Webster (town), New York
Encyclopedia
Webster is a town
in the northeast corner of Monroe County
, New York
, United States
. The town is named after orator and statesman Daniel Webster
. The population was 42,641 at the 2010 census.
The town's motto is "Where Life Is Worth Living." It is the fastest-growing suburb of Rochester
, New York
. The town contains a village also named Webster
.
, on the east by Wayne County
, on the west by Irondequoit Bay
, and on the south by the Town of Penfield
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 35.5 square miles (91.9 km²), of which 34.0 square miles (88.2 km²) is land and 1.5 square miles (3.8 km²) (4.09%) is water.
of 2000, there were 37,926 people, 14,750 households, and 10,679 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,114.2 people per square mile (430.2/km²). There were 15,218 housing units at an average density of 447.1 per square mile (172.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.99% White, 1.10% Black or African American
, 0.10% Native American, 1.95% Asian, 0.4% from other races
, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.
Among the 14,750 households, 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples
living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,746, and the median income for a family was $69,629. Males had a median income of $50,263 versus $33,197 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $26,791. About 2.5% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.
in nearby Rochester
about the economy. Whig farmers from North Penfield, who were part of Webster's audience, were so impressed by his eloquence that when they petitioned the state legislature for separate town status from Penfield, they chose to name it in his honor. On February 6, 1840, the northern part of Penfield was officially established as the town of Webster with an initial population of 2,235.
Webster has its own museum dedicated to sharing the town's history with its citizens. The museum has many permanent historical displays, and also features changing displays for different times of the year.
(K-12), consisting of seven elementary schools (DeWitt Road, Klem North , Klem South, Plank North, Plank South, Schlegel Road, State Road), two middle schools (Spry, Willink), and two high schools (Thomas, Schroeder). Also within the town are several private or parochial schools, including St. Rita School and Webster Christian School. The Webster Montessori School (elementary) is just south of the town line in Penfield, yet served by the Webster school district.
The Webster Schroeder High School football team has won three New York State Championships in Class AA (a designation based on number of students). At one point, they had a winning streak of 31 games. In the USA Today High School football Super 25, Schroeder was, at one time, ranked #21 in the nation. At least five Webster players have gone on to play Division 1 college football at Syracuse, Michigan and Colgate, among others.
In March, 2008, the Webster Thomas High School hockey team, in only its sixth year of competition, won the New York State Championship in Division II, beating Thousand Islands by a score of 5-2. The Webster Thomas soccer team also has won the sectional title 3 years in a row and went on to the state finals in 2007. The soccer team has produced two division 1 soccer athletes both attending Colgate University. The men's lacrosse team won a sectional title in 2009 and has produced many division 1 athletes under Coach Rob Ruller. The women's Lacrosse team has also won a section V title in 2007.
Webster's sports facilities include two lighted stadiums, a hockey/soccer complex, an indoor track and an Olympic-size indoor pool.
Webster has several sports clubs including the Webster Cyclones (youth hockey), Webster Lacrosse Club, and Webster Soccer Association. The annual Webster Lakefront Classic, run by the Webster Soccer Association, is one of the largest soccer tournaments in the Greater Rochester area and takes place annually on Father's Day weekend.
Fire Protection is covered by three agencies. In the west side of town, the West Webster Fire Department proves Fire Protection. It is an all Volunteer department. Fire stations are located at Gravel, Backus, and Plank Roads.
The central and eastern parts of town, including the village, are protected by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department. It is an all volunteer department as it has been for over one hundred years. Fire stations located on South Avenue in the Village and Plank Road in Penfield.
The Easternmost portion of the town between Salt and County Line Roads, is protected by the Union Hill Volunteer Fire Department, located at the border of Webster and Ontario.
Ambulance Service is provided by West Webster in the West, and Union Hill in the East. North East Quadrant Advanced Life Support Inc. provides ALS care for all patients in need. Webster, West Webster, and Union Hill provide EMS separate from ambulance depending on the severity of the call.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in the northeast corner of Monroe County
Monroe County, New York
Monroe County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 744,344. It is named after James Monroe, fifth President of the United States of America. Its county seat is the city of Rochester....
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The town is named after orator and statesman Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster was a leading American statesman and senator from Massachusetts during the period leading up to the Civil War. He first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests...
. The population was 42,641 at the 2010 census.
The town's motto is "Where Life Is Worth Living." It is the fastest-growing suburb of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The town contains a village also named Webster
Webster (village), New York
Webster is a village in Monroe County, New York, United States. The population was 5,216 at the 2000 census. The village and town are named after orator and statesman Daniel Webster....
.
Geography
The town of Webster is bordered on the north by Lake OntarioLake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
, on the east by Wayne County
Wayne County, New York
Wayne County is a county located in the US state of New York. It is part of the Rochester, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies on the south shore of Lake Ontario, forming part of the northern border of the United States with Canada. The name honors General Anthony Wayne, an American...
, on the west by Irondequoit Bay
Irondequoit Bay
Irondequoit Bay is a large body of water located in northeastern Monroe County, New York. The bay, roughly wide and in length, is fed by Irondequoit Creek to the south and flows into Lake Ontario at its northern end...
, and on the south by the Town of Penfield
Penfield, New York
Penfield is a town in Monroe County, New York, United States. The population was 36,242 at the 2010 census.The town was incorporated in 1810 by the proprietor, Daniel Penfield, who purchased the town lands in 1795 and moved to the area in 1809. Penfield is a suburb of Rochester, New York...
.
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 town has a total area of 35.5 square miles (91.9 km²), of which 34.0 square miles (88.2 km²) is land and 1.5 square miles (3.8 km²) (4.09%) 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 37,926 people, 14,750 households, and 10,679 families residing in the town. 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 1,114.2 people per square mile (430.2/km²). There were 15,218 housing units at an average density of 447.1 per square mile (172.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.99% White, 1.10% Black or African American
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...
, 0.10% Native American, 1.95% Asian, 0.4% 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 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.
Among the 14,750 households, 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% 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, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $58,746, and the median income for a family was $69,629. Males had a median income of $50,263 versus $33,197 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 town was $26,791. About 2.5% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.
History
On July 25, 1837, orator and statesman Daniel Webster spoke to a gathering of WhigsWhig Party (United States)
The Whig Party was a political party of the United States during the era of Jacksonian democracy. Considered integral to the Second Party System and operating from the early 1830s to the mid-1850s, the party was formed in opposition to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and his Democratic...
in nearby Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
about the economy. Whig farmers from North Penfield, who were part of Webster's audience, were so impressed by his eloquence that when they petitioned the state legislature for separate town status from Penfield, they chose to name it in his honor. On February 6, 1840, the northern part of Penfield was officially established as the town of Webster with an initial population of 2,235.
Webster has its own museum dedicated to sharing the town's history with its citizens. The museum has many permanent historical displays, and also features changing displays for different times of the year.
Education
Webster's public schools are under the direction of the Webster Central School DistrictWebster Central School District
The Webster Central School District is a public school district in New York State that serves approximately 9000 students in the town and village of Webster and portions of Penfield in Monroe County and portions of Ontario and Walworth in Wayne County with over 1400 employees and an operating...
(K-12), consisting of seven elementary schools (DeWitt Road, Klem North , Klem South, Plank North, Plank South, Schlegel Road, State Road), two middle schools (Spry, Willink), and two high schools (Thomas, Schroeder). Also within the town are several private or parochial schools, including St. Rita School and Webster Christian School. The Webster Montessori School (elementary) is just south of the town line in Penfield, yet served by the Webster school district.
- See also: List of school districts in New York
Sports Community
On May 15, 2005, Webster was awarded the title of "Number 1 Sportstown in New York" by Sports Illustrated. SI Publisher David Morris said that "Webster's commitment to finding creative and resourceful ways to enhance sports for the well-being of its community fits perfectly with the principles of our Sportstown program, as well as the overall mission of our anniversary celebration."The Webster Schroeder High School football team has won three New York State Championships in Class AA (a designation based on number of students). At one point, they had a winning streak of 31 games. In the USA Today High School football Super 25, Schroeder was, at one time, ranked #21 in the nation. At least five Webster players have gone on to play Division 1 college football at Syracuse, Michigan and Colgate, among others.
In March, 2008, the Webster Thomas High School hockey team, in only its sixth year of competition, won the New York State Championship in Division II, beating Thousand Islands by a score of 5-2. The Webster Thomas soccer team also has won the sectional title 3 years in a row and went on to the state finals in 2007. The soccer team has produced two division 1 soccer athletes both attending Colgate University. The men's lacrosse team won a sectional title in 2009 and has produced many division 1 athletes under Coach Rob Ruller. The women's Lacrosse team has also won a section V title in 2007.
Webster's sports facilities include two lighted stadiums, a hockey/soccer complex, an indoor track and an Olympic-size indoor pool.
Webster has several sports clubs including the Webster Cyclones (youth hockey), Webster Lacrosse Club, and Webster Soccer Association. The annual Webster Lakefront Classic, run by the Webster Soccer Association, is one of the largest soccer tournaments in the Greater Rochester area and takes place annually on Father's Day weekend.
Public Safety
The Webster Police Department protects the citizens of Webster as a New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council agency. Gerald Pickering is the current Chief of the Department. It consists of thirty five sworn officers and various other employees.Fire Protection is covered by three agencies. In the west side of town, the West Webster Fire Department proves Fire Protection. It is an all Volunteer department. Fire stations are located at Gravel, Backus, and Plank Roads.
The central and eastern parts of town, including the village, are protected by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department. It is an all volunteer department as it has been for over one hundred years. Fire stations located on South Avenue in the Village and Plank Road in Penfield.
The Easternmost portion of the town between Salt and County Line Roads, is protected by the Union Hill Volunteer Fire Department, located at the border of Webster and Ontario.
Ambulance Service is provided by West Webster in the West, and Union Hill in the East. North East Quadrant Advanced Life Support Inc. provides ALS care for all patients in need. Webster, West Webster, and Union Hill provide EMS separate from ambulance depending on the severity of the call.
Notable people from Webster
- Brian BlissBrian BlissBrian Boyer Bliss is a retired American soccer defender and former coach of the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer. He played professionally in Europe and the United States including the original Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and...
- former player for the USA men's national soccer team, former coach of the Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Kansas City WizardsKansas City WizardsSporting Kansas City is an American professional soccer club based in Kansas City, Kansas that competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada...
, currently technical director Columbus CrewColumbus CrewThe Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... - Paul BuchheitPaul BuchheitPaul Buchheit is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur. He was the creator and lead developer of Gmail. He developed the original prototype of Google AdSense as part of his work on Gmail. He also suggested the company's now-famous motto "Don't be evil" in a 2000 meeting on company values...
- Lead developer of gmailGmailGmail is a free, advertising-supported email service provided by Google. Users may access Gmail as secure webmail, as well via POP3 or IMAP protocols. Gmail was launched as an invitation-only beta release on April 1, 2004 and it became available to the general public on February 7, 2007, though...
and originator of the GoogleGoogleGoogle Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
motto "Don't be Evil". - Pat Kelly - Professional American FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
Player for the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Brian KozlowskiBrian KozlowskiBrian Scott Kozlowski is an American football tight end in the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1993...
- Professional American FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
Player for the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. - Edward Tsang Lu - space shuttleSpace ShuttleThe Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
astronaut (also resided on the International Space StationInternational Space StationThe International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
) - Wendy O. WilliamsWendy O. WilliamsWendy Orlean Williams , better known as Wendy O. Williams, was the lead singer for the American punk band the Plasmatics, as well as a solo artist...
- late lead singer of the punk band The Plasmatics. - Robert Pape - International Federation of Competitive EatingInternational Federation of Competitive EatingThe International Federation of Competitive Eating, Inc. is an organization that supervises and regulates eating contests across the globe, acting as a central resource for the sport. Top events include the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, La Costena "Feel the Heat" Jalapeno Eating Challenge, and...
trainer. - Eric Bauman - creator of Ebaums World.
- Kara Lynn JoyceKara Lynn JoyceKara Lynn Joyce is an American swimmer and four-time Olympic silver medalist.-High school career:...
- Swimmer, US National TeamUnited States at the OlympicsThe United States of America has sent athletes to every celebration of the modern Olympic Games, except the 1980 Summer Olympics, which it boycotted.The United States Olympic Committee is the National Olympic Committee for the United States....
, Olympic Medalist - Lou Gramm - former front man of Foreigner (band)Foreigner (band)Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm...
, resides in Webster. - Susan GibneySusan GibneySusan Gibney is an American actress. She has 5 older, and two younger, siblings. She moved to Webster, New York at a young age, returned to California to live several times, and again has lived in Webster since 2004. Susan graduated from Buffalo State College in New York with a major in theater...
- Actress. She played two different characters on Start Trek TNG and DS9. - Grant CatalinoGrant CatalinoGrant Catalino is an American lacrosse player from Webster, New York. He is an attackman for the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse and a forward for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League...
- Lacrosse player. Plays attack for the University of Maryland. Webster Shroeder High School, (2007). Denver MLL draft pick.
Communities and locations in the Town of Webster
- Avalon Estates – A neighborhood development located off Phillips Rd.
- Forest Lawn – A neighborhood in the northwest part of the town, on the shore of Lake Ontario.
- Glen Edith – A location on the west side of the town, on the shore of Irondequoit Bay.
- Oakmonte – A large neighborhood in the central-southern part of the town consisting of private homes, apartments, and townhomes.
Further reading
- Dunn, Esther. Webster Through the Years. Webster, NY: Webster Town Board, 1971.