Salem, Ohio

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Salem is a city in Columbiana and Mahoning^[1] Counties in the state of Ohio, United States. It is bordered by Perry Township, Green Township, and Salem Township. The population was 12,197 at the 2000 census.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Schools
5 References
6 External links

[edit] History

Salem, Ohio, was founded by a Pennsylvanian potter, John Straughan (Strawn) and a New Jersey clockmaker, Zadok Street, in 1806. Settled primarily by the Religious Society of Friends (a.k.a. "Quakers"), the city of Salem was active in the early abolitionist movement of the early- to mid- 1800's. Still standing are many of the beautiful homes serving as "stations" on the American Underground Railroad with their hidden rooms and secret passageways.

Salem was also the site of the very first Women's Rights Convention held in the state of Ohio, the second such convention in the United States. Salem's overall active involvement in equal rights issues is a tribute to its rich Quaker heritage. In addition, Salem is the childhood home of American watercolorist Charles Burchfield and onetime residence of legendary radio disc jockey Alan Freed.

[edit] Geography

Salem is located at 40°54′3″N, 80°51′10″W (40.900885, -80.852831)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.2 km² (5.5 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 12,197 people, 5,146 households, and 3,247 families residing in the city. The population density was 860.9/km² (2,228.2/mi²). There were 5,505 housing units at an average density of 388.6/km² (1,005.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.35% White, 0.52% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 5,146 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,006, and the median income for a family was $40,191. Males had a median income of $31,630 versus $19,471 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,579. About 9.8% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Schools

"Quaker Sam," Salem City Schools' Mascot

The Salem City Schools' nickname is the "Quakers," while its mascots are "Quaker Sam" and the "Quaker Lady," a tribute to Salem's heritage. The district's colors are red and black.

School	Grades Housed	Years in Use	Additional Info
Salem Senior High School	7-12	1959-Present	Grades 7 and 8 moved into High School in 2006.
Southeast School	5-6	1968-Present
Reilly School	3-4	1928-Present
Buckeye School	K-2	1948-Present
Salem Middle School	7-8 (As Salem Junior High)	1917-2006	Present location of Kent State University Salem City Center Campus. Constructed and originally operated as "Salem High School." Also formerly known as Salem Junior High.
Prospect School	among others, 4-6	1896-2006	Present location of Hannah Mullins Nursing School.
Fourth Street School		1896-1974	Demolished
McKinley School		1892-1978	Demolished
Columbia School		1881-1953	Demolished
Union School		1860-1896	Demolished
First Union School		1853-1860	Demolished