Menasha, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Menasha is a city in Calumet
and Winnebago
Counties in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. The population was 16,331 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly in the Town of Menasha
in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in the Town of Harrison
in Calumet County. Doty Island
is located partially in Menasha. The city's name comes from the Winnebago word meaning "thorn" or "island". Menasha is home to the Barlow Planetarium
and Weis Earth Science Museum, both housed at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 6.7 square miles (17.3 km²), of which, 5.3 square miles (13.6 km²) of it is land and 1.4 square miles (3.7 km²) of it (21.29%) is water.
of 2000, there were 16,331 people, 6,951 households, and 4,233 families residing in the city. The population density
was 3,106.9 people per square mile (1,198.8/km²). There were 7,271 housing units at an average density of 1,383.3 per square mile (533.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.80% White, 0.54% African American, 0.61% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.38% from other races
, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.61% of the population.
There were 6,951 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples
living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,936, and the median income for a family was $47,401. Males had a median income of $36,705 versus $25,176 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,743. About 5.4% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Calumet County, Wisconsin
Calumet County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is included in the Appleton, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010, the county's population was 48,971. The county seat is Chilton.-History:...
and Winnebago
Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Winnebago County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 163,370. Its county seat is Oshkosh. Winnebago County is included in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-Neenah, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
Counties 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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. The population was 16,331 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly in the Town of Menasha
Menasha (town), Wisconsin
Menasha is a town in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 15,858 at the 2000 census. The City of Menasha is partially within the town...
in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in the Town of Harrison
Harrison, Calumet County, Wisconsin
Harrison is a town in Calumet County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 10,839 at the 2010 census. Parts of the town of Harrison and town of Buchanan are collectively known locally as Darboy. The unincorporated communities of Harrison and Highland Beach are located in the town...
in Calumet County. Doty Island
Doty Island (Wisconsin)
Doty Island is an island in the state of Wisconsin in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Doty Island is between the cities of Menasha, and Neenah on the Fox River at Lake Winnebago at .-History:...
is located partially in Menasha. The city's name comes from the Winnebago word meaning "thorn" or "island". Menasha is home to the Barlow Planetarium
Barlow Planetarium
The Barlow Planetarium is a planetarium located at the University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley in Menasha, Wisconsin. The Barlow Planetarium is named after late businessman and mineral collector F. John Barlow.- History :...
and Weis Earth Science Museum, both housed at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
The University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley, the second largest of the 13 campuses that make up the University of Wisconsin Colleges, is a two-year college within the 26 campus University of Wisconsin System located on in Menasha, Wisconsin...
.
Geography
Menasha is located at 44°12′46"N 88°26′10"W (44.212853, -88.436182).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 6.7 square miles (17.3 km²), of which, 5.3 square miles (13.6 km²) of it is land and 1.4 square miles (3.7 km²) of it (21.29%) 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 16,331 people, 6,951 households, and 4,233 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 3,106.9 people per square mile (1,198.8/km²). There were 7,271 housing units at an average density of 1,383.3 per square mile (533.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.80% White, 0.54% African American, 0.61% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.38% 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 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.61% of the population.
There were 6,951 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% 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, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,936, and the median income for a family was $47,401. Males had a median income of $36,705 versus $25,176 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 $20,743. About 5.4% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.
Government
The city of Menasha has a city council-mayor system of government. There are eight districts in the city, each represented by an aldermen. The council meets weekly with the mayor, Don Merkes.Education
- Elementary Schools
- Clovis Grove Elementary School
- Gegan Elementary School
- Nicolet Elementary School
- Jefferson Elementary School
- Butte Des Morts Elementary School
- Trinity Lutheran School
- Bethel Lutheran School
- St. Mary's Catholic Elementary School
- Junior High/Middle Schools
- Maplewood Middle School
- Seton Catholic Middle School
- Trinity Lutheran School
- Bethel Lutheran School
- High Schools
- Menasha High School
- Fox Valley Alternative School
- Colleges and Universities
- University of Wisconsin-Fox ValleyUniversity of Wisconsin-Fox ValleyThe University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley, the second largest of the 13 campuses that make up the University of Wisconsin Colleges, is a two-year college within the 26 campus University of Wisconsin System located on in Menasha, Wisconsin...
- University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley
Notable residents
- John A. BryanJohn A. BryanJohn Alexander Bryan was an American diplomat and politician from New York and Ohio.-Biography:...
, U.S. diplomat - Elmer J. BurrElmer J. BurrElmer J. Burr was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
, Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient - Connie ClausenConnie ClausenConnie Clausen was an actress, author, and literary agent....
, television and Broadway actress, literary agent, and author of "I Love You Honey but The Season's Over", a memoir about Menasha - Samuel A. CookSamuel A. CookSamuel Andrew Cook was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.Born in Ontario, Canada, Cook moved with his parents to Calumet County, Wisconsin, in 1856.He attended the common schools in Fond du Lac and Calumet Counties....
, U.S. Representative - Eric HinskeEric HinskeEric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
, outfielder for the Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
and former American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Rookie of the Year. - James C. KerwinJames C. KerwinJames Charles Kerwin was an American jurist from Wisconsin.Born in Menasha, Wisconsin, Kerwin graduated from University of Wisconsin Law School in 1875. In 1903, he was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and then elected serving until his death....
, Wisconsin Supreme Court - Dave KosloDave KosloGeorge Bernard "Dave" Koslo was a former professional baseball left-handed pitcher over parts of twelve seasons with the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Braves. On April 18, 1947, Koslo gave up Jackie Robinson’s first major league home run, hit in the third inning...
, MLB player for the New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, and the Milwaukee Braves - Jean KraftJean KraftJean Kraft is an American operatic mezzo-soprano. She began her career singing with the New York City Opera during the early 1960s, after which she embarked on a long and fruitful partnership with the Santa Fe Opera that lasted from 1965 through 1987. In 1970 she joined the roster of singers at...
, opera singer - Frances Liberace née Zuchowska, mother of LiberaceLiberaceWladziu Valentino Liberace , best known simply as Liberace, was a famous American pianist and vocalist.In a career that spanned four decades of concerts, recordings, motion pictures, television and endorsements, Liberace became world-renowned...
- Jeff LoomisJeff LoomisJeff Loomis is an American musician, best known for his role as lead guitarist in the progressive metal band Nevermore.-Early days:...
, heavy metal guitarist - Thomas J. O'MalleyThomas J. O'MalleyThomas J. O'Malley was a Wisconsin politician. He was born in Menasha, Wisconsin in 1868. He initially worked in the railway industry, eventually becoming a passenger conductor for the North Western Railroad. He was active in the railway union, and in 1932 he became the first Democrat elected...
, Lieutenant Governor of WisconsinWisconsinWisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is... - Leslie J. WestbergLeslie J. WestbergLeslie J. Westberg was a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Westberg was born on June 23, 1920 in Menasha, Wisconsin. He would attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Westberg died on January 4, 1997.-Career:Westberg originally enlisted in the United States Army Air...
, U.S. Air Force general