DeKalb, Illinois
Encyclopedia
DeKalb is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois
, United States. The population was 43,862 at the 2010 census, up from 39,018 at the 2000 census. The city is named after decorated German war hero Johann De Kalb
, who died during the American Revolutionary War
.
Founded in 1837, DeKalb remained a small community until the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company in 1853. DeKalb's central location brought easier shipping of crops and access to larger markets. Agriculture was the primary economic activity until 1873-4 when farmer Joseph Glidden
developed barbed wire
and began commercial mass production of his new invention. Glidden sold half of his interest to hardware merchant Isaac L. Ellwood
and together the two formed the Barb Fence Company.
Two months after Glidden filed his application for a patent, lumber salesman Jacob Haish
also applied for a patent and on June 25, 1874 ran interference papers against Glidden's patent. After several years of legal wrangling, in 1877 Glidden's patent won and Glidden was declared the "Father of Barbed Wire".
In 1865 H. B. Gurler moved to DeKalb, and later attempted to create high-grade milk. Gurler began shipping his "Pure Milk" to Chicago in 1895.
The founding of Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 added education to DeKalb's landscape. It later became Northern Illinois University
which is known for its business, nursing, education, engineering, and music programs.
Agriculture again came to the forefront with the creation of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in 1912, one of the first organizations of its kind. In the 1930s the DeKalb AgResearch Corporation (today MONSANTO) marketed its first hybrid seed corn.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 12.6 square miles (32.6 km²), of which, 12.6 square miles (32.6 km²) of it is land and 0.08% is water.
The Kishwaukee River flows northward through the city of DeKalb, Illinois.
On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River
at DeKalb, Illinois crested at 15.27 feet (4.7 m) (all time record 15.8 feet (4.8 m)) causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river rose above 15 feet (4.6 m) since the level of the river has been recorded.
. Policy is developed by an elected City Council
then implemented by an appointed professional City Manager. DeKalb's City Council is made up of a Mayor
elected at-large and seven alderpersons elected by ward. Each serves a four year term, with half the council being elected every two years. A City Clerk is also elected every four years who serves as the official record keeper of the city. The Clerk is also the primary FOIA officer for the city. City council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month.
DeKalb is also home to warehouses for several major companies, including Target, 3M, Nestlé, and Panduit.
DeKalb is the broadcast base of Up and In: The Baseball Prospectus Podcast with Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks.
, and 2.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.04% of the population.
There were 13,081 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.8% were non-families. 29.6% 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 2.42 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the city the population was spread out with 16.9% under the age of 18, 39.2% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 12.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,153, and the median income for a family was $53,017. Males had a median income of $36,255 versus $26,422 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,261. About 9.0% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
(NIU) was founded in DeKalb as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of around 25,000, which makes NIU the second largest university in Illinois. Some famous NIU alumni include Dan Castellaneta
(the voice of Homer Simpson
), Former U.S. House Speaker
Dennis Hastert
, Oscar-nominated actress Joan Allen
, Atlanta Falcons
running back Michael Turner, Steve Harris
from David E. Kelley
's legal Drama The Practice
and succession candidate for chief executive officer at Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Ivan Pavlov.
. The oasis includes restaurants and a gas station. DeKalb is 30 miles (48.3 km) west of Aurora
and 65 miles (104.6 km) west from downtown Chicago
. The Voluntary Action Center provides two types of transportation services, TRANS-VAC and MED-VAC. TRANS-VAC provides transportation to activities and businesses in DeKalb County and has two bus routes (the green line and blue line) that runs a regular hourly route Monday through Friday and some limited evening hours for individuals with special needs. MED-VAC provides transportation to out-of-town medical appointments. The NIU Huskie Bus Line serves NIU and the surrounding DeKalb area. It is the second largest (in highest rider-per-mile) bus system in Illinois.
(DTMA) or (KDKB), serving the general aviation community, is located at 3232 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
, which is just north of DeKalb and the county seat of their county (DeKalb County).
DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 105,160, which is an increase of 18.2% from 88,969 in 2000. Its county seat is Sycamore. DeKalb County is part of the Chicago metropolitan statistical area.-History:DeKalb County...
, United States. The population was 43,862 at the 2010 census, up from 39,018 at the 2000 census. The city is named after decorated German war hero Johann De Kalb
Johann de Kalb
Johann von Robais, Baron de Kalb , born Johann Kalb, was a German soldier who served as a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.-Early life:...
, who died during the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
.
History
Joseph Glidden
Joseph Farwell Glidden was an American farmer who patented barbed wire, a product that forever altered the development of the American West.- Biography :...
developed barbed wire
Barbed wire
Barbed wire, also known as barb wire , is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand. It is used to construct inexpensive fences and is used atop walls surrounding secured property...
and began commercial mass production of his new invention. Glidden sold half of his interest to hardware merchant Isaac L. Ellwood
Isaac L. Ellwood
Isaac Leonard Ellwood was an American rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur.-Early life:...
and together the two formed the Barb Fence Company.
Two months after Glidden filed his application for a patent, lumber salesman Jacob Haish
Jacob Haish
Jacob Haish was one of the first inventors of barbed wire. His type of barbed wire was in direct competition with the other barbed wire manufacturers in DeKalb, Illinois...
also applied for a patent and on June 25, 1874 ran interference papers against Glidden's patent. After several years of legal wrangling, in 1877 Glidden's patent won and Glidden was declared the "Father of Barbed Wire".
In 1865 H. B. Gurler moved to DeKalb, and later attempted to create high-grade milk. Gurler began shipping his "Pure Milk" to Chicago in 1895.
The founding of Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 added education to DeKalb's landscape. It later became Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P...
which is known for its business, nursing, education, engineering, and music programs.
Agriculture again came to the forefront with the creation of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in 1912, one of the first organizations of its kind. In the 1930s the DeKalb AgResearch Corporation (today MONSANTO) marketed its first hybrid seed corn.
Geography
DeKalb is located at 41°55′53"N 88°45′1"W (41.931274, -88.750151).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 12.6 square miles (32.6 km²), of which, 12.6 square miles (32.6 km²) of it is land and 0.08% is water.
The Kishwaukee River flows northward through the city of DeKalb, Illinois.
On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River
Kishwaukee River
The Kishwaukee River, sometimes locally known as simply "The Kish", is a river in the U.S. state of Illinois. "The Kish" is famous for its high number of bridges that cross within its 100-year floodplain.-Location:...
at DeKalb, Illinois crested at 15.27 feet (4.7 m) (all time record 15.8 feet (4.8 m)) causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river rose above 15 feet (4.6 m) since the level of the river has been recorded.
Government
DeKalb is governed by a Council-Manager governmentCouncil-manager government
The council–manager government form is one of two predominant forms of municipal government in the United States; the other common form of local government is the mayor-council government form, which characteristically occurs in large cities...
. Policy is developed by an elected City Council
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
then implemented by an appointed professional City Manager. DeKalb's City Council is made up of a Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
elected at-large and seven alderpersons elected by ward. Each serves a four year term, with half the council being elected every two years. A City Clerk is also elected every four years who serves as the official record keeper of the city. The Clerk is also the primary FOIA officer for the city. City council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month.
Industry
DeKalb is home to Northern Illinois University, which is the city's largest employer. Other large employers include Kishwaukee Health System, the local school district, a Wal-mart Super Center and a Super Target.DeKalb is also home to warehouses for several major companies, including Target, 3M, Nestlé, and Panduit.
DeKalb is the broadcast base of Up and In: The Baseball Prospectus Podcast with Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks.
Park facilities
DeKalb has over 44 community facilities:- River Heights Golf Course
- Buena Vista Golf Course
- Hopkins Park Pool and Community Center
- DeKalb County Forest Preserves
- Ellwood HouseEllwood HouseThe Ellwood House was built as a private home by barbed wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood in 1879. It is located on First Street in DeKalb, Illinois, United States, in DeKalb County. The Victorian style home, designed by George O. Garnsey, underwent remodeling in 1898-1899 and 1911...
Museum and Park
Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 39,018 people, 13,081 households, and 6,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,093.9 people per square mile (1,194.7/km²). There were 13,619 housing units at an average density of 1,079.9 per square mile (417.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.00% White, 9.08% African American, 0.24% Native American, 4.62% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 4.35% from other racesRace (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 2.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.04% of the population.
There were 13,081 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.8% were non-families. 29.6% 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 2.42 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the city the population was spread out with 16.9% under the age of 18, 39.2% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 12.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,153, and the median income for a family was $53,017. Males had a median income of $36,255 versus $26,422 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 $16,261. About 9.0% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
Education
There are 10 public schools, 1 private school, 1 university, and 1 public library. http://mywikicity.com/wiki/index.php?title=DeKalbNorthern Illinois University
Northern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P...
(NIU) was founded in DeKalb as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of around 25,000, which makes NIU the second largest university in Illinois. Some famous NIU alumni include Dan Castellaneta
Dan Castellaneta
Daniel Louis "Dan" Castellaneta is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, singer and screenwriter. Noted for his long-running role as Homer Simpson on the animated television series The Simpsons, he voices many other characters on The Simpsons, including Abraham "Grampa" Simpson, Barney Gumble,...
(the voice of Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson
Homer Jay Simpson is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons and the patriarch of the eponymous family. He is voiced by Dan Castellaneta and first appeared on television, along with the rest of his family, in The Tracey Ullman Show short "Good Night" on April 19, 1987...
), Former U.S. House Speaker
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, or Speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives...
Dennis Hastert
Dennis Hastert
John Dennis "Denny" Hastert was the 59th Speaker of the House serving from 1999 to 2007. He represented as a Republican for twenty years, 1987 to 2007.He is the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history...
, Oscar-nominated actress Joan Allen
Joan Allen
Joan Allen is an American actress. She worked in theatre, television and film during her early career, and achieved recognition for her Broadway debut in Burn This, winning a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play in 1989.She has received three Academy Award nominations;...
, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
running back Michael Turner, Steve Harris
Steve Harris (actor)
Steve Harris is an American actor who has appeared in a number of films including; Quarantine, Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Bringing Down The House, The Rock, The Mod Squad, and Minority Report. He is most famous for his role as Eugene Young on the legal drama The Practice...
from David E. Kelley
David E. Kelley
David Edward Kelley is an American television writer and producer, known as the creator of Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Boston Legal and Harry's Law, as well as several films. Kelley is one of the only screenwriters to have had a show created by him run on...
's legal Drama The Practice
The Practice
The Practice is an American legal drama created by David E. Kelley centering on the partners and associates at a Boston law firm. Running for eight seasons from 1997 to 2004, the show won the Emmy in 1998 and 1999 for Best Drama Series, and spawned the successful and lighter spin-off series Boston...
and succession candidate for chief executive officer at Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Ivan Pavlov.
Public schools
DeKalb is served by both public and private school systems. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 operates seven elementary schools (Grades K-5), Clinton Rosette and Huntley Middle Schools (Grades 6-8), and DeKalb High School (Grades 9-12). DeKalb is also home to St. Mary's Catholic Grade School (Grades K-8).Transportation
DeKalb is the location of both a toll plaza and an oasis on Interstate 88Interstate 88
Interstate 88 may refer to:*Interstate 88 , a highway running west from Chicago, Illinois, USA to Moline, Illinois, USA*Interstate 88 , a highway running west from Schenectady, New York, USA to Binghamton, New York, USA...
. The oasis includes restaurants and a gas station. DeKalb is 30 miles (48.3 km) west of Aurora
Aurora, Illinois
Aurora is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the 112th largest city in the United States. A suburb of Chicago, located west of the Loop, its population in 2010 was 197,899. Originally founded within Kane County, Aurora's city limits have expanded greatly over the past...
and 65 miles (104.6 km) west from downtown Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. The Voluntary Action Center provides two types of transportation services, TRANS-VAC and MED-VAC. TRANS-VAC provides transportation to activities and businesses in DeKalb County and has two bus routes (the green line and blue line) that runs a regular hourly route Monday through Friday and some limited evening hours for individuals with special needs. MED-VAC provides transportation to out-of-town medical appointments. The NIU Huskie Bus Line serves NIU and the surrounding DeKalb area. It is the second largest (in highest rider-per-mile) bus system in Illinois.
Airport
DeKalb Taylor Municipal AirportDeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
Opened in April 1944, DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport and is situated on at an elevation of 914 ft and located two miles east of DeKalb, Illinois, United States. DTMA is located approx. west of Chicago...
(DTMA) or (KDKB), serving the general aviation community, is located at 3232 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Sister cities
DeKalb is partnered with Sycamore, IllinoisSycamore, Illinois
Sycamore is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. It has a commercial district based and centered on Illinois Route 64. The population was 17,519 at the 2010 census, up from 12,020 at the 2000 census.-Early settlement:...
, which is just north of DeKalb and the county seat of their county (DeKalb County).
Notable people
- Charles I. BarberCharles I. BarberCharles Irving Barber was an American architect, active primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee, and vicinity, during the first half of the 20th century...
, architect, born in DeKalb - George Franklin BarberGeorge Franklin BarberGeorge Franklin Barber was an American architect best known for his residential designs, which he marketed worldwide through a series of mail-order catalogs. One of the most successful domestic architects of the late Victorian period in the United States, Barber's plans were used for houses in...
, architect, born in DeKalb - Charles BronsonCharles Bronson (band)Charles Bronson was a prolific powerviolence band from DeKalb, Illinois, existing from 1994 to 1997. Although they were often associated with the straight edge scene, only two of the members actually abstained from drug and alcohol use.-Musical style:...
, an hardcore punk band - Cindy CrawfordCindy CrawfordCynthia Ann "Cindy" Crawford is an American model. Known for her trademark mole just above her lip, Crawford has adorned hundreds of magazine covers throughout her career. She was named #3 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of the 90s...
, supermodel - Isaac L. EllwoodIsaac L. EllwoodIsaac Leonard Ellwood was an American rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur.-Early life:...
, rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur - Joseph GliddenJoseph GliddenJoseph Farwell Glidden was an American farmer who patented barbed wire, a product that forever altered the development of the American West.- Biography :...
, farmer who patented barbed wire - Jacob HaishJacob HaishJacob Haish was one of the first inventors of barbed wire. His type of barbed wire was in direct competition with the other barbed wire manufacturers in DeKalb, Illinois...
, one of the inventors of barbed wire - Barbara HaleBarbara HaleBarbara Hale is an American actress best known for her role as legal secretary Della Street on more than 250 episodes of the long-running Perry Mason television series and later reprising the role in dozens of made-for-TV movies....
, Emmy Award winning actress - T.J. Hart, pornographic actress
- Judas IscariotJudas Iscariot (band)Judas Iscariot was an American black metal band. It began in 1992 as the solo-project of Andrew Harris, who performed under the pseudonym Akhenaten ....
, a black metal band - Richard JenkinsRichard JenkinsRichard Dale Jenkins is an American stage, film, and television actor. After beginning his career in theatre, Jenkins made his film debut in 1974, and appeared in supporting roles in numerous film productions in the 1980s and the 1990s. His breakthrough came in the 2000s for playing the deceased...
, actor - Mel OwensMel OwensMel Owens is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. Owens was selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams out of the University of Michigan in the 1981 NFL Draft...
, linebacker for the L.A. Rams - Richard PowersRichard PowersRichard Powers is an American novelist whose works explore the effects of modern science and technology.- Life and work :...
, author - W. Willard WirtzW. Willard WirtzWilliam Willard Wirtz was a former U.S. administrator, cabinet officer, attorney, and law professor. He served as the Secretary of Labor between 1962 and 1969 under the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. At the time of his death, he was the last living member of...
, Secretary of Labor; his DeKalb home is preserved on the NIU campus - Mike HeimerdingerMike HeimerdingerMichael "Mike" Heimerdinger was a football coach in the National Football League.-Career:Heimerdinger was most recently the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, a position he had served in from 2000-2004 and again from 2008-2010...
, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator - A. J. BramlettA. J. BramlettAaron Jordan Bramlett is an American former professional basketball player. At 6-foot, 10-inches, weight 235 pounds, he usually played a center or post position....
, former professional basketball player
See also
- Haish Memorial LibraryHaish Memorial LibraryThe Haish Memorial Library was designed by Chicago architects White and Weber and built in the art deco style of the 1930s with funds left to the library by Jacob Haish in his 1928 will...
- Kishwaukee RiverKishwaukee RiverThe Kishwaukee River, sometimes locally known as simply "The Kish", is a river in the U.S. state of Illinois. "The Kish" is famous for its high number of bridges that cross within its 100-year floodplain.-Location:...
- Northern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P...
- Northern Illinois University shootingNorthern Illinois University shootingThe Northern Illinois University shooting was a school shooting that took place on February 14, 2008, during which Steven Kazmierczak shot multiple people on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, United States, killing five and injuring twenty-one, before committing...