Chester, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Chester is a town
in Middlesex County
, Connecticut
, United States
. The population was 3,743 at the 2000 census. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
(CDP).
, the town has a total area of 16.8 square miles (43.5 km²), of which, 16 square miles (41.4 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) of it (4.75%) is water. The CDP has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of which 1.46% is water.
of 2000, there were 3,743 people, 1,510 households, and 1,005 families residing in the town. The population density
was 233.5 people per square mile (90.2/km²). There were 1,613 housing units at an average density of 100.6 per square mile (38.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.79% White, 0.85% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races
, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population.
There were 1,510 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples
living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 28.1% 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 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the town the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $65,156, and the median income for a family was $79,941. Males had a median income of $45,515 versus $40,444 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $32,191. None of the families and 1.3% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 2.6% of those over 64.
There were 632 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $64,236, and the median income for a family was $71,250. Males had a median income of $38,900 versus $46,354 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $32,087. None of the families and 0.5% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.
and Deep River
), is a member of Regional School District #4. John Winthrop Junior High School and Valley Regional High School
, which are both on Warsaw Street in Deep River, serve students for grades 7-8 and 9-12, respectively.
was filmed in Chester.
Portions of the 1971 film Let's Scare Jessica to Death
were filmed in Chester.
provides public transportation throughout Chester and the surrounding towns through its 9 Town Transit Service. Services include connections to the Old Saybrook Train Station, served by Amtrak
and Shoreline East railroads.
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Middlesex County
Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was created in 1785 from portions of Hartford and New London counties. As of 2010, the population was 165,676....
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 3,743 at the 2000 census. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP).
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 town has a total area of 16.8 square miles (43.5 km²), of which, 16 square miles (41.4 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) of it (4.75%) is water. The CDP has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of which 1.46% is water.
Demographics
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 3,743 people, 1,510 households, and 1,005 families residing in the town. 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 233.5 people per square mile (90.2/km²). There were 1,613 housing units at an average density of 100.6 per square mile (38.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.79% White, 0.85% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.24% 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 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population.
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, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 28.1% 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 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the town the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $65,156, and the median income for a family was $79,941. Males had a median income of $45,515 versus $40,444 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 town was $32,191. None of the families and 1.3% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 2.6% of those over 64.
CDP
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,546 people, 632 households, and 401 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 762.1 inhabitants per square mile (294.0/km²). There were 669 housing units at an average density of 329.8 per square mile (127.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.31% White, 1.29% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.06% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.29% of the population.There were 632 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $64,236, and the median income for a family was $71,250. Males had a median income of $38,900 versus $46,354 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $32,087. None of the families and 0.5% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Active Voters | Inactive Voters | Total Voters | Percentage |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
810 | 50 | 860 | 31.30% |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
570 | 39 | 609 | 22.16% |
Unaffiliated | 1,137 | 136 | 1,273 | 46.32% |
Minor Parties | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0.21% | |
| Total | 2,523 | 225 | 2,748 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Education
Chester, like the other two towns in the "tri-town area" (EssexEssex, Connecticut
Essex is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 6,505 at the 2000 census. It is made up of three villages: Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton.- History :- The Great Attack :...
and Deep River
Deep River, Connecticut
Deep River is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 4,629 at the 2010 census. The town center is also designated by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place...
), is a member of Regional School District #4. John Winthrop Junior High School and Valley Regional High School
Valley Regional High School
Valley Regional High School is located in Deep River, Connecticut, United States. It serves the three towns of Regional School District #4 - Essex, Chester, and Deep River.Since 2006, the school has had a high turnover in administrative leadership...
, which are both on Warsaw Street in Deep River, serve students for grades 7-8 and 9-12, respectively.
Media
The 1959 film It Happened to JaneIt Happened to Jane
It Happened to Jane is a 1959 romantic comedy film starring Doris Day, Jack Lemmon, and Ernie Kovacs directed by Richard Quine and written by Norman Katkov and Max Wilk.The film was co-produced by Quine and star Day's husband at the time, Martin Melcher....
was filmed in Chester.
Portions of the 1971 film Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Let's Scare Jessica to Death is a 1971 low budget American horror film, directed by John D. Hancock, and starring Zohra Lampert in the title role. The film focuses on a recently institutionalized woman who has various nightmarish experiences after moving to an old farmhouse on a Connecticut island...
were filmed in Chester.
Points of interest
- The Beth Shalom Rodfe ZedekBeth Shalom Rodfe ZedekBeth Shalom Rodfe Zedek is a Reform synagogue in Chester, Connecticut. The congregation is noted for the architecture of its "spectacular" building.-History:Congregation Rodfe Zedek in Moodus, Connecticut in 1905...
synagogue is noted for the architecture of its "spectacular" building. - The Chester Museum at the Mill, a future museum of the Chester Historical Society
- The Chester–Hadlyme Ferry is the second oldest continuously operating ferry service in the state of Connecticut and is a designated state historical landmark.
- Camp Hazen YMCACamp Hazen YMCALocated on 150 acres on Cedar Lake in Chester, Connecticut, Camp Hazen YMCA provides positive youth camping experiences for over 1500 boys and girls each year from throughout the state. Group camping includes over 6000 participants annually. Camp Hazen YMCA serves youth from throughout...
On the National Registered Historic Places
- Charles Daniels HouseCharles Daniels HouseThe Charles Daniels House is a property in Chester, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It is a -story Greek Revival building that was home for Charles Daniels, who had a gimlet factory nearby. It was built c...
— 43 Liberty St. (added March 19, 1988) - Dr. Ambrose Pratt HouseDr. Ambrose Pratt HouseThe Dr. Ambrose Pratt House is a "grand house of magnificent proportions" in Chester, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.It was built in Federal style in 1820.Its mantel was created by Samuel Sillman....
— Pratt St. (added December 9, 1972) - Jonathan Warner HouseJonathan Warner HouseThe Jonathan Warner House is a very well documented Federal-style house in Chester, Connecticut built in 1798 that was "remarkably the same in appearance" when listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978....
— 47 Kings Hwy. (added 1978) - Old Town HallOld Town Hall (Chester, Connecticut)Old Town Hall is a property in Chester, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Located at the north end of the Chester Green, the building was built in 1793 as the Second Congregational Meetinghouse. It served as the meetinghouse for the Congregational...
— On the green between Liberty St. and Goose Hill Rd. (added March 23, 1972) - Villa Bella VistaVilla Bella VistaThe Villa Bella Vista is a property in Chester, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.The property is also known as the Eila Pierre House or as The Ledges....
— 7 Old Depot Rd. (added 2000)
Ground
The Estuary Transit DistrictEstuary Transit District
Estuary Transit District is the public transit provider for Connecticut River Estuary region. ETD provides public transit service through its 9 Town Transit service to the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook, Connecticut...
provides public transportation throughout Chester and the surrounding towns through its 9 Town Transit Service. Services include connections to the Old Saybrook Train Station, served by Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
and Shoreline East railroads.
Notable residents, past and present
- Art CarneyArt CarneyArthur William Matthew “Art” Carney was an American actor in film, stage, television and radio. He is best known for playing Ed Norton, opposite Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden in the situation comedy The Honeymooners....
(1918–2003), actor was a resident and died in town. - Paul HopkinsPaul HopkinsPaul Henry Hopkins was a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators and St. Louis Browns ....
(1904–2004), major league relief pitcher was born in town. - Sol LeWittSol LeWittSolomon "Sol" LeWitt was an American artist linked to various movements, including Conceptual art and Minimalism....
(1928–2007), artist. - Richard SachsRichard SachsRichard Sachs is an American bicycle framebuilder based in Chester, Connecticut since 1975. He builds road racing and cyclo-cross bicycles. His lug and fitting designs are employed by the framebuilders...
(1953-), bicycle frameBicycle frameA bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, on to which wheels and other components are fitted. The modern and most common frame design for an upright bicycle is based on the safety bicycle, and consists of two triangles, a main triangle and a paired rear triangle...
builder and cyclist lives in town. - Morley SaferMorley SaferMorley Safer is a Canadian reporter and correspondent for CBS News. He is best known for his long tenure on the newsmagazine 60 Minutes, which began in December 1970.-Life and career:...
(1931-), CBS news correspondent and anchor on "60 Minutes" - Max ShowalterMax ShowalterMax Showalter was an American film, television, and stage actor, as well as a composer, pianist, and singer. One of Showalter's most memorable roles was as Jean Peters' character's husband in the 1953 film Niagara...
(1917–2000), film and television actor retired to Chester. - Washington F. WillcoxWashington F. WillcoxWashington Frederick Willcox was a U.S. Representative from Connecticut.Born in Killingworth, Connecticut, Willcox prepared for college at a private school, Madison Academy, and Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven....
(1834–1909), US Congressman was a resident.