Lakewood, Wisconsin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lakewood is a town in Oconto County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 875.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 187.5 km² (72.4 mi²). 183.4 km² (70.8 mi²) of it is land and 4.1 km² (1.6 mi²) of it (2.20%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 875 people, 399 households, and 282 families residing in the town. The population density was 4.8/km² (12.4/mi²). There were 1,183 housing units at an average density of 6.4/km² (16.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.57% White, 1.71% Native American, 0.34% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.
There were 399 households out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.60.
In the town the population was spread out with 18.7% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $33,869, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $31,719 versus $17,404 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,281. Below the poverty line were 7.2% of people, 6.9% of families, 1.4% of those under 18 and 14.8% of those over 64.
The town of Lakewood, WI has a rich history stemmed on, for the most part, by the thriving lumber trade in the region. While the area is still surrounded by the Nicolet-Checquamegon National Forest, it is a working forest which has been clear-cut in the past and cut-over many times. As a result, this is not a virgin or pristine area. Luckily, the Holt and Balcolm logging company did set aside one small tract of land in which they did not cut the original growth. This area is called the "Cathedral of Pines" and is one of the most amazing sites in the area. Many visitors are at once delighted at the sight of the tall trees and saddened that the remainder of the forest has been left in its present condition. This area was preserved as Lucy Ramsey Holt, wife to logger Holt, used this area to teach bible studies to her children, and implored with her husband to leave it as virgin timber. This 200 to 400 old white pine and balsam old growth stand is also home to a Blue Heron rookery.
In the past, the Lakewood area of the McCaslin Brook (also spelled McCauslin)was used as a means of transporting large quantities of logs. The oldest logging camp in the United States can be found on what is now the McCaslin Brook Golf Course. It has been preserved and is open free of charge to the public.
Interesting landmarks in the town of Lakewood include Babe the Blue Ox and Paul Bunyan. The large statuette of Babe can be found outside of the town at Maple Heights Campground. Paul Bunyan was once found in the center of town astride the entrance to Paul Bunyan's Bar; however, a recent fire burned the building down. Despite the severity of the fire Paul remained unscathed. Local lore has it that the ghost of Paul Bunyan protected the statue.
Lakewood is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get out of the city, breathe fresh air, and drink at one of the many, many local bars, pubs, and taverns. Visitors to the area, especially those from outside of Wisconsin are nearly always amazed at the sheer number of drinking-establishments especially given the small population. In Lakewood bars and taverns outnumber Churches, medical offices, schools, and other similar institutions combined. Alcohol is truly part of the unique culture that is Lakewood and one can not fully experience the area without visiting one of the many watering holes that drive this area's economy.
Lakewood is accessable by both Automobile and private Plane. The closest large airport is located about 200 miles away and the closest major airport with service to all parts of the world is located 300 miles south. (Chicago O'Hare) This remoteness and isolation is what helps give the area its unique flavor.
