Central Falls, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
Central Falls is a city in Providence County
, Rhode Island
, United States
. The population was 19,376 at the 2010 census. With an area of only 1.29 square miles (3.3 km²), it is the smallest and most densely populated city in the smallest state, and the thirty-second most densely populated incorporated place in the United States. Central Falls takes its name from a waterfall
on the Blackstone River
.
In May 2010, Central Falls went into receivership, then filed for bankruptcy August 1, 2011. As it is immediately north of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
, one of the options under discussion is municipal merger.
s the area was home to Nipmuc, Wampanoag
and Narragansett
peoples.
In the 18th century, Captain Stephen Jenks built a trip hammer
and blacksmith shop along the Blackstone River
, forming the nucleus of what would eventually become Central Falls. Other manufacturers, including a chocolate maker, set up shop in the building and the new village became known as Chocolateville.
In 1824, Stephen Jenks suggested the name Central Falls, thus giving the village its permanent name.
Originally, Central Falls was one of the many villages within the town of Smithfield
, but in 1871, having experienced a growth spurt, it split into three smaller towns: Smithfield, North Smithfield
and Lincoln
. Central Falls then became part of the town of Lincoln. Lincoln experienced its own growth spurt, so in 1895 Lincoln split into two towns, giving birth to the city of Central Falls.
While Quakers made up the majority of the first European settlers in the area, they were soon followed by a diverse mix of immigrants from Ireland
, Scotland
and French Canada
. By the 20th century, Central Falls had experienced its own population explosion and for a while was the most densely populated city in the United States. In recent decades, a large number of Hispanic
immigrants have found a home in Central Falls. Central Falls has always been an extremely diverse city, so much so that when the city celebrated its 100th anniversary with a parade in 1995, more than 100 countries were represented.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²), of which, 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (6.20%) is water. It is drained by the Blackstone River
.
There were 6,696 households out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples
living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.38.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $22,628, and the median income for a family was $26,844. Males had a median income of $23,854 versus $18,544 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $10,825. About 25.9% of families and 29.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 29.3% of those age 65 or over.
.
In February 2010, the entire faculty and administrative staff of Central Falls High School was fired after the teachers' union refused to accept one of the "No Child Left Behind
" options for restructuring failing schools. In accordance with NCLB legislation, schools deemed failing have four options to follow for restructuring. The teachers' union refused to accept to work 25 minutes of extra time under the "transforming model", so the superintendent proceeded and chose the "turnaround model", which requires a district to fire the entire staff (teachers and administrators). They may rehire up to 50% of the teachers for the beginning of the next school year. The school has a graduation rate of around 50%, and 7% of 11th-graders were proficient in mathematics in 2009. This school had been identified as one of the worst in the state. The teachers union sued the school district, challenging the requirement that teachers must reapply for their jobs. The Obama administration
sided with the school board. In May 2010, the teachers were rehired when they agreed to work the extra time required.
As of the year 2000 US census, 5.9 % of Central Falls residents age 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree.
and corruption
by Mayor Charles D. Moreau, outlining no-bid contracts and kickbacks from a high school friend, who was granted almost $2,000,000 in overpriced property boarding fees. The article further states that the same friend gifted him a $6,875 furnace for his own home for only $6000, which Moreau said he paid 'in cash'. The friend in question, Michael G. Bouthillette, was a campaign contributor to Moreau's multiple re-election campaigns. These allegations and others are currently being investigated by the Rhode Island State Police
.
s and pensioner health insurance for city employees have accumulated to the extent that the city government has been in receivership
since it declared insolvency in May 2010. On August 1, 2011 Central Falls filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 9, Title 11
of the United States Code. It made the filing as it grappled with an $80 million unfunded pension and retiree health benefit liability that is over five times its annual budget of $17 million.
Providence County, Rhode Island
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 621,602 people, 239,936 households, and 152,839 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,504 people per square mile . There were 253,214 housing units at an average density of 613 per square mile...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 19,376 at the 2010 census. With an area of only 1.29 square miles (3.3 km²), it is the smallest and most densely populated city in the smallest state, and the thirty-second most densely populated incorporated place in the United States. Central Falls takes its name from a waterfall
Waterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
on the Blackstone River
Blackstone River
The Blackstone River is a river in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It flows approximately 48 mi and drains a watershed of approximately 540 sq. mi...
.
In May 2010, Central Falls went into receivership, then filed for bankruptcy August 1, 2011. As it is immediately north of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Pawtucket is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 71,148 at the 2010 census. It is the fourth largest city in the state.-History:...
, one of the options under discussion is municipal merger.
History
Prior to the arrival of EuropeanEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
s the area was home to Nipmuc, Wampanoag
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag In the 1600s when encountered by the English, the Wampanoag lived in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as within a territory that encompassed current day Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket...
and Narragansett
Narragansett
Narragansett may refer to:*Narragansett , a Pennsylvania Railroad train*Narragansett , an Amtrak train*Narragansett **Narragansett land claim*Narragansett, Rhode Island, a town*Narragansett Bay*Narragansett...
peoples.
In the 18th century, Captain Stephen Jenks built a trip hammer
Trip hammer
A trip hammer, also known as a helve hammer, is a massive powered hammer used in:* agriculture to facilitate the labor of pounding, decorticating and polishing of grain;...
and blacksmith shop along the Blackstone River
Blackstone River
The Blackstone River is a river in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It flows approximately 48 mi and drains a watershed of approximately 540 sq. mi...
, forming the nucleus of what would eventually become Central Falls. Other manufacturers, including a chocolate maker, set up shop in the building and the new village became known as Chocolateville.
In 1824, Stephen Jenks suggested the name Central Falls, thus giving the village its permanent name.
Originally, Central Falls was one of the many villages within the town of Smithfield
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Smithfield is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It includes the historic villages of Esmond, Georgiaville, Mountaindale, Hanton City, Stillwater and Greenville...
, but in 1871, having experienced a growth spurt, it split into three smaller towns: Smithfield, North Smithfield
North Smithfield, Rhode Island
North Smithfield is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, settled as a farming community in 1666 and incorporated into its present form in 1871. North Smithfield includes the historic villages of Forestdale, Primrose, Waterford, Branch Village, Union Village, Park Square, and...
and Lincoln
Lincoln, Rhode Island
Lincoln is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 21,105 at the 2010 census. Lincoln is located in northeastern Rhode Island, north of Providence....
. Central Falls then became part of the town of Lincoln. Lincoln experienced its own growth spurt, so in 1895 Lincoln split into two towns, giving birth to the city of Central Falls.
While Quakers made up the majority of the first European settlers in the area, they were soon followed by a diverse mix of immigrants from Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and French Canada
French Canada
French Canada, also known as "Lower Canada", is a term to distinguish the French Canadian population of Canada from English Canada.-Definition:...
. By the 20th century, Central Falls had experienced its own population explosion and for a while was the most densely populated city in the United States. In recent decades, a large number of Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
immigrants have found a home in Central Falls. Central Falls has always been an extremely diverse city, so much so that when the city celebrated its 100th anniversary with a parade in 1995, more than 100 countries were represented.
Geography
Central Falls is located at 41°53′24"N 71°23′33"W (41.889863, -71.392606).According to the United States Census Bureau
United 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 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²), of which, 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (6.20%) is water. It is drained by the Blackstone River
Blackstone River
The Blackstone River is a river in the U.S. states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It flows approximately 48 mi and drains a watershed of approximately 540 sq. mi...
.
Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 18,928 people, 6,696 households, and 4,359 families residing in the city. The population density was 15,652.0 people per square mile (6,039.8/km²). There were 7,270 housing units at an average density of 6,011.7 per square mile (2,319.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 57.16% White, 5.82% African American, 0.57% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 28.35% from other races, and 7.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 47.77% of the population.There were 6,696 households out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% 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, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.38.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $22,628, and the median income for a family was $26,844. Males had a median income of $23,854 versus $18,544 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 $10,825. About 25.9% of families and 29.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 29.3% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Residents are served by the Central Falls School DistrictCentral Falls School District
Central Falls School District is a school district headquartered in Central Falls, Rhode Island, United States. It serves the City of Central Falls.-History:...
.
In February 2010, the entire faculty and administrative staff of Central Falls High School was fired after the teachers' union refused to accept one of the "No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
" options for restructuring failing schools. In accordance with NCLB legislation, schools deemed failing have four options to follow for restructuring. The teachers' union refused to accept to work 25 minutes of extra time under the "transforming model", so the superintendent proceeded and chose the "turnaround model", which requires a district to fire the entire staff (teachers and administrators). They may rehire up to 50% of the teachers for the beginning of the next school year. The school has a graduation rate of around 50%, and 7% of 11th-graders were proficient in mathematics in 2009. This school had been identified as one of the worst in the state. The teachers union sued the school district, challenging the requirement that teachers must reapply for their jobs. The Obama administration
Presidency of Barack Obama
The Presidency of Barack Obama began at noon EST on January 20, 2009 when he became the 44th President of the United States. Obama was a United States Senator from Illinois at the time of his victory over Arizona Senator John McCain in the 2008 presidential election...
sided with the school board. In May 2010, the teachers were rehired when they agreed to work the extra time required.
As of the year 2000 US census, 5.9 % of Central Falls residents age 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree.
Recent issues involving the mayor's office
On April 25, 2010, the Providence Journal Bulletin ran an article detailing rampant fraudFraud
In criminal law, a fraud is an intentional deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual; the related adjective is fraudulent. The specific legal definition varies by legal jurisdiction. Fraud is a crime, and also a civil law violation...
and corruption
Corruption
Corruption usually refers to spiritual or moral impurity.Corruption may also refer to:* Corruption , an American crime film* Corruption , a British horror film...
by Mayor Charles D. Moreau, outlining no-bid contracts and kickbacks from a high school friend, who was granted almost $2,000,000 in overpriced property boarding fees. The article further states that the same friend gifted him a $6,875 furnace for his own home for only $6000, which Moreau said he paid 'in cash'. The friend in question, Michael G. Bouthillette, was a campaign contributor to Moreau's multiple re-election campaigns. These allegations and others are currently being investigated by the Rhode Island State Police
Rhode Island State Police
The Rhode Island State Police is an agency of the state of Rhode Island responsible for statewide law enforcement and regulation, especially in areas underserved by local police agencies and on the state's limited-access highways...
.
Insolvency of municipal government
Financial straits of the city government of Central Falls have worsened in the past decade as pensionPension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
s and pensioner health insurance for city employees have accumulated to the extent that the city government has been in receivership
Receivership
In law, receivership is the situation in which an institution or enterprise is being held by a receiver, a person "placed in the custodial responsibility for the property of others, including tangible and intangible assets and rights." The receivership remedy is an equitable remedy that emerged in...
since it declared insolvency in May 2010. On August 1, 2011 Central Falls filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 9, Title 11
Chapter 9, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 9, Title 11 of the United States Code is a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, available exclusively to municipalities and assists them in the restructuring of debts...
of the United States Code. It made the filing as it grappled with an $80 million unfunded pension and retiree health benefit liability that is over five times its annual budget of $17 million.
National historic places in Central Falls
- Central Falls Congregational ChurchCentral Falls Congregational ChurchCentral Falls Congregational Church is an historic church located at 376 High Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The congregational church building was constructed in 1883 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1976..-See also:...
- Central Falls Mill Historic DistrictCentral Falls Mill Historic DistrictThe Central Falls Mill Historic District is located between Roosevelt Avenue and the Blackstone River in Central Falls, Rhode Island. It consists of several historic textile mills.The historic district was designated on July 2, 1976.-See also:...
- Central Street SchoolCentral Street SchoolThe Central Street School is an historic school located at 379 Central Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The school was constructed in 1881 and added to the National Historic Register in 1979.-See also:...
- Samuel B. Conant HouseSamuel B. Conant HouseThe Samuel B. Conant House is an historic house at 104 Clay Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The colonial revival house was constructed in 1895 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.-See also:...
- David G. Fales HouseDavid G. Fales HouseThe David G. Fales House is an historic house at 476 High Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The house was built in 1858 in a Second Empire style by Clifton A. Hall. The building was placed on the National Historic Register in 1979.-See also:...
- Benjamin F. Greene HouseBenjamin F. Greene HouseThe Benjamin F. Greene House is an historic home at 85 Cross Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The Second Empire house was built by Clifton A. Hall and Wheeler & Marchant in 1868 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.-See also:...
- Holy Trinity Church Complex
- Jenks Park & Cogswell TowerJenks Park & Cogswell TowerThe Jenks Park & Cogswell Tower are part of a historic site on 580 Broad Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The site was built in 1890 by Alber Humes and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.Jenks Park and Cogswell Tower: 1890, 1904...
- South Central Falls Historic DistrictSouth Central Falls Historic DistrictThe South Central Falls Historic District is a historic district in Central Falls, Rhode Island.It features various Colonial Revival, Greek revival, late-Victorian, and other houses. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991....
- St. Matthew's ChurchSt. Matthew's Church (Central Falls, Rhode Island)St. Matthew's Church is an historic Roman Catholic church at 1030 Dexter Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The church was built in 1929 by Walter F. Fontaine and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.-See also:...
- Valley Falls MillValley Falls MillThe Valley Falls Mill is an historic site on 1363 Broad Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The Italianate mill was built in 1849 and added to the National Historic Register in 1978.-See also:*Valley Falls Company*Central Falls, Rhode Island...
- Valley Falls Mill, Office and Bath HouseValley Falls Mill, Office and Bath HouseThe Valley Falls Mill, Office and Bath House is an historic site on 1359 Broad Street in Central Falls, Rhode Island.The Italianate mill was built in 1855 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.-See also:*Valley Falls Company...
Notable people
- Lincoln Carter Almond, governor
- Michael BreaultMichael BreaultMichael Breault is a game designer and editor, and an author of several products for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game from TSR.-Early life and education:...
, game designer, editor and author - Francis CondonFrancis CondonFrancis Bernard Condon was a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Condon attended the public schools. He graduated from Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C., in 1916. He was admitted to the bar in 1916 and commenced practice in Pawtucket, Rhode...
, congressman - Viola DavisViola DavisViola Davis is an American actress.Known primarily as a stage actress, Davis won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play and a Drama Desk Award for her role in King Hedley II . She won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her role in the...
, actress - Carl Russell FishCarl Russell FishCarl Russell Fish was a University of Wisconsin–Madison Historian.Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island to Fredrick E and Louisiana N. Fish on October 17, 1876. He claimed later in life that he wanted to be a professor since he was four years old...
, historian - Roland HemondRoland HemondRoland Hemond is a longtime executive in Major League Baseball who in 2007 returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks as Special Assistant to the President, Derrick Hall...
, baseball executive - Jack McGeeJack McGee (aviator)Jack McGee was a pioneer aviator.-Biography:McGee was born in 1885 in Central Falls, Rhode Island to Robert McGee. His family moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island when he was 15 in 1900. He was a boxer and worked as an elevator operator and auto mechanic before working as a chauffeur for James C. McCoy...
, aviator - Glyn O'MalleyGlyn O'MalleyGlyn William O'Malley was an American playwright.Glyn O'Malley was born in Providence and grew up in Central Falls, Rhode Island. His initial involvement with theatre was with the R. I. Governor's School for the Gifted in the Arts, a summer program for high school students. This led to programs of...
, playwright - Charles RiskCharles RiskCharles Francis Risk was a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Risk attended the public and high schools.He worked in textile plants....
, congressman - John RobitailleJohn RobitailleJohn Robitaille was the Republican party nominee in the 2010 election for governor of Rhode Island, which he lost to independent candidate Lincoln Chafee on November 2, 2010.-Background:...
, politician