Barrington, New Hampshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Town of Barrington | |||
|
|||
 |
|||
| Coordinates: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | ||
| State | New Hampshire | ||
| County | Strafford | ||
| Settled | 1699 | ||
| Incorporated | 1722 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Board of Selectmen | David Frase George Bailey Ken Grant Mike Morrison Vicki Roundy |
||
| Area | |||
| - Town | 48.5 sq mi (125.7 km²) | ||
| - Land | 46.6 sq mi (120.7 km²) | ||
| - Water | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) | ||
| Elevation | 381 ft (116 m) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| - Town | 7,475 | ||
| - Density | 160.5/sq mi (61.9/km²) | ||
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) | ||
| Website: www.barrington.nh.gov | |||
Barrington is a town in Strafford County, New Hampshire, USA. The population was 7,475 at the 2000 census.
Contents |
[edit] History
Barrington was incorporated in 1722 and named for Samuel Shute of Barrington Hall, colonial governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. His brother was Viscount Barrington.
The town was made up of two grants, the first containing all of Strafford and Barrington except for a parcel two miles wide called "New Portsmouth," or the "Two Mile Streak." This second grant had been set aside to provide fuel and home sites for imported workers at the Lamprey River Iron Works, chartered in 1719 by the General Court of Massachusetts to encourage industrial development in the province.
Slow at first to be settled because of rocky soil, Barrington by 1810 had 3,564 residents, the state's third largest town, its primary industry the smelting of iron ore. The Isinglass River, together with its tributaries, once provided water power for grist, fulling and sawmills. In 1820, Strafford was set off from Barrington, reducing its land area by about half, because of lengthy travel required to attend town meetings.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 125.7 km² (48.5 mi²). 120.7 km² (46.6 mi²) of it is land and 5.0 km² (1.9 mi²) of it is water, comprising 3.98% of the town. Barrington is drained by the Isinglass River. Swains Lake and Mendums Pond are in the south. The highest point in town is an unnamed summit near its western border, measuring 610 feet (186 meters) above sea level. The highest named summit is Bumfagging Hill, at 601 feet (183 meters).
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 7,475 people, 2,756 households, and 2,075 families residing in the town. The population density was 61.9/km² (160.5/mi²). There were 3,147 housing units at an average density of 26.1/km² (67.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.11% White, 0.25% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.92% of the population.
There were 2,756 households out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 16.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the town the population was spread out with 27.5% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 35.1% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $50,630, and the median income for a family was $56,136. Males had a median income of $39,098 versus $27,956 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,012. About 3.6% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Education
The Barrington School District serves town children from kindergarten through grade 8, at the Barrington Elementary School and the Barrington Middle School. Students of high school age go to schools in neighboring communities, either Dover High School or Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.
Cocheco Arts & Technology Academy is a charter school that serves high school students in the city. The school opened in Dover in January, 2005, and moved to Barrington in the summer of 2006. It is noted for being the first charter school in New Hampshire not specifically set up for special-needs or "at-risk" pupils.
[edit] Hot Spots
The town is now best known for its old-fashioned country store, Calef's, which sells "snappy old cheese," penny candy, pickles in a barrel and ginger snaps, as well as many other food items.
Residents in town frequent Dante's Pasta & Vino restaurant which features fine Italian dining and a comfortable family atmosphere. Attached to Dante's is the Adagio Spa & Salon.
There is a small ice cream store, Erica's Place, and Pizza shop located in the central stretch of Barrington. Millos, the pizza shop, is not the only one. Its competitor is Kozy's Pizza, located about a mile down route 125.
The Spinelli cinemas are a main point for the people of Barrington as well. They supply the town with entertainment, and it also serves as a popular workplace for the residents.
The town of Barrington is also known for The Christmas Dove, which sells expensive Christmas items all year round.
Barrington is also home to The Trunk Shop whose owners, Linda Edelstein and Paul Pat Morse, are authors and world authorities on antique trunks. Their latest book, Antique Trunks, Identification and Price Guide, published by Krause can be viewed on their website, trunk.com.
Stonehouse Pond is a nice place to visit with its clear waters and dramatic cliffs. In the summer it is used for fly fishing and rock climbing. Swimming is not allowed.
[edit] External links
- Town of Barrington, NH Official Website
- Barrington Public Library
- New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile
