Kingston, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Kingston is a municipality located in Luzerne County
, Pennsylvania
, United States
, on the Susquehanna River
opposite Wilkes Barre. Kingston was incorporated as a borough in 1857. Kingston has adopted a home rule charter which became effective in January 1976. It is part of the greater metropolitan area
of the city of Wilkes-Barre. It is home to the Upper School campus of Wyoming Seminary
, a prestigious college preparatory school located in Kingston since 1844. In 1900: 3,846 people lived here; in 1910: 6,449; and in 1940: 20,679 people lived here. The population was 13,855 at the 2000 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the borough has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.7 km²), of which, 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (2.71%) is water. It is separated from Wilkes-Barre by the Susquehanna River
and the boundary of the latter's Kirby Park. Its numbered routes are U.S. Route 11
and Highway 309
, which follows the Cross Valley Expressway from the Back Mountain area
to Interstate 81
and Route 115 east of the city. Market Street and Pierce Street connect Kingston with center city via bridges.
of 2000, there were 13,855 people, 6,065 households, and 3,372 families residing in the borough. The population density
was 6,461.6 people per square mile (2,499.7/km²). There were 6,555 housing units at an average density of 3,057.1 per square mile (1,182.7/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.84% White, 0.77% African American, 0.07% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races
, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 6,065 households out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples
living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 40.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the borough the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.9 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $33,611, and the median income for a family was $45,578. Males had a median income of $34,069 versus $24,482 for females. The per capita income
for the borough was $20,568. About 8.2% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.7% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
- Demographics :As of the 2010 census, the county was 90.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.3% were of some other race, and 1.5% were two or more races. 6.7% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino ancestry...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, on the Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a river located in the northeastern United States. At long, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and with its watershed it is the 16th largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United...
opposite Wilkes Barre. Kingston was incorporated as a borough in 1857. Kingston has adopted a home rule charter which became effective in January 1976. It is part of the greater metropolitan area
Metropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
of the city of Wilkes-Barre. It is home to the Upper School campus of Wyoming Seminary
Wyoming Seminary
Wyoming Seminary, founded in 1844 and currently led by President Kip P. Nygren, is a private college preparatory school located in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in Kingston and Forty Fort It is near the Susquehanna River and the city of Wilkes-Barre...
, a prestigious college preparatory school located in Kingston since 1844. In 1900: 3,846 people lived here; in 1910: 6,449; and in 1940: 20,679 people lived here. The population was 13,855 at the 2000 census.
Geography
Kingston is located at 41°16′N 75°53′W (41.2665, -75.8895).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 borough has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.7 km²), of which, 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (2.71%) is water. It is separated from Wilkes-Barre by the Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a river located in the northeastern United States. At long, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and with its watershed it is the 16th largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United...
and the boundary of the latter's Kirby Park. Its numbered routes are U.S. Route 11
U.S. Route 11
U.S. Route 11 is a north–south United States highway extending 1,645 miles across the eastern United States. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 90 in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in eastern New Orleans, Louisiana. The northern terminus is at the United...
and Highway 309
Pennsylvania Route 309
Pennsylvania Route 309 is a major highway which runs for 134 miles through Pennsylvania in the United States. It connects Philadelphia and its northern suburbs to Allentown, Hazleton, and Wilkes-Barre. A limited-access highway portion of PA 309 in the Wilkes-Barre area is known as the North...
, which follows the Cross Valley Expressway from the Back Mountain area
Back Mountain, Pennsylvania
Back Mountain is a census-designated place in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is near the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The population was 26,690 at the 2000 census...
to Interstate 81
Interstate 81
Interstate 81 is an Interstate Highway in the eastern part of the United States. Its southern terminus is at Interstate 40 in Dandridge, Tennessee; its northern terminus is on Wellesley Island at the Canadian border, where the Thousand Islands Bridge connects it to Highway 401, the main freeway...
and Route 115 east of the city. Market Street and Pierce Street connect Kingston with center city via bridges.
Government
Kingston operates under a home rule charter. The legislative function is vested in a seven member council. The compensation of council members is $300 per month. As of January 2010, the council president was Sandra Kase, the council vice-president was Robert F. Thompson, Jr., and the remaining members were Marvin Rappaport, Roberta Rowlands, Nancy Cooper, Michael Jacobs, and Jack Schumacher. Executive authority is vested in a mayor. The mayor is James J. Haggerty, who was first elected to the office in 1997 and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. The mayor's compensation is $8,000 per year. Haggerty is an attorney and maintains a law practice in Kingston. Kingston's charter also calls for a full-time municipal administrator. The municipal administrator is Paul Keating. Keating has served as administrator since 1997.Legislators
- State Representative Phyllis MundyPhyllis MundyPhyllis Mundy is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and minority party chairwoman of the House Finance Committee. She is a graduate of Kingston High School and Bloomsburg University...
, Kingston resident, 120th legislative district (Democrat, 1991–present) - State Senator Lisa BakerLisa Baker (Pennsylvania politician)Lisa Baker is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate who has represented the 20th District since 2007. Her term expires in 2014. She is chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.-External links:...
, 20th Senatorial district (Republican, 2007–present) - U.S. Representative Tom MarinoTom MarinoThomas Anthony Marino is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.The district, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, includes Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties outside of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre as well as all or most of...
, 10th Congressional district (Republican, 2011–present)
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 13,855 people, 6,065 households, and 3,372 families residing in the borough. 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 6,461.6 people per square mile (2,499.7/km²). There were 6,555 housing units at an average density of 3,057.1 per square mile (1,182.7/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.84% White, 0.77% African American, 0.07% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.29% 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 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 6,065 households out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% 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, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 40.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the borough the population was spread out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.9 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $33,611, and the median income for a family was $45,578. Males had a median income of $34,069 versus $24,482 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 borough was $20,568. About 8.2% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.7% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
- Edie AdamsEdie AdamsEdie Adams was an American singer, Broadway, television and film actress and comedienne. Adams, a Tony Award winner, "both embodied and winked at the stereotypes of fetching chanteuse and sexpot blonde." She was well-known for her impersonations of female stars on stage and television, most...
, singer and light comedienne (It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad WorldIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad WorldIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is a 1963 American comedy film produced and directed by Stanley Kramer about the madcap pursuit of $350,000 in stolen cash by a diverse and colorful group of strangers...
), began her career with and later married Ernie KovacsErnie KovacsErnie Kovacs was a Hungarian American comedian and actor.Kovacs' uninhibited, often ad-libbed, and visually experimental comedic style came to influence numerous television comedy programs for years after his death in an automobile accident...
. Did TV commercials in the 1960s for Muriel Cigars, with the somewhat racy line at the time "Why don't you pick me up and smoke me some time?". - Title Fight, hardcore band.
- Russell BufalinoRussell BufalinoRussell A. Bufalino also known as "McGee" and "The Old Man" was the boss of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family from 1959 to 1989...
, boss of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family (also known as the Bufalino crime family) from 1959 to 1989. Despite being the boss of a small crime family, Bufalino was a significant influence in the national Cosa Nostra criminal organization. - Kingston has produced one Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player, Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
center fielderCenter fielderA center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Steamer FlanaganSteamer FlanaganJames Paul "Steamer" Flanagan was a Major League Baseball center fielder. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates just at the end of the 1905 season...
. (b. April 20, 1881) - Dan Harris, Hollywood director (Imaginary HeroesImaginary HeroesImaginary Heroes is a 2004 American drama film written and directed by Dan Harris. It focuses on the traumatic effect the suicide of the elder son has on a suburban family.-Plot:...
) and Screenwriter (X2 [X-Men 2]X2 (film)X2 is a 2003 superhero film based on the fictional characters the X-Men. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is the second film in the X-Men film series...
and Superman ReturnsSuperman ReturnsSuperman Returns is a 2006 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer. It is the fifth and final installment in the original Superman film series and serves as a alternate sequel to Superman and Superman II by ignoring the events of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace .The film stars...
), was born and raised in Kingston. He attended high school at Wyoming SeminaryWyoming SeminaryWyoming Seminary, founded in 1844 and currently led by President Kip P. Nygren, is a private college preparatory school located in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in Kingston and Forty Fort It is near the Susquehanna River and the city of Wilkes-Barre...
, before going to Columbia UniversityColumbia UniversityColumbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
for college. - Phyllis MundyPhyllis MundyPhyllis Mundy is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and minority party chairwoman of the House Finance Committee. She is a graduate of Kingston High School and Bloomsburg University...
has served as the state representative for PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
's 120th legislative district, based in Kingston, for 20 years. - Suzie PlaksonSuzie PlaksonSuzie Plakson is an American actress, singer, writer, poet, and artist, perhaps best known for her role as Meg Tynan in the sitcom Love & War....
, actress and musical theatre performer. - Dave PopsonDave PopsonDavid G. Popson is a retired American basketball player who enjoyed a brief NBA career from 1988 until 1992. Popson, a 6'10" center, played college basketball at the University of North Carolina for four years . Popson was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the fourth round of the 1987 NBA Draft...
, NBA player for the Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
, Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles ClippersThe Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, and the Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
. - Frank ZaneFrank ZaneFrank Zane is an American former professional bodybuilder and teacher.- Education :Zane received a B.Sc in Education from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania in 1964. For 13 years, he taught mathematics and chemistry while living in Florida and California. Later he earned a B.A...
, bodybuilder born in Kingston. Won the Mr. OlympiaMr. OlympiaMr. Olympia is the title awarded to the winner of the professional men's bodybuilding contest at Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend - an international bodybuilding competition that is held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness . Joe Weider created the contest to enable the...
title three years in a row (1977–1979). - Kevin BlaumKevin BlaumKevin J. Blaum is a former American politician who was a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 121st Legislative district of Pennsylvania for nearly three decades....
served as the State Representative for Wilkes-Barre from 1981-2006 and he currently is an Associate Director of Admission at Wyoming Seminary Upper SchoolWyoming SeminaryWyoming Seminary, founded in 1844 and currently led by President Kip P. Nygren, is a private college preparatory school located in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in Kingston and Forty Fort It is near the Susquehanna River and the city of Wilkes-Barre...
in Kingston - where he now lives - and is a weekly columnist for The Times LeaderThe Times LeaderThe Times Leader is a privately owned newspaper in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.Founded in 1879, it was locally owned until being purchased by Capital Cities in 1978...
.