Southgate, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Southgate is a city in Wayne County
in the U.S. state
of Michigan
. The population was 30,047 at the 2010 census.
Southgate was the last city to incorporate from the former Ecorse Township
, gaining city status in October 1958. The city is bounded by Goddard Road and Brest to the north, M-85
/Fort Street and Quarry Road to the east, Pennsylvania Road to the south, and Allen Road to the west. Fordline Street also serves as a border between Southgate and Lincoln Park between Brest and Goddard.
Southgate currently houses the headquarters of The News-Herald
, a local Downriver
newspaper which covers over twenty surrounding communities. During the late 1950s and 1960s, The Southgate Sentinel, a Mellus newspaper, was published.
The city of Southgate features the Splash Park/Downriver YMCA
(also called Southgate Fun & Fitness Centre), as well as the Michigan headquarters for the Sonic Drive-In
fast food restaurant chain.
area. "A metropolitan daily picture story" in late 1956 also gave this explanation.
Southgate's first mayor, Thomas J. Anderson, also stated in 1956 that the name originated from the newly-built Southgate Shopping Center in the middle of the city. "We were trying to get a separate post office for our community, and were advised that it would help our cause if the township board passed a resolution creating an unincorporated village," Anderson explained. "The name Southgate was chosen because of the shopping center then under consideration, and the board agreed that it was an appropriate name. The resolution was adopted at a regular meeting in the early summer of 1953."
Thomas Anderson became the city's first mayor in 1958 after having been Ecorse Township's supervisor for the previous five years. Anderson also has the high school named after him.
. As of November 17, 2009, the current mayor of Southgate is Joseph Kuspa. Other elected city officials are the 7 city councilpersons, a treasurer and a clerk.
, the city has a total area of 6.9 square miles (17.8 km²), all land. Southgate borders the cities of Riverview
(south), Wyandotte
(east), Allen Park
(northwest), Taylor
(west), and Lincoln Park
(north), as well as Brownstown Township
(southwest).
of 2000, there were 30,136 people, 12,836 households, and 8,048 families residing in the city. The population density
was 4,395.8 per square mile (1,696.1/km²). There were 13,361 housing units at an average density of 1,948.9 per square mile (752.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.66% Caucasian, 2.11% African American, 0.50% Native American, 1.67% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.85% from other races
, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.98% of the population.
There were 12,836 households out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples
living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $46,927, and the median income for a family was $56,710. Males had a median income of $45,829 versus $28,549 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $23,219. About 2.6% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
) with cuisines specializing in Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Hungarian, Arabic, and American. Southgate was the first city in Michigan
to have a Sonic Drive-In
chain.
Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar
located in Southgate and holds the Guinness record for the world's largest commercially available hamburger, weighing 185.8 pounds.
operates public schools.
Wayne County, Michigan
-History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern...
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 30,047 at the 2010 census.
Southgate was the last city to incorporate from the former Ecorse Township
Ecorse Township, Michigan
Ecorse Township is a defunct civil township in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan.-Description:The township consisted of 54 mi² , which included two small islands in the Detroit River. It was bordered to the north by Springwells Township with the boundary being the River Rouge...
, gaining city status in October 1958. The city is bounded by Goddard Road and Brest to the north, M-85
M-85 (Michigan highway)
M-85, also known as Fort Street or Fort Road for its entire length, is a state highway route in the U.S. state of Michigan.In Detroit proper, M-85 consists of West Fort street and South Fort street...
/Fort Street and Quarry Road to the east, Pennsylvania Road to the south, and Allen Road to the west. Fordline Street also serves as a border between Southgate and Lincoln Park between Brest and Goddard.
Southgate currently houses the headquarters of The News-Herald
The News-Herald (Southgate, Michigan)
The News-Herald is a newspaper serving the Downriver area, south of Detroit. It is based in Southgate, Michigan, and owned by the Journal Register Company.The newspaper is published every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday...
, a local Downriver
Downriver
Downriver is the unofficial name for a collection of 18 suburban cities and townships in Wayne County, Michigan south of Detroit along the western shore of the Detroit River....
newspaper which covers over twenty surrounding communities. During the late 1950s and 1960s, The Southgate Sentinel, a Mellus newspaper, was published.
The city of Southgate features the Splash Park/Downriver YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
(also called Southgate Fun & Fitness Centre), as well as the Michigan headquarters for the Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, complete with carhops who sometimes wear rollerskates. As of August 31, 2010, there were 3,500 restaurants in 43 U.S. states. Sonic serves approximately 3 million customers daily.-1950s:Following...
fast food restaurant chain.
History
There are two accounts of the city's name: Southgate is described in local guides as being the "South Gate" or entrance to the Metro DetroitMetro Detroit
The Detroit metropolitan area, often referred to as Metro Detroit, is the metropolitan area located in Southeast Michigan centered on the city of Detroit which shares an international border with Windsor, Ontario. The Detroit metropolitan area is the second largest U.S. metropolitan area...
area. "A metropolitan daily picture story" in late 1956 also gave this explanation.
Southgate's first mayor, Thomas J. Anderson, also stated in 1956 that the name originated from the newly-built Southgate Shopping Center in the middle of the city. "We were trying to get a separate post office for our community, and were advised that it would help our cause if the township board passed a resolution creating an unincorporated village," Anderson explained. "The name Southgate was chosen because of the shopping center then under consideration, and the board agreed that it was an appropriate name. The resolution was adopted at a regular meeting in the early summer of 1953."
Thomas Anderson became the city's first mayor in 1958 after having been Ecorse Township's supervisor for the previous five years. Anderson also has the high school named after him.
Government
Previous mayors include (alphabetically): Thomas Anderson, Walter Berklich, William Brainard, Dennis David, Suzanne Hall, James Kandrevas, Robert Reaume, and Norma WurmlingerNorma Wurmlinger
Norma J. Wurmlinger is a former politician and Mayor of Southgate, Michigan who has been term-limited out of office after serving as mayor from the early to late 90s and subsequently re-elected twice a few years later...
. As of November 17, 2009, the current mayor of Southgate is Joseph Kuspa. Other elected city officials are the 7 city councilpersons, a treasurer and a clerk.
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 city has a total area of 6.9 square miles (17.8 km²), all land. Southgate borders the cities of Riverview
Riverview, Michigan
Riverview is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 12,486 at the time of the 2010 census.The city is a suburb in the Metro Detroit area, located along the shore of the Detroit River. Riverview incorporated as a village in 1922 and as a city in 1959...
(south), Wyandotte
Wyandotte, Michigan
Wyandotte is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 25,883 at the 2010 census, a decrease of 7.6% from 2000. Wyandotte is located in southeastern Michigan, approximately south of Detroit on the Detroit River, and is part of the collection of communities known as...
(east), Allen Park
Allen Park, Michigan
Allen Park is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 28,210. The suburb of Detroit was recognized in Money Magazine's list of America's Best Small Cities. Allen Park is part of the collection of communities known as DownriverFord Motor...
(northwest), Taylor
Taylor, Michigan
Taylor is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 63,131 at the 2010 census. Taylor was originally known as Taylor Township and residents of the township voted to incorporate as the City of Taylor in May 1968...
(west), and Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park, Michigan
Lincoln Park is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It lies in an area of cities and communities known as Downriver. The population was 38,144 at the 2010 census . The settlement was organized as a village in 1921, and reorganized as a city in 1925. The area was originally home to...
(north), as well as Brownstown Township
Brownstown Township, Michigan
Brownstown Charter Township is a charter township of Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 30,627 at the 2010 census. It is part of the collection of communities known as Downriver. Brownstown's three separate segments are due to the incorporation of the cities of Flat...
(southwest).
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 30,136 people, 12,836 households, and 8,048 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 4,395.8 per square mile (1,696.1/km²). There were 13,361 housing units at an average density of 1,948.9 per square mile (752.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.66% Caucasian, 2.11% African American, 0.50% Native American, 1.67% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.85% 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 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.98% of the population.
There were 12,836 households out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% 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, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $46,927, and the median income for a family was $56,710. Males had a median income of $45,829 versus $28,549 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 $23,219. About 2.6% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
Dining Capital of Downriver
In the News-Herald the mayor of Southgate stated that the city is the "Dining Capital of Downriver." It is home to several chain restaurants. You can also find an array of small, family-owned restaurants (including a few Coney IslandsConey Island (restaurant)
A Coney Island is a type of restaurant popular in the northern United States, particularly in Michigan, as well as the name for the chili dog after which the restaurant was named.- Genealogy of the name :...
) with cuisines specializing in Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Hungarian, Arabic, and American. Southgate was the first city in 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"....
to have a Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, complete with carhops who sometimes wear rollerskates. As of August 31, 2010, there were 3,500 restaurants in 43 U.S. states. Sonic serves approximately 3 million customers daily.-1950s:Following...
chain.
Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar
Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar
Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar is a restaurant, sports grill, and bar located in Southgate, Michigan. It was established in 2005. It is best known for setting the world record of the biggest hamburger commercially available....
located in Southgate and holds the Guinness record for the world's largest commercially available hamburger, weighing 185.8 pounds.
Public schools
Southgate Community School DistrictSouthgate Community School District
The Southgate Community School District is a school district in Southgate, Michigan. The Board of Education offices are located at 13305 Reeck Road, suite 100.- List of schools :* Elementary** Grogan Elementary** Shelters Elementary** Fordline Elementary...
operates public schools.
- Grogan Elementary
- Chormann Elementary
- North Pointe Elementary
- Fordline Elementary
- Shelters Elementary
- Allen Elementary
- Gerisch Middle School (6th Grade - 7th Grade)
- Davidson Middle School (8th Grade - 9th Grade)
- Southgate Anderson High SchoolSouthgate Anderson High SchoolSouthgate Thomas J. Anderson High School is a high school in Southgate, Michigan, United States.-History:Originally one of two high schools in Southgate, along with the since closed Schafer High School....
(10th Grade - 12th Grade)
Private schools
- St. Pius X (Preschool - 8th Grade)
- Christ the King Lutheran (Preschool - 8th Grade)
- Montessori Center of Downriver (Preschool - Kindergarten)
- Creative Montessori Academy (Preschool - 8th Grade)
- Nanny's Nursery School and Day-Care Center (Pre-School - Kindergarten)
- Kindercare Learning Center (Pre-School - Kindergarten)
Colleges and universities
- Dorsey Business School (Business College)
- Madonna UniversityMadonna UniversityMadonna University is a private, non-profit, Catholic university located in suburban Livonia, Michigan, on the western perimeter of metropolitan Detroit. Conducted by the Felician Sisters, it has extension campuses in Southwest Detroit, Orchard Lake, Michigan Madonna University is a private,...
(DownriverDownriverDownriver is the unofficial name for a collection of 18 suburban cities and townships in Wayne County, Michigan south of Detroit along the western shore of the Detroit River....
Campus) - Northwood UniversityNorthwood UniversityNorthwood University is a private university with multiple locations. The school has four residential campuses: Midland, Michigan , Cedar Hill, Texas , West Palm Beach, Florida and a joint program with Hotel Institute Montreux in Montreux, Switzerland, began in 2001...
(Southgate Campus)
Famous residents
- Bedford DriveBedford DriveBedford Drive is an alternative rock band from Southgate, Michigan, which is located in the Downriver area of Metro Detroit. The band describes its sound as "post-hardcore power pop." The line up includes: Scott Anger , Ed Sertage , Michelle Bojanowski and Ryan Looney...
- Alternative rockAlternative rockAlternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band - Eric Champnella - Screenwriter (EddieEddie (film)Eddie is a 1996 comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Frank Langella. It was a moderate success, grossing $31,387,164 in the US.The film was directed by Steve Rash.- Plot summary :...
, Mr. 3000Mr. 3000Mr. 3000 is a 2004 American sports comedy film starring Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett. The film's plot surrounds a retired Major League Baseball player who makes a comeback at age 47 in order to attain 3,000 hits.-Plot:...
) - Jeff Jones - Former 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...
pitcher; current pitching coach for the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant... - Jeff KaiserJeff KaiserJeffrey Patrick Kaiser is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched parts of seven seasons in the majors for five different teams between and . During those seasons, he never pitched more than 15 games, nor more than 16.2 innings at the major league level. He finished his career with an...
- 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...
pitcher - Nate KiserNate KiserNate Kiser is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.-Playing career:...
- East Coast Hockey League player for the South Carolina StingraysSouth Carolina StingraysThe South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... - Keith Mitchell - Screenwriter (EddieEddieEddie or Eddy may refer to:*Eddy *Eddie *Eddy -In music:*Eddie from Ohio, an American folk band*Eddie the Head, the mascot for the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden-Other:...
, Mr. 3000Mr. 3000Mr. 3000 is a 2004 American sports comedy film starring Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett. The film's plot surrounds a retired Major League Baseball player who makes a comeback at age 47 in order to attain 3,000 hits.-Plot:...
)