Brazil, Indiana

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City of Brazil, Indiana
Location in the state of Indiana
Location in the state of Indiana
Coordinates: 39°31′30″N, 87°7′39″W
County Clay
Government
 - Mayor Thomas Arthur
Area
 - City 8.7 km²  (3.4 sq mi)
 - Land 8.7 km² (3.4 sq mi)
 - Water 0.1 km² (0 sq mi)
Population (2000)
 - City 8,188
 - Density 946.5/km² (2,451.4/sq mi)
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
Website: www.brazil.in.gov

Brazil is a city in Clay County, Indiana, United States. The population was 8,188 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Clay CountyGR6. The current chief executive of Brazil is Mayor Tom Arthur (Democrat) who is serving his first and final term in office.[1] On 2 January 2006, Arthur announced in The Brazil Times that he would not complete his term and is taking a teaching position at Northview High School; however, the Indianapolis Star reported on 14 January 2007 that Arthur had been denied a full-time teaching position at Northview. Arthur's future plans are unclear. Arthur replaced long-time Mayor Kenny Crabb (Republican) in 2004.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Brazil is located at 39°31′30″N, 87°7′39″W (39.525030, -87.127380)GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.7 km² (3.4 mi²). 8.7 km² (3.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.89%) is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 8,188 people, 3,383 households, and 2,151 families residing in the city. The population density was 946.5/km² (2,450.6/mi²). There were 3,740 housing units at an average density of 432.3/km² (1,119.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.80% White, 0.64% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.

There were 3,383 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.2% 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 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,902, and the median income for a family was $37,569. Males had a median income of $29,693 versus $20,215 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,123. About 10.7% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Brazil has a relatively low crime rate, but this is changing as the issue of methamphetamine manufacture, sale and use is increasing in southwestern Indiana. In April, 2006, a major arrest by local, county, state and Federal officials netted several suspects in Brazil in a meth distribution ring.

[edit] Senior citizens

Though the above statistics would suggest otherwise, Brazil is home to an influential senior citizen population, who wield considerable political and cultural power in the life of the town. The two tallest buildings in the town proper are senior citizen housing complexes. The local McDonald's hosts a large weekly bingo game, whose participants are primarily senior citizens. But then again, it could simply be senior citizens from out of town and the surrounding area since census statistics in U.S towns and villages are usually very precise.

Most of the young people with any brains leave and don't look back.

[edit] Traffic/street issues

The main street of Brazil is U.S. Highway 40, the historic National Road, which is referred to as National Avenue within Brazil. Due to frequent accidents on Interstate 70, five miles to the south of the town and often under construction, police often re-route traffic through Brazil, which creates traffic problems on U.S. 40 and the north-south Indiana Highway 59 (Forest Avenue, which intersects U.S. 40).

Also, many of Brazil's streets are in disrepair and very bumpy. The original brick roadbed is visible in many places through the concrete. Many intersections have no traffic control devices (stop/yield signs).

The annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival often causes traffic problems on Indiana Highway 59.

Brazil's sewer/drainage system dates from the early 20th century. Often, even a moderate rainstorm will cause the sewer system to back up and flood town streets.

[edit] Famous former residents

[edit] Nearby points of interest and sightseeing

  • Clay County Courthouse - Was moved to Brazil from Bowling Green after Bowling Green's courthouse was burnt down. Some local historians say the fire was intentional.
  • Community Theatre of Clay County
  • The Marching Knights of Northview High School
  • Chafariz Dos Contos Fountain at Forest Park
  • Eddie's at the corner of Jackson St. and Walnut St. - 9 seat diner that has occupied the same location since 1935, known locally for small grilled hamburgers.

[edit] Area festivals

  • Brazil Rotary’s Annual 4th of July Festival (ends on July 4)
  • Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Festival (First Weekend in October)
  • Christmas in the Park Celebration (Day after Thanksgiving until Dec 26th)
  • Parke County Covered Bridge Festival (15 miles north of Brazil) (Starts second Friday in October, lasts two weeks) CoveredBridges.com

[edit] References

  1. ^ Brazil Mayor Tom Arthur says he won't seek re-election.

[edit] External links

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