Romeo, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Romeo is a village in Macomb County
in the U.S. state
of Michigan
. The population was 3,721 at the 2000 census
. The village is situated at the southeast corner of Bruce Township
, with a portion extending south into Washington Township
. Armada Township
is adjacent to the east and Ray Township
to the southeast. Romeo is located on the rural-urban fringe of the Detroit metropolitan area, and many of its residents commute to jobs closer to the city.
Romeo is known for its Peach Festival, which takes place every year during Labor Day
Weekend. This event dates back to 1931 and includes a car show, floral parade, craft show, and many other downtown events.
Tillson Street is known for its elaborate Halloween decorations . Thousands trick-or-treat Tillson Street every Halloween to see the homeowners one of a kind Halloween stages.
Romeo once served as a hub for the timber industry, and many wealthy timber families resided there. Dozens of stately Victorian
mansions survive. Romeo is distinct in the area for having a fairly robust traditional downtown which has never seen a major fire. Because of this, there are stores and restaurants downtown that have original tin ceilings from as long ago as the Civil War
. Romeo was also an early participant in the automobile industry, serving as home to the Detroit Auto Vehicle Company
from 1904 until 1908.
, the village has a total area of 2 square miles (5.2 km²). 2 square miles (5.2 km²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Over the past 20 Years, Romeo has undergone numerous upgrades to the infrastructure of the Village. These include a revamping of the streetscape on Van Dyke Avenue, the main road through the Village, and the installation of a new water tower. Romeo also has one of the few wastewater treatment plants in the region. While most of the region receives water and sewage service from the City of Detroit, Romeo sustains its own supply of water, and treats all of the Village sewage through their own treatment plant. This was especially valuable during the blackout that occurred throughout the entire NE United States on August 14, 2003. Romeo was one of the many areas in the Detroit Metropolitan area to have clean running water. More recent infrastructure improvements include a complete renovation of the Village water system, and replacement of all the sidewalks throughout the Village.
Student Enrollment: as of January 8
Elementary Schools 2,655
Middle Schools 1,468
Romeo High School
1913
RETC (Romeo Engineering Tech Center) 699
Romeo School District Web Site: http://www.romeo.k12.mi.us/
of 2000, there were 3,721 people, 1,528 households, and 993 families residing in the village. The population density
was 1,842.8 per square mile (711.2/km²). There were 1,605 housing units at an average density of 794.9 per square mile (306.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 92.66% White, 4.35% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races
, and 1.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.74% of the population.
There were 1,528 households out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples
living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the village the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $48,015, and the median income for a family was $60,179. Males had a median income of $51,875 versus $27,696 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $22,588. About 3.2% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.
Harold Courlander - Historian and Anthropologist
Macomb County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 788,149 people, 309,203 households, and 210,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 320,276 housing units at an average density of 667 per square mile...
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 Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. The population was 3,721 at the 2000 census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
. The village is situated at the southeast corner of Bruce Township
Bruce Township, Macomb County, Michigan
Bruce Township is a civil township of Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 8,158. The 2008 Census Bureau Estimate places the population at 8,757.-Geography:...
, with a portion extending south into Washington Township
Washington Township, Macomb County, Michigan
Washington Charter Township is a charter township of Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 19,080 at the 2000 census. Washington Township is bordered by the village of Romeo, Ray Township, Shelby Township, and Oakland Township....
. Armada Township
Armada Township, Michigan
Armada Township is a civil township of Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 5,246. The 2008 Census Bureau Estimate places the population at 5,451.The village of Armada is located within the township...
is adjacent to the east and Ray Township
Ray Township, Michigan
Ray Township is a civil township of Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the township population was 3,739. Wolcott Mill Metropark, a park is located entirely within the township. The park is named for and is home to an historic grist mill built in 1847...
to the southeast. Romeo is located on the rural-urban fringe of the Detroit metropolitan area, and many of its residents commute to jobs closer to the city.
Romeo is known for its Peach Festival, which takes place every year during Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
Weekend. This event dates back to 1931 and includes a car show, floral parade, craft show, and many other downtown events.
Tillson Street is known for its elaborate Halloween decorations . Thousands trick-or-treat Tillson Street every Halloween to see the homeowners one of a kind Halloween stages.
History
Originally named Indian Village, the settlement that became Romeo was first inhabited by Chippewa Indians. In the 1820's and 1830's more families began to settle in the area and establish residences and businesses. Indian village became Hoxie's Settlement, named after an individual which opened an Inn on main street. In 1839, Hoxie's Settlement became incorporated and renamed the village of Romeo.Romeo once served as a hub for the timber industry, and many wealthy timber families resided there. Dozens of stately Victorian
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
mansions survive. Romeo is distinct in the area for having a fairly robust traditional downtown which has never seen a major fire. Because of this, there are stores and restaurants downtown that have original tin ceilings from as long ago as the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Romeo was also an early participant in the automobile industry, serving as home to the Detroit Auto Vehicle Company
Detroit Auto Vehicle Company
Detroit Auto Vehicle Company was an early automobile manufacturer established in the summer of 1904 with a capital stock of US$150,000. Based in Detroit, it also had a foundry in Romeo, Michigan...
from 1904 until 1908.
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 village has a total area of 2 square miles (5.2 km²). 2 square miles (5.2 km²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Government
The government of the Village of Romeo consists of elected and appointed officials. The elected officials include: six council members, one President- Michael A. Lee, one Treasurer, and a Clerk. The appointed officials include: Chief of Police, Department of Public Works Director, and Village Administrator. Currently, the elected clerk also holds the appointed position of Village Administrator. The day to day operations of the Village are handled by the Clerk/Administrator.Over the past 20 Years, Romeo has undergone numerous upgrades to the infrastructure of the Village. These include a revamping of the streetscape on Van Dyke Avenue, the main road through the Village, and the installation of a new water tower. Romeo also has one of the few wastewater treatment plants in the region. While most of the region receives water and sewage service from the City of Detroit, Romeo sustains its own supply of water, and treats all of the Village sewage through their own treatment plant. This was especially valuable during the blackout that occurred throughout the entire NE United States on August 14, 2003. Romeo was one of the many areas in the Detroit Metropolitan area to have clean running water. More recent infrastructure improvements include a complete renovation of the Village water system, and replacement of all the sidewalks throughout the Village.
Schools
Romeo has one high school, a technical school, two middle schools and six elementary schools. The mascot for the High School is the Bulldog. Most of the schools are located outside the Village limits.Student Enrollment: as of January 8
Elementary Schools 2,655
Middle Schools 1,468
Romeo High School
Romeo High School
Romeo High School is located in northern Macomb County, Michigan approximately 30 miles north of the city of Detroit.Romeo provides a comprehensive 9-12 academic curriculum for students, including College Prep, Independent Study, Vocational, Technical, and Mentor programs.Advanced Placement Courses...
1913
RETC (Romeo Engineering Tech Center) 699
Romeo School District Web Site: http://www.romeo.k12.mi.us/
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 3,721 people, 1,528 households, and 993 families residing in the village. 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 1,842.8 per square mile (711.2/km²). There were 1,605 housing units at an average density of 794.9 per square mile (306.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 92.66% White, 4.35% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.67% 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 1.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.74% of the population.
There were 1,528 households out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% 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, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the village the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $48,015, and the median income for a family was $60,179. Males had a median income of $51,875 versus $27,696 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 village was $22,588. About 3.2% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.
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Notable residents
- Blaze Ya Dead HomieBlaze Ya Dead HomieChris Rouleau, also known as Blaze Ya Dead Homie, is an American rapper from Romeo, Michigan. His stage persona is that of a reincarnated gang member killed in the late 1980s, and his music is a fusion of gangsta rap and horrorcore.-Biography:...
, a HorrorcoreHorrorcoreHorrorcore is a subgenre of hip hop music based in horror-themed lyrical content and imagery. While the style is rarely popular, some performers have sold well in the mainstream scene.-Origins:...
Gangsta RapGangsta rapGangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
artist, signed to Psychopathic RecordsPsychopathic RecordsPsychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an American independent record label based in Farmington Hills, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1991 by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse....
. - Frank BowermanFrank BowermanFrank Eugene Bowerman was a catcher in Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Giants, and the Boston Doves, as well as a player-manager for the Doves in his last season in professional baseball...
(December 5, 1868 – November 30, 1948) former catcher in Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Giants, and the Boston Doves - Edward Dana Durand (1871–1960), director of the U.S. Census from 1909–1913, was born in Romeo.
- Kid RockKid RockRobert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
, also known as Robert Ritchie, musician (born in Romeo, lives in Brandon TownshipBrandon Township, MichiganBrandon Charter Township is a charter township of Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village of Ortonville is within the township, although some development near the village lies within adjacent Groveland Township. The population was 15,175 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According...
). - Henry Stephens (lumberman)Henry Stephens (lumberman)Henry Stephens was born in Dublin, Ireland. He made a fortune as a lumberman, merchant and financier. He lived in Lapeer County, Michigan and was one of Almont, Michigan's earliest settlers, where he established the first mercantile business. North of Lapeer, Michigan, he built a sawmill in 1845...
was an early settler, a lumber baron, and had his summer home in Romeo. - Jill RitchieJill RitchieJill Susanne Ritchie is an American actress born on March 5, 1974 in Romeo, Michigan.She starred in the 2004 film D.E.B.S. and in Breakin' All the Rules, and had a guest role as Bluth family publicist Jessie in an episode of Arrested Development. She co-starred in the VH1 television series I Hate...
, Actress and sister to Kid RockKid RockRobert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations... - John McManus, a musician from the band A Rare Fish.
- "Wolfman Mac" (Mac Kelly) host of Retro Television NetworkRetro Television NetworkThe Retro Television Network is a system of television stations that airs classic television shows as well as more recently produced programs...
's CHILLER DRIVE-IN - Dion FischerDion FischerDion Fischer is an American musician, producer, and visual artist born in Romeo, Michigan in 1972.Dion played lead guitar in Detroit garage rock band The Go from 1999–2004, as replacement to Detroit born musician and childhood friend Jack White. He spent his formative musical years playing with...
, Musician, producer, and visual artist. Graduate of Romeo High SchoolRomeo High SchoolRomeo High School is located in northern Macomb County, Michigan approximately 30 miles north of the city of Detroit.Romeo provides a comprehensive 9-12 academic curriculum for students, including College Prep, Independent Study, Vocational, Technical, and Mentor programs.Advanced Placement Courses...
, circa 1990.
Harold Courlander - Historian and Anthropologist