Stafford, Connecticut

The Colonial Town of Stafford began almost 300 years ago as a rural agricultural community. The easy availability of water power from the tributaries of the Willimantic River led to industrialization, and this abundance of power helped generate local population growth. By the mid-1800s, Stafford was connected by railroad to markets across New England, and before the State Highway projects of the 1920s and 1930s, the town had a trolley connection to Rockville, CT.

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 152.2 km² (58.8 mi²). 150.1 km² (58.0 mi²) of it is land and 2.1 km² (0.8 mi²) of it (1.38%) is water.

The Town of Stafford, Connecticut is located at the intersection of Routes 190 and 32, in the northeastern region of the state. The community is comprised of the downtown area known as the village of Stafford Springs, as well as the more rural areas of Staffordville, Stafford Hollow, and West Stafford.

While the Town has managed to maintain its New England milltown charm and culture, it is rapidly becoming a bedroom commuter town feeding into larger area communities. Many residents drive into Hartford, Manchester, and Enfield, Connecticut, as well as Springfield, Massachusetts, all of which can be reached in about a 30-minute auto commute. It is also about a half-hour drive to the University of Connecticut's main campus, in Storrs, Connecticut, United States.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there are 11,307 people, 4,353 households, and 3,086 families residing in the town. The population density is 75.3/km² (195.1/mi²). There are 4,616 housing units at an average density of 30.7/km² (79.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.90% White, 0.64% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.91% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,353 households out of which 34.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% are married couples living together, 10.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% are non-families. 23.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the town the population is spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $52,699, and the median income for a family is $61,694. Males have a median income of $42,157 versus $29,896 for females. The per capita income for the town is $22,017. 5.5% of the population and 4.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.8% of those under the age of 18 and 7.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Stafford has approximately 11,300 residents and covers 58 square miles, making it the third largest town (land area) in Connecticut. There is a developed downtown business section bordered by several parks. Throughout the town, there are lakes, ponds, streams, State Forests and farmlands, crisscrossed by traditional New England stone walls. Stafford has a rich historical heritage. Long before its incorporation as a town in 1719, the famous mineral springs drew Indians and settlers to the Stafford area for the curative properties of the water. In addition to its reputation as a resort area, Stafford became known for its textile mills in the later 1800's. Some of the world's most famous cloth was (and still is) woven in this town. Today, Stafford displays a rich tapestry of quaint mills, Victorian houses, and rolling country from agrarian roots to its industrial foundations.

[edit] Education

At the present time there are three elementary, one intermediate, one middle and one high school in Stafford, in addition to a parochial K-8 school (St. Edwards School). The school system serving pre-K through 12 has earned an excellent reputation. Recent state test scores place Stafford at a par with wealthier suburban towns, and at the top of its Educational Reference Group of similar towns.

Stafford High School fields competitive teams in football, basketball, cross country, gymnastics, track, soccer, baseball and softball, as well as offering an active intramural sports program. Each spring the music, arts, and drama departments of the high and middle schools put on plays and musical productions. A variety of extracurricular activities rounds out the school program.

[edit] Medical

Johnson Memorial Hospital, located on Route 190 in Stafford, is a modern hospital built in 1975. It has an adjoining professional building which houses the practices of area doctors. Evergreen Health Care Center is a long-term care facility that is also located at this site. Evergreen and JMH serve several area towns. Stafford hosts offices of a number of physicians, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, physical therapists and other health professionals. The Stafford Veterinary Center serves the needs of animals, both large and small.

[edit] Recreation

For the outdoor enthusiast, Stafford and North central Connecticut offers many activities. The Middle River & Willimantic River have good water for canoes & kayaks 3 - 6 months per year. Upland game hunting, fishing, swimming as well as cross country skiing, can be found. Although Bigalow Hollow State Park is in nearby Union, Connecticut, slightly to the west of Stafford, the park is especially well-loved by Stafford residents.

A frozen-over lake in Stafford

The Town has several tennis courts, ball fields, soccer fields, and several quiet, relaxing parks. In addition, there are private recreational swimming and tennis clubs. During the spring and summer, there is an active Little League program, youth softball, adult softball for men and women, and a summer recreational program offering swimming lessons and martial arts instruction for children. There are also programs for youth football, basketball, soccer and hockey. The nationally famous Stafford Motor Speedway attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year and is a fixture on spring and summer evenings. Stafford also has (limited) access to Sandy Beach on Crystal Lake in Ellington. Plans are being developed to provide hiking, & multi-use trails within Stafford, & connecting to other towns. Two B&B's, & nearby campgrounds, provide overnight accommodation for visitors.

[edit] Government

Stafford is governed by a Board of Selectmen consisting of three members, elected by town voters on odd years for a two-year term. The Town has no charter, but is governed in general by CT General Statutes (laws) and specifically by ordinances voted upon at town meetings. Stafford is served by the Connecticut State Police through the Resident State Trooper program. The State Police Troop C Barracks is located nearby, just off I-84 in Tolland. There are also fulltime and part-time constables that serve with resident troopers. Two volunteer fire departments cover Stafford with strategically located firehouses. The Town also hosts a volunteer ambulance organization, which serves the area.

The brand new, state-of-the-art, Stafford Public Library continually offers public service programs and unique special events for the community. Open six days a week, offering a day and evening schedule, the Stafford Public Library has established itself as one of the finest facilities east of the Connecticut River.

A modern sewer plant, constructed in 1972, services approximately one-third of the town, including the commercial and industrial area in the Service District. Curbside pick-up of municipal refuse and recyclables to be recycled is available within the Stafford Springs Service District.

[edit] External links

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