Grant, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Grant is a city in Newaygo County
in the U.S. state
of Michigan
. The population was 894 at the 2010 census. The city is on the boundary between Grant Township
and Ashland Township
, but is politically independent of both. It is a part of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, Michigan combined statistical area, and is an exurb of Grand Rapids
, due to its major commuter route into Grand Rapids along M-37
and into Muskegon along M-46
, both cities being about 30 minutes away.
, the city has a total area of 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²), of which, 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (2.99%) is water.
of 2000, there were 881 people, 323 households, and 214 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,350.1 per square mile (523.3/km²). There were 344 housing units at an average density of 527.2 per square mile (204.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.12% White, 0.23% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 2.04% from other races
, and 2.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.33% of the population.
There were 323 households out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples
living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.6% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,972, and the median income for a family was $44,583. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $16,696 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,308. About 11.1% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.1% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.
. Grant is 25 miles (40.2 km) north of Grand Rapids
, 25 miles (40.2 km) north-east of Muskegon
(the two principal cities in West Michigan
), and 160 miles (257.5 km) northeast of Chicago
. The community of Grant is known for the Fine Arts. The Grant Fine Arts Center
seats about 800 people, and holds many events throughout the year. Grant is also known for its prominent agricultural industry, In 1915, 10 to 12 cars of peaches were shipped from Grant per day, and in the 1930s countless carloads of onions were also being shipped from Grant, for awhile earning it the title of “Onion Capital of the World.” Since then area growers now plant a variety of different crops, and no longer ship record amounts of onions, however having some of the largest muck farms east of the Mississippi River
, produce grown in Grant still finds its way to grocery stores across North America.
operates four main school buildings all located relatively close to each other: two Elementary schools (K-4), one Middle school (5-8), and one High school (9-12). The district also operates the Grant Learning Center which houses the Alternative High School, as well as the Building Bridges Preschool. In September 2002, the community voted in favor of a bonding proposal for 26 years, to construct a $7.4 million state-of-the-art Fine Arts Center
. Student enrollment of over 2,400 is the second largest in Newaygo County and the Graduation Rate of 97.03% is the highest in the County.
The Grant Christian School is located 4 miles (6.4 km) east of the city in Grant Township
at 12931 Poplar Avenue. It is a multi-denominational, private and parent controlled institution governed by a Board of Trustees which are elected from the supporting school society. The school has been in operation since 1946, it educates approximately 100 students in grades PK-8, and is a member of Christian Schools International
.
The Grant Area District Library (GADL) is located at 122 South Elder, near the Middle School. The library serves a population of about 8,500 people with a collection of about 30,000 items. Annually the library circulate over 57,000 items. It is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative and participates in Copperative's Interlibrary Loan Program. Which allows GADL patrons access to almost 4 million items from 84 other member libraries.
and Civil War
General Ulysses S. Grant
. During the community's early years, 20000 board feet (47.2 m³) of lumber and 30,000 shingles per day were shipped out of Grant. In 1885 Squire was producing 1000000 board feet (2,359.7 m³)of lumber per year, in 1872 and 1873 nine million feet of logs were shipped to Grand Rapids from Newaygo County most all of it came from the Ashland Station (Present day Grant) at the rate of 100,000 a day.
Newaygo County, Michigan
Newaygo County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Grand Rapids–Wyoming, MI, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,460. The county seat is White Cloud. Newaygo County was either named for an Ojibwe leader who signed the Saginaw...
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 894 at the 2010 census. The city is on the boundary between Grant Township
Grant Township, Newaygo County, Michigan
Grant Township is a civil township of Newaygo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 3,130...
and Ashland Township
Ashland Township, Michigan
Ashland Township is a civil township of Newaygo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 2,570. The city of Grant is adjacent to the township...
, but is politically independent of both. It is a part of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, Michigan combined statistical area, and is an exurb of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, due to its major commuter route into Grand Rapids along M-37
M-37 (Michigan highway)
M-37 is a north–south state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. The southern terminus is near the border between Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties at exit 92 of Interstate 94 southwest of Battle Creek. The northern terminus is at the Mission Point Light on Old Mission Point in Grand...
and into Muskegon along M-46
M-46 (Michigan highway)
M-46 is an east–west state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan between Muskegon and Port Sanilac, terminating near Lake Michigan and Lake Huron on each end. Except for the north–south segment that corresponds with the US Highway 131 freeway between Cedar Springs and Howard City, M-46 is...
, both cities being about 30 minutes away.
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 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²), of which, 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (2.99%) 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 881 people, 323 households, and 214 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 1,350.1 per square mile (523.3/km²). There were 344 housing units at an average density of 527.2 per square mile (204.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.12% White, 0.23% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 2.04% 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 2.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.33% of the population.
There were 323 households out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% 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, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.6% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,972, and the median income for a family was $44,583. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $16,696 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 city was $15,308. About 11.1% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.1% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.
Community Information
The City of Grant is located in Newaygo County at the junction of 120th and M-37M-37 (Michigan highway)
M-37 is a north–south state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. The southern terminus is near the border between Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties at exit 92 of Interstate 94 southwest of Battle Creek. The northern terminus is at the Mission Point Light on Old Mission Point in Grand...
. Grant is 25 miles (40.2 km) north of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, 25 miles (40.2 km) north-east of Muskegon
Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38,401. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County...
(the two principal cities in West Michigan
Western Michigan
West Michigan and Western Michigan are terms for an arbitrarily selected region in the U.S. state of Michigan in its Lower Peninsula. There is no official definition for what constitutes "West Michigan." The area of West Michigan may also include parts Southern Michigan.-Definition:In general,...
), and 160 miles (257.5 km) northeast of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. The community of Grant is known for the Fine Arts. The Grant Fine Arts Center
Grant Fine Arts Center
The Grant Fine Arts Center is a performance venue and teaching facility operated by the Grant Public School District in Grant, Michigan. The facility is used for numerous events including musical and theatrical performances, films, meetings, fundraisers, and other special events...
seats about 800 people, and holds many events throughout the year. Grant is also known for its prominent agricultural industry, In 1915, 10 to 12 cars of peaches were shipped from Grant per day, and in the 1930s countless carloads of onions were also being shipped from Grant, for awhile earning it the title of “Onion Capital of the World.” Since then area growers now plant a variety of different crops, and no longer ship record amounts of onions, however having some of the largest muck farms east of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, produce grown in Grant still finds its way to grocery stores across North America.
Education
The Grant Public School DistrictGrant Public School District
The Grant Public School District is a K–12 public school district located in Grant, Michigan. The district operates in the City of Grant, and the townships of Ashland, Bridgeton, Ensley, Grant, and portions of Casnovia, Garfield, Solon, Tyrone, and Moorland...
operates four main school buildings all located relatively close to each other: two Elementary schools (K-4), one Middle school (5-8), and one High school (9-12). The district also operates the Grant Learning Center which houses the Alternative High School, as well as the Building Bridges Preschool. In September 2002, the community voted in favor of a bonding proposal for 26 years, to construct a $7.4 million state-of-the-art Fine Arts Center
Grant Fine Arts Center
The Grant Fine Arts Center is a performance venue and teaching facility operated by the Grant Public School District in Grant, Michigan. The facility is used for numerous events including musical and theatrical performances, films, meetings, fundraisers, and other special events...
. Student enrollment of over 2,400 is the second largest in Newaygo County and the Graduation Rate of 97.03% is the highest in the County.
The Grant Christian School is located 4 miles (6.4 km) east of the city in Grant Township
Grant Township, Newaygo County, Michigan
Grant Township is a civil township of Newaygo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 3,130...
at 12931 Poplar Avenue. It is a multi-denominational, private and parent controlled institution governed by a Board of Trustees which are elected from the supporting school society. The school has been in operation since 1946, it educates approximately 100 students in grades PK-8, and is a member of Christian Schools International
Christian Schools International
Christian Schools International was established in 1920 and supports Christian school teachers who want Bible-based textbooks for their classrooms, principals and school administrators investigating employee benefit plans, Christian school board members seeking information about governance, and...
.
The Grant Area District Library (GADL) is located at 122 South Elder, near the Middle School. The library serves a population of about 8,500 people with a collection of about 30,000 items. Annually the library circulate over 57,000 items. It is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative and participates in Copperative's Interlibrary Loan Program. Which allows GADL patrons access to almost 4 million items from 84 other member libraries.
History
The history of "Grant Center" starts in 1882. In that year Andrew J. Squier built the first saw mill. In that same year a railroad station was also built on the Pere Marquette Railroad in Grant Center. Grant Center was incorporated in 1893, with the name was shortened to Grant in 1899. The City of Grant is named after PresidentPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
and 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...
General Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States as well as military commander during the Civil War and post-war Reconstruction periods. Under Grant's command, the Union Army defeated the Confederate military and ended the Confederate States of America...
. During the community's early years, 20000 board feet (47.2 m³) of lumber and 30,000 shingles per day were shipped out of Grant. In 1885 Squire was producing 1000000 board feet (2,359.7 m³)of lumber per year, in 1872 and 1873 nine million feet of logs were shipped to Grand Rapids from Newaygo County most all of it came from the Ashland Station (Present day Grant) at the rate of 100,000 a day.
Notable people from Grant
- William Herman Bolthouse, early founder of Wm. Bolthouse FarmsBolthouse FarmsBolthouse Farms, founded 1915 in Grant, Michigan, is a vertically integrated farm company located in California's San Joaquin Valley and headquartered in Bakersfield, California. The company still operates some facilities in Prosser, Washington, but shut down operations in Michigan in June 2010...
. Which is a national leading producer of carrots and super premium refrigerated products. - Kristian OstergaardKristian OstergaardKristian Ostergaard was Danish-American Lutheran pastor, educator and author.-Background:Kristian Ostergaard was born in Østergård in the Hjerm parish of Viborg County, now Struer Municipality, Region Midtjylland, Denmark.-Career:Ostergaard immigrated to the United States where he worked at...
- Danish-American Lutheran Minister and founder of the Ashland Folk School (1882–1938).