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Information About

Waterbury, Connecticut




In the past, Waterbury had large industrial interests, and was the leading center of the United States for the manufacture of brassware (including castings and finishings). It was noted for the manufacture of watches and clocks. Waterbury's nickname is Brass City. Indeed, the city's motto is ''Quid Aere Perennius'', which means "What Is More Lasting Than Brass."

The city is on Interstate 84 and is the hometown of former Connecticut Governor John Rowland . The city has a Metro North railroad station and is home to Post University and a regional campus of the University Of Connecticut .


HISTORY

Settled in 1674, Waterbury was part of Farmington until 1686, when it was incorporated as a town and its present name adopted in place of the old Indian name, ''Mattatuck''. It was incorporated as a city in 1853. In 1900, the town and the city of Waterbury were united into one municipality.


GEOGRAPHY

According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 74.9 Km&2 (28.9 Mi&2 ). 74.0 km&2 (28.6 mi&2) of it is land and 0.9 km&2 (0.3 mi&2) of it is water. The total area is 1.21% water.


DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the Census 2 of 2000, there were 107,271 people, 42,622 households, and 26,894 families residing in the city. The Population Density was 1,449.7/km&2 (3,754.7/mi&2). There were 46,827 housing units at an average density of 632.8/km&2 (1,639.0/mi&2). The racial makeup of the city was 67.14% White , 16.31% Black or African American , 0.42% Native American , 1.51% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 10.91% from Other Races , and 3.66% from two or more races. 21.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 42,622 households out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% were Married Couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city the population was spread out with 26.5% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,285, and the median income for a family was $42,300. Males had a median income of $35,486 versus $27,428 for females. The Per Capita Income for the city was $17,701. 16.0% of the population and 12.7% of families were below the Poverty Line . 23.6% of those under the age of 18 and 11.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.


GOVERNMENT

As of December 2005, Waterbury's elected officials to take office in 2006 include:

Aldermen as of December 2005 (not reflecting November 8th Municipal Election Results)

John S. Monagan , who is a prolific author in addition to his political responsibilities, served as Waterbury's mayor from 1943 to 1948. He also served as its district's congressional representative from 1959 to 1973. Two of Waterbury's recent mayors, Joseph Santopietro and Philip Giordano , have both served jail sentences for wrongdoings during their terms. Giordano remains incarcerated as of May 2005. Waterbury is in serious financial straits due to years of mismanagement and kickback schemes orchestrated by the mayors and their supporters.


EDUCATION

The city's schools are operated by Waterbury Public Schools .

The four public high schools in Waterbury are Crosby, Kaynor Technical, Kennedy, and Wilby High Schools. Private high schools include Chase Collegiate (formerly St. Margaret's-McTernan), Holy Cross High School, and Sacred Heart High School.


TRIVIA

  • Waterbury native and former Connecticut Governor John Rowland (R) resigned from office on July 1 , 2004 after prolonged investigation for corruption. As of August 2004, there are still Federal Grand Jury proceedings pending against him for the alleged appropriation of state contracts to political supporters in return for personal gifts.

  • Previous Mayor Philip Giordano (R) was stripped of power in 2001 after a corruption investigation revealed alleged sexual acts with a minor and other possible Pedophilia charges. In 2003 , he was convicted and sentenced to 37 years in federal prison.

  • Former Mayor Joseph Santopietro (R) had been convicted for corruption in 1992 .

  • Waterbury's Post Office was once known for its Fancy Stamp Cancellations .

  • In 1957 , George Metesky, AKA "The Mad Bomber" was arrested in Waterbury.

  • Massive metal sculptures by Alexander Calder were fabricated in Waterbury at the Waterbury Iron Works and Segre Iron Works.

  • Waterbury was the childhood home of movie star Rosalind Russell .

  • Actor Bob Crane of Hogans Heroes fame was born in Waterbury and had a radio program on WATR.

  • Well known in music circles, guitar historian James Shine, Jr. was born and raised in the North End of Waterbury.

  • Boston Celtics forward Ryan Gomes was born and raised in Waterbury.



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