Princeton, Illinois

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Princeton is a city in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,501 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bureau County^GR6.

1 Geography
2 Information
3 Demographics
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Princeton is located at 41°22′43″N, 89°28′1″W (41.378481, -89.466924)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.4 km² (6.7 mi²), all land.

[edit] Information

Princeton, Illinois was supposedly named by the draw from a hat. The story goes as follows: "The naming of the township of Princeton was the priveledge of the three trustees, Roland Moseley, John Musgrove and John P. Blake. When these men came together to act upon the subject of christening this new legal division of land, each one had a favorite name to present. It is only natural when one wanders away from the scenes of his early life that he should feel a longing for something that looks or sounds like home, so it was with the school trustees of what is now Princeton. They each presented the name of their choice, but could come to no agreement; finally it was decided that is should be settled by lottery. Each man was to write the name of his choice upon a piece of paper and place it in a hat, and a stranger, being blind-folded, should make the drawing. Mr. Musgrove, coming from New Jersey, and being loyal to her classic institution, wrote upon his slip Princeton, and as it had been agreed that the first name drawn should settle the question, there was quite a little excitement in the preparation for the deciding contest. Matters were finally arranged and the bandage placed over the eyes of the drawer and he was led up to the hat wherein the papers had been placed and with outstretched hand he stood ready to decide the great and momentous question of christening the first born of the future Bureau county. At last the word was given, the drawing was made, while those interested stood with abated breath, awaiting the result which was soon announced by the declaration that upon the slip of paper drawn by the blind-folded man Princeton was plainly written, and so we today have the classic name of Princeton for the legal center of Bureau county. Princeton, for many years has enjoyed the distinction of being one of the literary centers of the state. She has the proud record of organizing and putting in successful operation the first township high school in Illinois. It is surely a city of quiet and pleasant homes." (Past & Present of Bureau Co. 1906 by Harrington)

Princeton's nickname is "The City of Elms" because of the huge number of elm trees the city had during the middle of the 20th Century. However, an epidemic struck the elm trees of Princeton and killed off almost every single elm. However, Princeton has kept the name.

Princeton's major employers include Ace Hardware Retail Support Center, LCN Closers (a division of Ingersall Rand), Josten's makers of several world championship rings including the 2005 Chicago White Sox and all of the Chicago Bulls Championships, not to mention the 1985 Chicago Bears. Champion Pneumatic (A Gardner Denver Company) manufacturs top notch air compressors, Pioneer International(A DuPont Co) and Perry Memorial Hospital.

Princeton is located on the south side of Interstate 80, and its downtown is booming with business and fast food and restaurant chains. Princeton is also home to the largest Super Wal-Mart in Illinois. However, Super Wal-Mart has driven several business more towards the north end of town trying to maximize on the combination of I-80 and Super Wal-Mart. The town definately needs to attract some new business into the south downtown area, not to mention a few more resturaunts. As there are several beautiful vacant buildings in the south downtown.

Princeton also is home to the oldest township high school in the state, founded in 1867. Its mascot is the Tiger. The high school houses anywhere between 600-800 students in a given year and is, as of 2004, creating a new addition to meet the student's needs.

Princeton's most famous tradition is the Homestead Festival, a weekend of food, celebration, and the famous Homestead Parade, which lasts for over an hour with local floats and performances by outside groups, including the South Shore Drill Team and Jesse White's tumblers.

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Princeton, operating the California Zephyr, the Illinois Zephyr, the Carl Sandburg and the Southwest Chief each daily in both directions between Chicago and points west.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 7,501 people (Metro 10,321). 3,263 households, and 1,987 families residing in the city. The population density was 430.3/km² (1,114.6/mi²). There were 3,513 housing units at an average density of 201.5/km² (522.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.81% White, 0.39% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 3,263 households out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,622, and the median income for a family was $50,018. Males had a median income of $38,908 versus $20,784 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,632. About 5.6% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.