Cedar Springs, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Cedar Springs is a city in Kent County
in the U.S. state
of Michigan
, 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids
. Known as "Red Flannel Town", the city is home to an annual Red Flannel Festival. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 3,112.
The city's official mission statement is "The City of Cedar Springs strives to be a great place to live, work and play."
for two years and also was the crossing point for the east to west running Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway
, which became the Grand Trunk Western Railroad
, which was built through the town in 1888. The community was named for the fine springs bordered by a cedar grove.
featured an article about the town. Due to high demand, red flannel sales rose dramatically and established the town's status as the "Red Flannel Town."
Despite the closure of the Red Flannel factory in 1994, the town still holds an annual Red Flannel Festival the first weekend of October. This festival includes a marching band
competition, arts and crafts fair, an entertainment tent, and several food booths. The festival closes every year with a parade featuring local high school marching bands, and floats sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
Featured in the parade is the "Red Flannel Festival Queen," a privileged high school junior selected in a pageant beforehand. The Queen is featured with her "court," the runners-up of the pageant. Each young lady must go through a traditional pageant format, similar to that of Miss. America. With an opening dance number, a speech on community involvement, and a random question on stage. The girls chosen are the brightest of the bright and bring a lot to their community. The winners receive a very generous scholarship to help with their future endeavors.
There is no charge to attend the festival, though there is an informal requirement that all attendants wear red. A group of mock-Keystone Cops drive around town during the festival and enforce this "law" by placing offenders in a portable jail. A small fee is required to leave the jail.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,542, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $37,708 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,040. About 12.4% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
The two top employers in Cedar Springs are the Cedar Springs Public Schools and Wolverine World Wide
. The downtown has a variety of businesses including restaurants, hair salons, car dealerships, banks, among others.
The city is home to the Cedar Springs Public School District which encompasses 110 square miles (284.9 km²) and serves the city and portions of Kent, Montcalm and Newaygo Counties. Cedar Springs Public Schools has a current enrollment of 2,768 students located on a single 100 acre (400,000 m²) campus near downtown Cedar Springs. The school system is currently completing a $27 million building and renovation project. Cedar Springs High School has North Central Accreditation.
Total General Fund Expenditure Per Pupil (RPS): $ 5,089.03
, the city has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), of which, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (1.08%) is water.
of 2000, there were 3,112 people, 1,115 households, and 774 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,701.9 per square mile (656.6/km²). There were 1,175 housing units at an average density of 642.6 per square mile (247.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.85% White, 0.29% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 1.19% from other races
, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.82% of the population. The ancestries of the city are 24% German
, 14.2% American, 13.7% Dutch
, 9.8% Irish
, 9.5% English
, and 7.4% Polish.
There were 1,115 households out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples
living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.3% 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 3.17.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.3% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.6 years (below state average). For every 100 females there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.
For population 25 years and over in Cedar Springs:
For population 15 years and over in Cedar Springs city:
2.4% Foreign born (2.0% Latin America, 0.4% Europe).
Kent County, Michigan
-Air Service:*Commercial air service to Grand Rapids is provided by Gerald R. Ford International Airport . Previously named Kent County International Airport, it holds Grand Rapids' mark in modern history with the United States' first regularly scheduled airline service, beginning July 31, 1926,...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
. Known as "Red Flannel Town", the city is home to an annual Red Flannel Festival. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 3,112.
The city's official mission statement is "The City of Cedar Springs strives to be a great place to live, work and play."
History
Established as a lumber town in 1856, Cedar Springs boasted numerous lumber and shingle mills. The town was the northern terminus of the Grand Rapids and Indiana RailroadGrand Rapids and Indiana Railroad
The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad at its height provided passenger and freight railroad services between Cincinnati, Ohio and the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, USA...
for two years and also was the crossing point for the east to west running Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway
Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway
The Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway is a defunct railroad incorporated in January, 1886. The railroad offered service between Ashley, Michigan and Muskegon, Michigan starting on August 1, 1888...
, which became the Grand Trunk Western Railroad
Grand Trunk Western Railroad
The Grand Trunk Western Railroad is an important subsidiary of the Canadian National Railway , constituting the majority of CN's Chicago Division ....
, which was built through the town in 1888. The community was named for the fine springs bordered by a cedar grove.
| POPULATION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census Year | Community | County |
| 1960 | 1,768 | 363,197 |
| 1970 | 1,807 | 411,044 |
| 1980 | 2,615 | 444,506 |
| 1990 | 2,600 | 500,631 |
| 2000 | 3,112 | 574,335 |
Red Flannel Festival
Cedar Springs has developed a reputation for its production of red flannels. Its popularity peaked in 1936, when the Associated PressAssociated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
featured an article about the town. Due to high demand, red flannel sales rose dramatically and established the town's status as the "Red Flannel Town."
Despite the closure of the Red Flannel factory in 1994, the town still holds an annual Red Flannel Festival the first weekend of October. This festival includes a marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
competition, arts and crafts fair, an entertainment tent, and several food booths. The festival closes every year with a parade featuring local high school marching bands, and floats sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
Featured in the parade is the "Red Flannel Festival Queen," a privileged high school junior selected in a pageant beforehand. The Queen is featured with her "court," the runners-up of the pageant. Each young lady must go through a traditional pageant format, similar to that of Miss. America. With an opening dance number, a speech on community involvement, and a random question on stage. The girls chosen are the brightest of the bright and bring a lot to their community. The winners receive a very generous scholarship to help with their future endeavors.
There is no charge to attend the festival, though there is an informal requirement that all attendants wear red. A group of mock-Keystone Cops drive around town during the festival and enforce this "law" by placing offenders in a portable jail. A small fee is required to leave the jail.
Economy
Taxes in Cedar Springs have remained steady at a millage rate of $15 per $1,000. Cedar Springs has a small retail business district and a burgeoning industrial base. The community has vast possibilities for future growth. Significant industry and business have been attracted to the Cedar Springs area, including Wolverine World Wide and various precision tool and die companies.The median income for a household in the city was $39,542, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $37,708 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,040. About 12.4% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
The two top employers in Cedar Springs are the Cedar Springs Public Schools and Wolverine World Wide
Wolverine World Wide
Wolverine World Wide is a footwear manufacturer. They have their own brand, Wolverine Boots and Shoes, and also make footwear for other companies, such as Caterpillar and Harley-Davidson. Wolverine also makes shoes and boots for the military...
. The downtown has a variety of businesses including restaurants, hair salons, car dealerships, banks, among others.
School district
The city is home to two high schools and several primary/middle schools:- Cedar Springs High School (Students: 1100 Grades: 09 - 12)
- New Beginnings Alternative High School (Students: 86 Grades: 09 - 12)
- Red Hawk Elementary School (Students: 450 Grades: 05- 06)
- Cedar Springs Middle School (Students: 753 Grades: 07 - 08)
- Cedar Trails Elementary School (Students: 568; Grades: PK - 01)
- Cedar View Elementary School (Students: 548; Grades: 02 - 04)
- Beach Elementary School (Students: 468; Grades: 02 - 04)
- Creative Technologies Academy (Students: 300; Grades: K - 12)
The city is home to the Cedar Springs Public School District which encompasses 110 square miles (284.9 km²) and serves the city and portions of Kent, Montcalm and Newaygo Counties. Cedar Springs Public Schools has a current enrollment of 2,768 students located on a single 100 acre (400,000 m²) campus near downtown Cedar Springs. The school system is currently completing a $27 million building and renovation project. Cedar Springs High School has North Central Accreditation.
Total General Fund Expenditure Per Pupil (RPS): $ 5,089.03
City government
- Mayor: Charlie Howard Watson
- Mayor Pro Tem: Christine Fahl
- City Manager: Christine M. Burns
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km²), of which, 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (1.08%) is water.
Demographics
Kent County is the fastest growing county in the State of Michigan according to a recent survey, its current population being over 500,000. As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,112 people, 1,115 households, and 774 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,701.9 per square mile (656.6/km²). There were 1,175 housing units at an average density of 642.6 per square mile (247.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.85% White, 0.29% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 1.19% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.82% of the population. The ancestries of the city are 24% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 14.2% American, 13.7% Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
, 9.8% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 9.5% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, and 7.4% Polish.
There were 1,115 households out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.3% 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 3.17.
In the city the population was spread out with 31.3% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.6 years (below state average). For every 100 females there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.
For population 25 years and over in Cedar Springs:
- High school or higher: 79.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher: 11.7% (below state average)
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.6%
- Unemployed: 8.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 25.0 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Cedar Springs city:
- Never married: 29.8%
- Now married: 47.2%
- Separated: 2.0%
- Widowed: 6.1%
- Divorced: 14.9%
2.4% Foreign born (2.0% Latin America, 0.4% Europe).