Owosso, Michigan
Owosso is a city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 15,713 at the 2000 census. The city is located on the eastern side of Owosso Township, but is politically independent. The city was named after Chief Wasso, an Ojibwa leader of the Shiawassee area.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.0 square miles (13 km2), of which, 4.9 square miles (13 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.40%) is water.
Climate and weather
Owosso experiences frigid winters with the last snow usually falling in April, typically Northern Midwestern spring thaws, balmy to hot summers, and colorful falls with the first snows usually appearing in October. Each year Owosso averages eleven days with temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C), and nine days with temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C). Owosso averages twenty-nine inches of rain per year, and forty-one inches of snow. The average growing season in Owosso is 144 days.
Demographics
| Historical populations |
| Census |
Pop. |
|
%± |
| 1860 |
1,160 |
|
—
|
| 1870 |
2,065 |
|
78.0% |
| 1880 |
2,501 |
|
21.1% |
| 1890 |
6,564 |
|
162.5% |
| 1900 |
8,696 |
|
32.5% |
| 1910 |
9,639 |
|
10.8% |
| 1920 |
12,575 |
|
30.5% |
| 1930 |
14,496 |
|
15.3% |
| 1940 |
14,424 |
|
−0.5% |
| 1950 |
15,948 |
|
10.6% |
| 1960 |
17,006 |
|
6.6% |
| 1970 |
17,179 |
|
1.0% |
| 1980 |
16,455 |
|
−4.2% |
| 1990 |
16,322 |
|
−0.8% |
| 2000 |
15,713 |
|
−3.7% |
| 2010 |
15,194 |
|
−3.3% |
As of the 2010 census[1], there were 15,194 people living in Owosso making it the 57th largest city in Michigan and the 574th largest city in the Midwest. The city had 6,340 households, and 4,076 families. The population density was 3,174.5 per square mile (1,225.6/km²). There were 6,724 housing units at an average density of 1,358.4 per square mile (524.5 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97% White, 0.20% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.80% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3% of the population.
33.5% of the households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female ahouseholder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,576, and the median income for a family was $40,355. Males had a median income of $32,285 versus $22,534 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,764. About 10.0% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Colleges
Baker College Owosso offers certificate, associate's, bachelor's, and master's programs in business, engineering/technology, health, education, human service, office administration, and computers. Baker College Owosso is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School. In addition to regional accreditation, the Baker Center for Graduate Studies and multiple undergraduate business programs also carry program accreditation by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education.
Owosso Public Schools
- Owosso High School 9-12: Offers International Baccalaureate program for 9th and 10th graders and has a Nationally recognized arts programs
- Lincoln High School (alternative edu.)at Washington School campus
- Owosso Middle School 6-8: Offers International Baccalaureate program for 7th and 8th graders
- Bryant Elementary K-5
- Central Elementary K-5
- Emerson Elementary K-5
Owosso Parochial Schools
- Owosso Christian School (Church of God) K-8
- Saint Paul School (Catholic) K-8
- Salem Lutheran School PK-8
- Owosso Seventh Day Adventist School K-6
- Congregational Child Development Center Daycare & Preschool-K
- Spring Vale Academy (Church of God 7th Day) 9-12
Media
Newspapers
Two newspapers are published in Owosso: the Argus-Press publishes an evening edition Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday and Sunday morning editions. Recent awards from the Michigan Press Association and the Associated Press in news, editorial content and sports make the Argus-Press one of the top Michigan newspapers under 10,000 daily circulation. The Independent publishes an Owosso-Corunna edition on Sundays and Wednesdays. Both newspapers have online editions as well. The Owosso Independent can be viewed at www.owossoindependent.com.
Radio
Three radio stations are located in Owosso.
WOAP 1080 AM (The Big 1080, Michigan's BIG Oldies) This oldies station is on the air from 6 a.m. to local sunset.
WJSZ 92.5 FM (Z92.5, The Castle) broadcasts a very hot adult contemporary format.
WRSR 103.9 FM (The Fox) is licensed to Owosso, but broadcasts classic rock from studios in Flint.
Transportation
Roads
City Bus Service
The Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA) provides city bus service. The majority of buses are lift-equipped, and the service operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. The service also provides a single daily bus run to and from Perry, Michigan, and another to and from Durand, Michigan.
Intercity Bus Service
Owosso is the headquarters of Indian Trails Bus Lines, which provides regularly scheduled intercity bus service from Owosso to connect with points throughout Michigan and the U. S. Indian Trails also provides chartered bus service to and from points throughout the U. S.
Air
Owosso Community Airport provides a 4,300-foot (1,300 m) long lighted runway for private planes and air taxi services.
Rail
Owosso is the headquarters of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which provides freight service to Northern and Southern Michigan. It also provides chartered passenger rail service and tours through its association with Lake Central Rail Tours.
Culture
Curwood Castle
Curwood Castle was the writing studio of the famous author James Oliver Curwood. In honor of the famous writer Owosso holds the annual Curwood Festival. The castle is now a museum that contains period antiques, and Curwood books, photos, and movie posters as well as memorabilia from the life of another one of Owosso’s native sons: Thomas E. Dewey.[3][4]
The Shiawassee Arts Center
The Shiawasse Arts Center exhibits and sells prints of Frederick Carl Frieseke, original work of other artists, holds art classes, competitions, and has exhibitions scheduled throughout the year.[5]
The Steam Railroading Institute
Located on South Washington Street, The Steam Railroading Institute includes a visitor center, passenger train cars and other rolling stock from railroads in the U. S. and Canada, and a 3.5-acre (14,000 m2) area that holds a round house. Most impressive, however, are the stream engines, including the 82,000 pound Flagg Coal Company switch engine, the 136,000 pound Mississippian (under restoration), and the 800,000 pound Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive and tender ― the largest operating steam locomotive in Michigan. The sounds of the steam engine train heard in the hit movie The Polar Express were recorded in Owosso. Steven Spielberg’s production company filmed the sights and sounds of the Owosso-based Steam Railroading Institute’s 1225 steam engine train locomotive for the computer rendering of the movie.
The Steam Railroading Institute offers weekend excursions throughout the summer on the trains and several all-day excursions throughout the year. The Institute also offers excursions on the famous North Pole Express during December.[6][7][8][9]
Owosso Speedway
Owosso Speedway is located about six miles (10 km) west of Owosso on M-21. The speedway contains grandstands, pits, and a 3/8 mile, high-banked, paved oval race track. Every Saturday night, from April through September, it features stock car and open wheel racing events.[217] In July 2008 Owosso Speedway was purchased by Fast Track Promotion INC. and made a strong resurgence in the Michigan racing community to reclaim its fame as one of the raciest asphalt tracks in the Midwest. Beginning in 2008 the speedway added a special event night that features school bus, push, pull and trailer races as an additional form of entertainment for fans periodically during the season. The "NATIONALS" at Owosso are a famous season end event (in late September) that feature a camping weekend and cars from across the Midwest that come to challenge rivals at the historic 3/8 mile.
The Movie Museum
Located in an early twentieth century church on East Oliver Street, The Movie Museum is an interactive education center that collects and preserves movie memorabilia including films, talks, records, equipment, biographies costumes, and ads. "Picture Show Snaps" are shown every Saturday evening beginning at 8:00 p.m.[10]
Historical Markers
In Owosso you can follow the Historical Markers to the birthplaces and homes on some of its most famous natives: James Oliver Curwood, Thomas E. Dewey, Frederick Carl Frieseke....
Curwood Days
Curwood Days is a four-day celebration of the life of the world-renowned Owosso author, James Oliver Curwood. The festival begins on the first Thursday of every June.
Curwood Days has become a huge festival that draws people from around the United States and Canada. It includes a street fair, parades, contests including raft races, carnival rides, concerts and more.[11]
The Mitchell Amphitheater
The Mitchell Amphitheater is located in the valley behind Owosso Middle School and along the river, across from Curwood Castle. It is home to concerts and other events throughout every summer.[12]
The Lebowsky Center
The theater caught fire in February 2007 and the eastern wall buckled and fell. The Owosso Community Players have secured funding for the rebuild of the Lebowsky Center. It is currently rebuilt and playing shows.[13]
Shiawassee District Library
The Shiawassee District Library branch in Owosso was built on a Carnegie library grant. The library was granted $20,000 on April 2, 1913.[14] The library offers a variety of formats, materials, and services to provide for the informational and educational needs of its community members and to encourage the appreciation of reading.[15]
History
Alfred L. and Benjamin O. Williams were early settlers to the town. They drew Elias Comstock who built the first permanent home in the settlement. Owosso was incorporated as a city in 1859 at which time it had a 1000 people. It had never had a period as a village.[16] The town's first mayor was Amos Gould, a judge originally from New York. In 1876 it organized its fire department.[17]
Notable residents
- Thomas E. Dewey, lawyer, author, mob-busting District Attorney of New York City, three term Governor of New York (1942, 1946, 1950), and the Republican presidential nominee in 1944 and 1948.[18][19][20]
- Alvin M. Bentley, philanthropist, foreign service officer and U. S. Congresssman. Bentley was one of the five congressmen injured, on March 1, 1954, when Puerto Rican nationalist terrorists opened fire on the floor of the House of Representatives in the U. S. Capital[21][22][23]
- Charles A. Towne, U. S. Congressman and Senator. One of the few persons to have been elected to Congress from two different states: Minnesota and, later, New York. Sam Houston and Ham Lewis were others,[24][25]
- William Ament, (1851–1909) controversial Congregational missionary to China (1877–1909), criticised by Mark Twain.
- John Perkins, scholar, artist, author, Under Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Controller of the State of Michigan, Professor Emeritus at the University of California Berkley and system-wide, President of the University of Delaware, and former Chairman of the Board of Dunn and Bradstreet.[26][27][28]
- Frederick Carl Frieseke, early American impressionist artist whose work in France won many awards in Europe and North America. Frieseke had great influence on other artists and, for several years, he and Claude Monet were next door neighbors. Frieseke’s paintings adorn the walls of many of the world’s great art museums.[29][30][31][32]
- Albert Spear Hitchcock, artist, author, botanical explorer, systematic agrostologist, and co-developer of the Smithsonian Institution’s Hitchcock-Chase Collection.[33][34]
- Alfred D. Hershey, bacteriologist, director of genetics research at Carnegie Institution of Washington, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, and co-winner of the 1969 Nobel Prize in medicine/physiology. Hershey, who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1958, was also the 1958 winner of the Albert Lasker Award of the American Public Health Association, and the 1965 winner of the Kimber Genetics Award of the National Academy of Sciences.[35][36][37][38]
- Lloyd R. Welch, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California. Dr. Welch is the developer of the Welch Bound standard and the co-developer of the Baum-Welch algorithm. Dr. Welch was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1979, and he is the recipient of the 2003 Claude E. Shannon Award – the highest honor granted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Information Theory Society.[39][40][41]
- Merle Lawrence, Professor Emeritus of Otolaryngology, Physiology and Psychology at the University of Michigan, first Director of the Kresge Hearing Research Institute, and the author and co-author of several books. Dr. Lawrence was the recipient of the Award of Merit from the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, the Gold Medal Award from the American Otological Society, the Distinguished Service Award form the Princeton Class of 1938, the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Audiology, etc. Dr. Lawrence was also a highly decorated W.W.II naval aviator.[42]
- Harry Burns Hutchins, President of the University of Michigan from 1910 to 1920, Professor of Law and Dean of the University of Michigan Law School, organizer of the Cornell University Law School, Director of Owosso Public Schools during 1871 and 1872.[42]
- James Oliver Curwood, Conservationist and best-selling author of thirty-three novels. More than twenty movies were made of Curwood’s books and stories, including The Bear. The tourist attraction and museum now known as Curwood Castle in Owosso was built by Curwood to serve as his writing studio, and Mount Curwood (1978 ft) in Michigan’s upper peninsula was named in his honor.[43][44]
- Diane Carey, author of forty-six novels including several Star Trek books, and seven New York Times Bestsellers.[45][46]
- Dave Galanter, author and co-author of several Star Trek books including the Voyager book, Battle Lines, and the Next Generation duology Maximum Warp. His short story, Eleven Hours Out was included in the Tales of the Dominion War anthology.[47][48]
- Gordon Graham, decorator, designer, artist, and author of children’s books.[49]
- Betty Mahmoody, lecturer, advocate for the rights of women and children, and co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated, best-selling book, Not Without My Daughter: Escape from Iran. The book was the basis for the movie, Not Without My Daughter, which starred Sally Fields and Alfred Molina. In 1990, Betty was voted Most Courageous Woman of the Year and Woman of the Year in Germany.[50][51]
- Robert L. Gibson, actor who appeared in TV shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including Amazing Stories, Welcome to My Nightmare, Otherworld, Highway to Heaven, etc.[52][53]
- Mel Schacher, bass guitarist and a vocalist for the rock band Question Mark and the Mysterians and, later, a co-founding member, bassist and vocalist for Grand Funk Railroad – a rock band that sold twenty-five million records and had four gold albums.[54][55]
- Scott Kinsey, jazz keyboardist with several groups and best known for his work with Tribal Tech. Kinsey’s work is also part of many major motion picture soundtracks.[27]
- Bobbi McCaughey, the Iowa mother, and wife of Kenny McCaughey, who made international news when she gave birth to septuplets in Des Moines on November 19, 1997.[56][57]
- Cora Taylor, co-founder of Owosso’s Indian Trails Bus Line. On April 19, 1914, Cora Taylor became the first women in the United States to obtain a commercial chauffeur's license.[58][59]
- Vicki Witt, known as "the ultimate girl next door" and the “Holy Grail” of Playboy Playmates. Miss August 1978.[60][61]
- William Graham, left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Browns from 1908 to 1910.[95][96][97]
- C. Warren Thornthwaite, Professor of Climatology at Johns Hopkins University, adjunct professor at Drexel University, President of the Commission for Climatology of the World Meteorological Organization, co-author of the book Water Balance, recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Association of American Geographers, and the Cullum Medal – the highest award of the American Geographical Society. His published research on climatology is considered to be some of the most influential of the twentieth century. His life is the subject of the book, The Genius of C. Warren Thornthwaite, Climatologist-Geographer. Dr. Thornthwaite also served as a teacher at Owosso High School from 1922 to 1924.
- John Tomac, bicycle racer, bicycle builder, and an icon in the mountain bike racing field. Tomac won more international mountain bike races than anyone else in the sport. He was voted the top all-around bike racer in the world in 1988, and was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1991.[62]
- Chester Brewer, star athlete, coach and athletic director. Chester Brewer was a four sport star at the University of Wisconsin, and football coach at Michigan Agricultural College/Michigan State University for 1903 to 1910, 1917 and 1919 where he posted shutouts in 49 of 88 games and went undefeated in 43 straight home games. He also coached track, field, and cross country, and as baseball coach led his teams to a .564 record from 1904 to 1910, and coached the school’s basketball teams to a .736 record from 1904 to 1910. He served as athletics director and coach at the University of Missouri from 1910 to 1917, Director of Army Athletics for the U. S. War Department during 1918, served as director of athletics and professor of physical education from 1919 to1922 at MAC/Michigan State University, and held the same positions at the University of California-Davis until returning to Missouri where he served as athletics director until 1935. Brewer also coached his home town, Owosso, Michigan’s, West Side Indoor Baseball Team to win the world championship in 1905-1906.[63][64]
- Bradlee Van Pelt, American football star. Bradlee Van Pelt, one of the all-time favorite quarterbacks for the Colorado State University Rams, set several records there during his years as a starter. He is currently a free agent and was last a backup quarterback for the Houston Texans of the NFL. Bradlee Van Pelt is the son of American football star, Brad Van Pelt. Bradlee Van Pelt was born in Owosso, but spent less than one year at Owosso High School.[65][66]
- Brad Van Pelt, American football star. Van Pelt was a three sport star at Michigan State University. In football, he was a two-time All American, and in 1972 he became the first defensive back to win the Maxwell Award as the nation’s top collegiate football player. Van Pelt was a first round draft pick for the NFL where he played, from 1973 through 1986, with the New York Giants, the L.A. Raiders and the Cleveland Browns. Van Pelt was named the Giants’ Player of the Decade for the 1970s , and he was selected for the Pro Bowl five years in a row from 1976 through 1980. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002, and was recently nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He died of a heart attack in Harrison, MI. on February 17, 2009.
- Kenneth Zelenka - 2008 and 2009 Michigan State Small Bus Rodeo champion. Ken was also part the 2008, 2009, and 2010 team champions in the MDOT Michigan Small Bus Roadeo. Ken represented the State of Michigan in the national small bus roadeo in CT in 2009, as well as CA in 2010.
- Emile Benoit (writer) (Jerry Urick) - writer of the critically acclaimed Essays and Aphorisms on the Higher Man [67][68] as well as the full length play A Midsummer Night's Hangover.
- Eve de England, poet laureate, troubadour, and organ grinder. Eve is the author of the award winning poem "Kurwood Kastle Kharacters: A Romance in Three Parts."
- Jane Feltes (Golombisky), Emmy and Peabody award-winning producer of the radio and television show "This American Life."
- Lyman Woodard, jazz organist noted for fusing his music with Latin and Afro-Cuban-inspired rhythms. Played with his own band, The Lyman Woodard Organization, during the 70s, and his 1975 album Saturday Night Special is a Detroit jazz-funk cult classic.
- Saltine aka The Mad Rapper (Jon H. Harris), recording artist, songwriter who gained international attention with his remake of the 60's classic "96 Tears" that featured the songs creator (?) Question Mark from the famed Question Mark & The Mysterians on backing vocals.
See also
References
External links