pheasant, quail, and dove) is an inviting experience and attracts a large number of people from all over the world. Opening Day of hunting season is an especially active day for Concordia as it brings a large number of visitors and a boost to the local economy.

[edit] Camping

The city of Concordia has complementary overnight camping available at Airport Park, one of several city parks. Airport Park is located at the Blosser Municipal Airport (see below).

[edit] Aviation

Concordia is the host of Blosser Municipal Airport (CNK). Blosser Municipal Airport is publicly owned by the City of Concordia. The National Weather Service and the Kansas National Guard maintain facilities at this location.

[edit] Communications

[edit] Radio

Radio Station KNCK (1390 AM) and KCKS (94.9 FM) operate from the same broadcasting facility in Concordia and are privately owned. Radio Station KVCO (88.3 FM) operate as a broadcast journalism project by Cloud County Community College in Concordia, and is publicly owned and operated by the school.

[edit] Newspaper

The Concordia Blade-Empire is the official county newspaper and publishes its edition six days a week from its location in Concordia.

[edit] Education

Concordia is the location of Cloud County Community College, a two-year junior college. The city also maintains an active elementary and secondary school district (see external link to Unified School District 333 below).

[edit] Notable residents (past and present)

[edit] External links

Unified School District 333 - Concordia Public Schools: http://www.usd333.com

Concordia Blade-Empire (local newspaper): http://www.bladeempire.com/

Blosser Municipal Airport at AirNav.com: http://www.airnav.com/airport/CNK

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