Kokomo, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Kokomo is a city in and the county seat
of Howard County
, Indiana
, United States
, Indiana's 13th largest city. It is the principal city of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area
, which includes all of Howard and Tipton
counties.
Kokomo's population was 45,468 at the 2010 census
.
, which is sometimes spelled as "Koh-Koh-Mah" or "Kokomoko". His name translates to Black Walnut. There was a trading post for commerce between Native American
s and European-Americans here in the early 19th century. David Foster founded the first trading post in Howard County. In 1844, Foster donated 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) of his land to create a county seat
in Kokomo, which was a log courthouse, for use in the community. It was incorporated as a city in 1865.
Kokomo is officially known as the "City of Firsts" for, among other achievements, being a pioneer of United States automobile manufacturing, with Elwood Haynes
test-driving his early internal combustion engine auto there on July 4, 1894. Haynes and his associates built a number of other autos over the next few years; the Haynes-Apperson
Automobile Company for mass-production of commercial autos was established in Kokomo in 1898. Haynes went on to invent Stainless Steel flatware in 1912 to give his wife tarnish-free dinnerware. In 1938, the Delco Radio Division of General Motors (now Delphi) developed the first push button car radio.
On October 6, 1886, natural gas
was discovered in Kokomo, leading to a "boom" in business
. This discovery was directly responsible for Elwood Haynes' move to Kokomo, as he was a superintendent with a gas company with interests in Kokomo and Howard County. The Diamond Plate Glass Company began in Kokomo in 1887, lured by the cheap and plentiful natural gas. This company later became part of Pittsburgh Plate Glass
, or PPG.
The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works
started making stained glass
in Kokomo in 1888 and has been in continuous operation ever since.
On July 4, 1923, Kokomo achieved national notoriety when it hosted the largest Ku Klux Klan
gathering in history. An estimated 200,000 Klan members and supporters gathered in Malfalfa Park for a mighty Konklave and the elevation of D. C. Stephenson
to Grand Dragon of the Indiana Klan. A huge flag was used that day to collect a reported $50,000 for construction of a local “Klan hospital” so that Klan members would not have to be treated at the only local hospital, which was Catholic. At that time Indiana was a Klan stronghold, and as much as 50 percent of white males in parts of Indiana were Klan members. Both men’s and women’s Klans held weekly rallies and initiations in Malfalfa Park, and Kokomo’s Klanswomen held meetings at the armory, the local headquarters of the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, and churches. A speech at a Baptist church was attended by 1000 Klanswomen.
Kokomo serves as the "City of Firsts" in the food industry as well. In 1928 Walter Kemp, Kemp Brothers Canning Co. developed the first canned tomato juice
because of a request by a physician in search for baby food for his clinic. Kokomo is also home to the first mechanical corn picker which was developed by a man named John Powell in the early 1920s. In modern times, Kokomo was home to the first Ponderosa Steakhouse Kokomo opened the first McDonald's
with a diner inside, locally called "McDiner." This McDonald's theme failed nationally. Eventually, the "McDiner" closed and was converted back to a regular McDonald's restaurant.
Much of the town was damaged or destroyed on April 11, 1965, by an F4 tornado that was part of the Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak.
Kokomo served to symbolize the nation's early misunderstanding and ignorance of AIDS
in the mid-to-late 1980s when Ryan White
(1971–1990) was expelled from school due to his illness. White was a teenage hemophiliac who had been mistakenly infected with HIV
during a medical procedure. The teen had been attending Western Middle School
but was ostracized by his classmates, and forced to eat lunch by himself and use a separate restroom. Many parents and teachers in Kokomo rallied in support of banning White from attending the school. A lengthy legal battle with the school system ensued, followed by death threats and violence against White and his family, including a bullet being fired through the window their Kokomo home. Media coverage of the case made White into a national celebrity and spokesman for AIDS research and public education. In 1987, the White family left Kokomo for Cicero, Indiana
, where Ryan attended Hamilton Heights High School
, and was welcomed by faculty and students who had been educated about the disease.
advertisement. On September 7, 2003, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Gas Tower was demolished by Controlled Demolition, Inc.
(CDI). Pieces of the tower were sold to the public for $20–30, and proceeds went to a planned Kokomo technology incubation center and Bona Vista
.
Kokomo is the larger principal city of the Kokomo-Peru CSA, a Combined Statistical Area
that includes the Kokomo metropolitan area
(Howard and Tipton
counties) and the Peru micropolitan area
(Miami County
), which had a combined population of 137,623 at the 2000 census
.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 46,113 people, 20,273 households, and 12,204 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,847.2 people per square mile (1,099.0/km²). There were 22,292 housing units at an average density of 1,376.4 per square mile (531.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.10% White, 10.34% African American, 0.38% Native American, 1.14% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races
, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.61% of the population.
There were 20,273 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couples
living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.
The median income for a households in the city was $36,258, and the median income for a family was $45,353. Males had a median income of $38,420 versus $24,868 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,083. About 9.6% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
In Dec. 2008 Kokomo was listed third by Forbes
in a list of America
's fastest dying towns.
This is attributed to the financial problems of the automotive industry. However, in May 2011 Forbes listed Kokomo as one of the "Best Cities for Jobs" after the city ascended 177 places in their rankings. The same article in Forbes described Kokomo's success in the past few years as "inspirational.". Forbes was not alone in documenting Kokomo's economic renaissance, in June 2011 Conexus released a report touting Kokomo's "rapid bounce" after the recession.
) Greg Goodnight (2008–present). The two previous mayors have been (Republican
) Matt McKillip (2004–2008) and (Republican
) Jim Trobaugh. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.
has become one of the state's most congested roadways. In Howard County, there are currently 15 traffic signals on US 31. US 31 connects Indianapolis
, Kokomo, and South Bend. In the next decade, Kokomo will see a new interstate-style roadway on the east side of city limits. It will have interchanges at SR 26, Boulevard, Markland Avenue, Touby Pike, as well as where the current US 31 meets the new US 31. There will be similar changes to areas near South Bend and Indianapolis. The construction in Howard County will cost roughly $340 million. Construction started on the County Road 200 South bridge on November 1, 2008 and construction will continue for the next 6 years.
which is an attraction in itself. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only neighborhood in Howard County on the register. Howard County Historical Society
, located on 1530 East Boulevard. In addition to AMC, Kokomo also has several forms of live entertainment, including choirs, a Park Band Association, and three live theatres. Live entertainment includes:
Highways
Railroads
Bus Service
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Howard County
Howard County, Indiana
Howard County is one of 92 counties in the U.S. state of Indiana. It is part of the Kokomo, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Howard and Tipton counties. Originally named Richardville County, it was rechristened in 1844 to commemorate General Tilghman Ashurst Howard. As of...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Indiana's 13th largest city. It is the principal city of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area
Kokomo metropolitan area
The Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties in Indiana, anchored by the city of Kokomo...
, which includes all of Howard and Tipton
Tipton County, Indiana
Tipton County is located in central Indiana, north of the state capital of Indianapolis. Before the arrival of non-indigenous settlers in the early 19th century, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes. The county was officially established in 1844 and was one of the last Indiana...
counties.
Kokomo's population was 45,468 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
.
History
Kokomo was named after a Miami Indian referred to as a chief, but later found to be local legend Ma-Ko-Ko-MoMa-Ko-Ko-Mo
Chief Ma-Ko-Ko-Mo, sometimes referred as Koh-Koh-Mah or Kokomoko, was a chief of the Miami. His name translates to Black Walnut.Kokomo, Indiana is named for Ma-Ko-Ko-Mo. His burial monument is located east of downtown Kokomo.-Historical reenactment:...
, which is sometimes spelled as "Koh-Koh-Mah" or "Kokomoko". His name translates to Black Walnut. There was a trading post for commerce between Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
s and European-Americans here in the early 19th century. David Foster founded the first trading post in Howard County. In 1844, Foster donated 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) of his land to create a county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
in Kokomo, which was a log courthouse, for use in the community. It was incorporated as a city in 1865.
Kokomo is officially known as the "City of Firsts" for, among other achievements, being a pioneer of United States automobile manufacturing, with Elwood Haynes
Elwood Haynes
Elwood P. Haynes was an American inventor, metallurgist, automotive pioneer, entrepreneur and industrialist. He invented the metal alloys stellite and martensitic stainless steel and designed one of the earliest automobiles made in the United States...
test-driving his early internal combustion engine auto there on July 4, 1894. Haynes and his associates built a number of other autos over the next few years; the Haynes-Apperson
Haynes-Apperson
Haynes-Apperson Company was a manufacturer of Brass Era automobiles in Kokomo, Indiana, from 1896 to 1905. It was the first automobile manufacturer in Indiana, and among the first in the United States...
Automobile Company for mass-production of commercial autos was established in Kokomo in 1898. Haynes went on to invent Stainless Steel flatware in 1912 to give his wife tarnish-free dinnerware. In 1938, the Delco Radio Division of General Motors (now Delphi) developed the first push button car radio.
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
was discovered in Kokomo, leading to a "boom" in business
Indiana Gas Boom
The Indiana Gas Boom was a period of active drilling and production of natural gas in the Trenton Gas Field, in the US state of Indiana and the adjacent northwest part of Ohio The boom began in the early 1880s and lasted into the early twentieth century....
. This discovery was directly responsible for Elwood Haynes' move to Kokomo, as he was a superintendent with a gas company with interests in Kokomo and Howard County. The Diamond Plate Glass Company began in Kokomo in 1887, lured by the cheap and plentiful natural gas. This company later became part of Pittsburgh Plate Glass
PPG Industries
PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion...
, or PPG.
The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works
Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works
The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works of Kokomo, Indiana, is the oldest manufacturer of hand cast, rolled cathedral and opalescent glass in America, and the oldest manufacturer of opalescent glass in the world...
started making stained glass
Stained glass
The term stained glass can refer to coloured glass as a material or to works produced from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant buildings...
in Kokomo in 1888 and has been in continuous operation ever since.
On July 4, 1923, Kokomo achieved national notoriety when it hosted the largest Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan, often abbreviated KKK and informally known as the Klan, is the name of three distinct past and present far-right organizations in the United States, which have advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration, historically...
gathering in history. An estimated 200,000 Klan members and supporters gathered in Malfalfa Park for a mighty Konklave and the elevation of D. C. Stephenson
D. C. Stephenson
David Curtiss "Steve" Stephenson was an American Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan in the U.S. state of Indiana and 22 other Northern states. He is considered to have been one of the most successful Klan leaders up until his downfall after his conviction for murder...
to Grand Dragon of the Indiana Klan. A huge flag was used that day to collect a reported $50,000 for construction of a local “Klan hospital” so that Klan members would not have to be treated at the only local hospital, which was Catholic. At that time Indiana was a Klan stronghold, and as much as 50 percent of white males in parts of Indiana were Klan members. Both men’s and women’s Klans held weekly rallies and initiations in Malfalfa Park, and Kokomo’s Klanswomen held meetings at the armory, the local headquarters of the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, and churches. A speech at a Baptist church was attended by 1000 Klanswomen.
Kokomo serves as the "City of Firsts" in the food industry as well. In 1928 Walter Kemp, Kemp Brothers Canning Co. developed the first canned tomato juice
Tomato juice
Tomato juice is a juice made from tomatoes. It is usually used as a beverage, either plain or in cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or Michelada.-History:...
because of a request by a physician in search for baby food for his clinic. Kokomo is also home to the first mechanical corn picker which was developed by a man named John Powell in the early 1920s. In modern times, Kokomo was home to the first Ponderosa Steakhouse Kokomo opened the first McDonald's
McDonald's
McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...
with a diner inside, locally called "McDiner." This McDonald's theme failed nationally. Eventually, the "McDiner" closed and was converted back to a regular McDonald's restaurant.
Much of the town was damaged or destroyed on April 11, 1965, by an F4 tornado that was part of the Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak.
Ryan White
- see full article: Ryan WhiteRyan WhiteRyan Wayne White was an American teenager from Kokomo, Indiana, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States, after being expelled from middle school because of his infection. A hemophiliac, he became infected with HIV from a contaminated blood treatment and, when diagnosed...
Kokomo served to symbolize the nation's early misunderstanding and ignorance of AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
in the mid-to-late 1980s when Ryan White
Ryan White
Ryan Wayne White was an American teenager from Kokomo, Indiana, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States, after being expelled from middle school because of his infection. A hemophiliac, he became infected with HIV from a contaminated blood treatment and, when diagnosed...
(1971–1990) was expelled from school due to his illness. White was a teenage hemophiliac who had been mistakenly infected with HIV
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
during a medical procedure. The teen had been attending Western Middle School
Western School Corporation
Western School Corporation is a public school district which serves Russiaville, Alto, New London, West Middleton, and southwestern Kokomo in Howard County, Indiana. The school buildings themselves straddle two Howard County townships, Harrison and Monroe...
but was ostracized by his classmates, and forced to eat lunch by himself and use a separate restroom. Many parents and teachers in Kokomo rallied in support of banning White from attending the school. A lengthy legal battle with the school system ensued, followed by death threats and violence against White and his family, including a bullet being fired through the window their Kokomo home. Media coverage of the case made White into a national celebrity and spokesman for AIDS research and public education. In 1987, the White family left Kokomo for Cicero, Indiana
Cicero, Indiana
Cicero is a town in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana, United States, north of Indianapolis. The population was 4,812 at the 2010 census...
, where Ryan attended Hamilton Heights High School
Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Hamilton Heights School Corporation is a four star public school district serving the northeastern rural communities in Hamilton County. It covers over of mostly farmland within Jackson and White River townships. Some of the small communities that are within HHSC are Cicero, Arcadia, and Atlanta...
, and was welcomed by faculty and students who had been educated about the disease.
Gas tower
The Kokomo Gas Tower had been a symbol of Kokomo since it was constructed in 1954. The tower was 378 ft (115 m) tall and had a capacity of 12 million cubic feet (340,000 m³). Due to high maintenance costs of $75,000 a year to maintain and up to $1,000,000 to paint, the gas company decided to demolish it in 2003. Other ideas were reviewed before settling on this decision, including a plan to turn the tower into a giant Coca-ColaCoca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
advertisement. On September 7, 2003, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Gas Tower was demolished by Controlled Demolition, Inc.
Controlled Demolition, Inc.
Controlled Demolition, Inc. , founded by Jack Loizeaux in 1947, is a firm headquartered in Phoenix, Maryland that specializes in the use of explosives to create a controlled demolition of a structure, with the structure collapsing on itself into a pile of debris contained within the site of the...
(CDI). Pieces of the tower were sold to the public for $20–30, and proceeds went to a planned Kokomo technology incubation center and Bona Vista
Bona Vista (charity)
Bona Vista is a non-profit rehabilitation center based in Howard and Miami County in Indiana that was founded in the 1960s as a developmental school. Since then, it has expanded into an agency that serves all of north central Indiana. Its services for children and adults include vocational and...
.
Demographics
Kokomo is the larger principal city of the Kokomo-Peru CSA, a Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
that includes the Kokomo metropolitan area
Kokomo metropolitan area
The Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties in Indiana, anchored by the city of Kokomo...
(Howard and Tipton
Tipton County, Indiana
Tipton County is located in central Indiana, north of the state capital of Indianapolis. Before the arrival of non-indigenous settlers in the early 19th century, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes. The county was officially established in 1844 and was one of the last Indiana...
counties) and the Peru micropolitan area
Miami County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,082 people, 13,716 households, and 9,806 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile . There were 15,299 housing units at an average density of 41 per square mile...
(Miami County
Miami County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,082 people, 13,716 households, and 9,806 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile . There were 15,299 housing units at an average density of 41 per square mile...
), which had a combined population of 137,623 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...
.
As of the census
Census
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 46,113 people, 20,273 households, and 12,204 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 2,847.2 people per square mile (1,099.0/km²). There were 22,292 housing units at an average density of 1,376.4 per square mile (531.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.10% White, 10.34% African American, 0.38% Native American, 1.14% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.17% 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 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.61% of the population.
There were 20,273 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% 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, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.
The median income for a households in the city was $36,258, and the median income for a family was $45,353. Males had a median income of $38,420 versus $24,868 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 $20,083. About 9.6% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
In Dec. 2008 Kokomo was listed third by Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
in a list of America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
's fastest dying towns.
This is attributed to the financial problems of the automotive industry. However, in May 2011 Forbes listed Kokomo as one of the "Best Cities for Jobs" after the city ascended 177 places in their rankings. The same article in Forbes described Kokomo's success in the past few years as "inspirational.". Forbes was not alone in documenting Kokomo's economic renaissance, in June 2011 Conexus released a report touting Kokomo's "rapid bounce" after the recession.
"City of Firsts" inventions
- 1894 – Elwood HaynesElwood HaynesElwood P. Haynes was an American inventor, metallurgist, automotive pioneer, entrepreneur and industrialist. He invented the metal alloys stellite and martensitic stainless steel and designed one of the earliest automobiles made in the United States...
makes the first successful trial run of his "horseless carriage" on Pumpkinvine Pike, which is now Boulevard east of U.S.31. - 1894 – The first pneumatic rubber tire was invented by D.C. Spraker at the Kokomo Rubber Tire Company.
- 1895 – The first aluminum casting was developed by William "Billy" Johnson from the Ford and Donnelly Foundry.
- 1902 – Kingston carburetor developed by George KingstonGeorge Kingston (carburetor)George Kingston was the inventor of the Kingston carburetor in 1902, in Kokomo, Indiana.Kingston was born in Michigan. He married Alina Vincent in Ovid, Michigan, and had one son, Ralph, born December 25, 1905...
. - 1906 – The first StelliteStelliteStellite alloy is a range of cobalt-chromium alloys designed for wear resistance. It may also contain tungsten or molybdenum and a small but important amount of carbon...
cobalt-base alloy was discovered by Elwood HaynesElwood HaynesElwood P. Haynes was an American inventor, metallurgist, automotive pioneer, entrepreneur and industrialist. He invented the metal alloys stellite and martensitic stainless steel and designed one of the earliest automobiles made in the United States...
. - 1912 – Stainless steelStainless steelIn metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
tableware was invented by Elwood HaynesElwood HaynesElwood P. Haynes was an American inventor, metallurgist, automotive pioneer, entrepreneur and industrialist. He invented the metal alloys stellite and martensitic stainless steel and designed one of the earliest automobiles made in the United States...
as a response to his wife's desire for tableware that wouldn't tarnish. - 1918 – The Howitzer shell, used in World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, was created by the Superior Machine Tool Company. - 1918 – The first aerial bomb with fins was first produced by the Liberty Pressed Metal Company.
- 1920 – The mechanical corn picker was created by John Powell.
- 1926 – Carl Molin developed Dirilyte golden-hued tableware.
- 1928 – The first canned tomato juiceTomato juiceTomato juice is a juice made from tomatoes. It is usually used as a beverage, either plain or in cocktails such as a Bloody Mary or Michelada.-History:...
was created by Walter Kemp from Kemp Brothers Canning Company in response to a physician's need for baby food. - 1938 – The first push-button car radio was created at DelcoDelco ElectronicsDelco Electronics Corporation was the automotive electronics design and manufacturing subsidiary of General Motors based in Kokomo, Indiana.The name Delco came from the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., founded in Dayton, Ohio by Charles Kettering and Edward A...
Radio Division of General MotorsGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
Corporation. - 1941 – Globe American Stove Company manufactured the first all-metal life boats and rafts.
- 1947 – The first signal-seeking car radio was created by the Delco Radio Division of General MotorsGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
. - 1957 – Delco Radio Division of General MotorsGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
developed the first all transistor car radio.
Government
Mayor
Kokomo's current mayor is (DemocratDemocratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
) Greg Goodnight (2008–present). The two previous mayors have been (Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
) Matt McKillip (2004–2008) and (Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
) Jim Trobaugh. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.
Common Council
The city council is known as the Common Council. It consists of nine members. Six members are elected from individual districts. The other three are elected at-large.US 31
A major roadway traversing through Kokomo, U.S. Route 31U.S. Route 31
U.S. Route 31 is a long north–south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with its northern terminus at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City, Michigan, and southern terminus at the combined U.S. Route 90 & U.S. Route 98 at Spanish Fort, Alabama...
has become one of the state's most congested roadways. In Howard County, there are currently 15 traffic signals on US 31. US 31 connects Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, Kokomo, and South Bend. In the next decade, Kokomo will see a new interstate-style roadway on the east side of city limits. It will have interchanges at SR 26, Boulevard, Markland Avenue, Touby Pike, as well as where the current US 31 meets the new US 31. There will be similar changes to areas near South Bend and Indianapolis. The construction in Howard County will cost roughly $340 million. Construction started on the County Road 200 South bridge on November 1, 2008 and construction will continue for the next 6 years.
Newspapers
- Kokomo TribuneKokomo TribuneThe Kokomo Tribune is based in downtown Kokomo, Indiana, USA. It is owned by Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.An award-winning daily newspaper, the Tribune was cited by the Audit Bureau of Circulation for the nation's highest market penetration for eight years in the 1970s; honored with the state's...
, daily morning newspaper owned by Community Newspaper HoldingsCommunity Newspaper HoldingsCommunity Newspaper Holdings, Inc. is a publisher of newspapers and advertising-related publications throughout the eastern part of the United States. The company was formed in 1997 by Ralph Martin, and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. The company is financed by the Retirement Systems of...
Inc. (CNHI). - Kokomo PerspectiveKokomo PerspectiveThe Kokomo Perspective is a broadsheet weekly newspaper serving Kokomo, Indiana, established in 1989, with almost exclusively local content....
, a locally-owned weekly newspaper delivered every Tuesday or Wednesday. - Kokomo Herald, weekly newspaper, a locally-owned weekly founded in 1971.
- The Correspondent, IU-Kokomo student newspaper
Television
- WTTK-TVWTTVWTTV is a CW-affiliated television station licensed to Bloomington, Indiana, serving the Indianapolis television market. WTTV is owned by the Tribune Company, and is one-half of a duopoly with WXIN , the market's Fox affiliate. The two stations share a studio at 6910 Network Place on the northwest...
, The CW affiliate, channel 29 - KGOV, Kokomo government access channelPublic AccessPublic Access is a 1993 American drama film directed by Bryan Singer in his feature film debut. Singer also wrote the screenplay with Christopher McQuarrie and Michael Feit Dougan. The film was shot in 18 days for US$250,000. It was screened at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival, where it was...
, channel 2
Radio
- WFIUWFIUWFIU is a public radio FM station broadcasting from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The station is a member station of NPR, Public Radio International and American Public Media. Its program schedule consists of classical music, jazz, and news and information, with specialty programming...
-FM, Jazz, Classical, NPRNPRNPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
– 106.1 FM - WFRN-FMWFRN-FM* 93.7 MHz Walton, Indiana - station** 96.3 Kokomo, Indiana - repeater* 100.1 MHz Winamac, Indiana - station** 107.7 Marion, Indiana - repeater...
, Christian Radio – 93.7 FM - WIOU-AMWIOU (AM)WIOU is an AM radio station owned by Hoosier AM/FM LLC in Kokomo, Indiana. The station operates on the AM radio frequency of 1350 kHz. The station is located at the "Radio Ranch" on State Road 26 in Kokomo.- Programs :* Morning News with Rob Rupe...
, Talk, News and Sports – 1350 AM - WIWC-FM, Christian Radio – 91.7 FM
- WJJD-LP, Christian Radio – 101.3 FM
- WMYK-FMWMYK-FMWMYK is an FM radio station owned by Hoosier AM/FM LLC in Kokomo, Indiana. The station operates on the FM radio frequency of 98.5 MHz. The station is located at the "Radio Ranch" on State Road 26 in Kokomo....
, Rock – 98.5 FM - WSHW-FMWSHW-FMWSHW, "Shine 99" is an FM radio station owned by Kaspar Broadcasting in Frankfort, Indiana. The station operates on the FM radio frequency of 99.7 mHz. The station is located at 1401 W. Barner St. in Frankfort...
, Light Rock – 99.7 FM - WWKI-FMWWKI-FMWWKI, "KI" is an FM radio station owned by Cumulus Media in Kokomo, Indiana. The station operates on the FM radio frequency of 100.5 MHz. The station is located at 519 N. Main St. in downtown Kokomo.- WWKI shows :* Kevin Burris...
, Hit Country – 100.5 FM - WZWZ-FMWZWZ-FMWZWZ is an FM radio station owned by Hoosier AM/FM LLC in Kokomo, Indiana. The station operates on the FM radio frequency of 92.5 mHz. The station is located on the South side of Kokomo on State Road 26, just East of US 31....
, Bright Adult Contemporary – 92.5 FM
Colleges/universities
- Indiana University KokomoIndiana University KokomoIndiana University Kokomo is a regional campus in the Indiana University system in Kokomo, Indiana.-Academics:As of 2010, there were over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students at IU Kokomo and 81 full-time faculty...
(IUK) - Indiana Wesleyan UniversityIndiana Wesleyan UniversityIndiana Wesleyan University is a private, evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located in Marion, Indiana that is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church denomination...
– Kokomo Campus - Ivy Tech Community College
- Purdue College of TechnologyPurdue University SystemThe Purdue University system is a public university system within the U.S. State of Indiana that is anchored by the main campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana that is a public land-grant university...
Public
- Kokomo-Center Township Consolidated School CorporationKokomo-Center Township Consolidated School CorporationKokomo-Center Township Consolidated School Corporation is located in Kokomo, Indiana and is Howard County, Indiana's largest school district.- Building Directory :*Bon Air Elementary*Boulevard Elementary*Darrough Chapel Early Learning Center...
(K-12) Kokomo High SchoolKokomo High SchoolKokomo High SchoolPrincipalMr. RemalyFounded1872School typePublic school Religious affiliationNoneLocationKokomo, Indiana, United StatesEnrollment2,137 studentsCampus surroundingsSuburbsMascotWildkatSchool colors...
(NCC)North Central Conference of IndianaThe North Central Conference, or NCC, is a high school athletic conference which is located in north central and east central Indiana. This conference serves many high schools located in Cass County; Delaware County; Grant County; Henry County; Howard County; Huntington County; Madison... - Eastern Howard School CorporationEastern Howard School CorporationEastern Howard School Corporation is located in Greentown, Indiana. Eastern Schools is a public school district which serves Greentown, Indiana and eastern Howard County.- Athletics :...
(K-12, Greentown, IndianaGreentown, IndianaGreentown is a town in Liberty Township, Howard County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,415 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Greentown is located at ....
) (MIC)Mid-Indiana Conference (MIC)The Mid-Indiana Conference, or MIC, is a high school athletic conference which is located in northcentral Indiana, USA. This conference serves many high schools located in Cass, Hamilton, Howard, and Miami Counties.-High school listing:-Former Members:... - Northwestern School CorporationNorthwestern School CorporationNorthwestern School Corporation is a public school corporation located in Howard County, Indiana. The population of the school has never reached more than 800 children. The school colors are purple, gold and white...
(K-12) (MIC)Mid-Indiana Conference (MIC)The Mid-Indiana Conference, or MIC, is a high school athletic conference which is located in northcentral Indiana, USA. This conference serves many high schools located in Cass, Hamilton, Howard, and Miami Counties.-High school listing:-Former Members:... - Taylor Community School CorporationTaylor Community School CorporationTaylor Community School Corporation is a public school district in Howard County, Indiana. The school district serves extreme southern Kokomo, Indiana; Indian Heights, Indiana; and the entity of Taylor Township . The mascot is the Titan....
(K-12, Center, IndianaCenter, IndianaCenter is an unincorporated town in Taylor Township, Howard County, Indiana, United States. Center is a suburb of Kokomo and is a part of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.- Education :...
) (MIC)Mid-Indiana Conference (MIC)The Mid-Indiana Conference, or MIC, is a high school athletic conference which is located in northcentral Indiana, USA. This conference serves many high schools located in Cass, Hamilton, Howard, and Miami Counties.-High school listing:-Former Members:... - Western School CorporationWestern School CorporationWestern School Corporation is a public school district which serves Russiaville, Alto, New London, West Middleton, and southwestern Kokomo in Howard County, Indiana. The school buildings themselves straddle two Howard County townships, Harrison and Monroe...
(K-12, Russiaville, IndianaRussiaville, IndianaRussiaville is a town in Liberty Township, Howard County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,094 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Etymology:...
) (MIC)Mid-Indiana Conference (MIC)The Mid-Indiana Conference, or MIC, is a high school athletic conference which is located in northcentral Indiana, USA. This conference serves many high schools located in Cass, Hamilton, Howard, and Miami Counties.-High school listing:-Former Members:...
Private
- Kokomo Christian School (K-5)
- Redeemer Lutheran School (K-6)
- Sts. Joan of Arc and St. Patrick Catholic School (K-8)
- Temple Christian School (K4-12)
- Victory Christian Academy (K-12)
- Acacia Academy (K-8)
Health care
- St. Joseph Hospital, opened in 1913
- Howard Regional Health System, incorporated in 1958 http://www.howardregional.org/body.cfm?id=536
Howard County Historical Society
The Howard County Historical Society is a major attraction in the city of Kokomo. It occupies the Seiberling Mansion, the Elliot House, and their carriage houses. The Seiberling Mansion was originally the residence of one of Kokomo's richest citizens, Monroe Seiberling. The Seiberling Mansion has been on the National Registor of Historic Places since 1972. The Elliot House also began as a residence and was then converted into office space. The HCHS campus is a popular venue for weddings, weather permitting. During the winter the HCHS has 'Christmas at the Seiberling' an event which has activities for all ages, Including Santa Claus for children as well as tours of buildings, the lighting of the building and carriage rides through the Old Silk Stocking Neighborhood. The HCHS resides in the Old Silk Stocking NeighborhoodOld Silk Stocking Neighborhood
The Old Silk Stocking Neighborhood is the historic district near downtown Kokomo, Indiana, and the Westside Business District. In 1886, natural gas was discovered in north central Indiana, and exploded with people and then developed the neighborhood...
which is an attraction in itself. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only neighborhood in Howard County on the register. Howard County Historical Society
Kokomo Parks
- Old Ben, a stuffed Hereford steer at Highland Park
- Vermont Covered Bridge, located in Highland Park
- The Sycamore Stump, a large stump at Highland Park
- Kokomo Beach
- Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park, located at Jackson Morrow Park
- Kirkendall Interpretive Center, nature center located at Jackson Morrow Park
- Elwood Haynes Museum, located next to Highland Park
- City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum
- Kokomo Visitors Center (located on US 31 North)
- Kokomo Event Center
- Chief Ma-Ko-Ko-Mo Burial and Monument, east of downtown Kokomo
- Kokomo Country ClubKokomo Country ClubKokomo Country Club is a private country club in Kokomo, Indiana. The club was established in 1904 to provide a course for local golf enthusiasts. The course was the home course of Indiana Golf Hall of Fame Member Robert Resner. The course was added to the National Register of Historic Places on...
, golf club
Festivals
- Kokomo Rib Fest, mid-June, downtown
- City of Firsts Soapbox Derby, Last Saturday in June
- Haynes-Apperson Festival, Independence Day weekend
- Howard County 4-H Fair, mid-July, in GreentownGreentown, IndianaGreentown is a town in Liberty Township, Howard County, Indiana, United States. The population was 2,415 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Greentown is located at ....
, IndianaIndianaIndiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... - Taste of Kokomo Festival, mid-August, downtown
- Koh-Koh-Mah & Foster Living History Encampment, mid-September
- Oktober Fest, 1st Saturday in October, downtown
- New Years Ball Drop, December 31 at Downtown Square
Sports teams
- Indiana Mustangs, Mid Continental Football League (1991–2006)
- Kokomo DodgersKokomo DodgersThe Kokomo Dodgers were a minor league baseball team based in Kokomo, Indiana that played in the Midwest League. They were affiliated with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers and operated from 1956 through 1961....
, Midwest LeagueMidwest LeagueThe Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
(1955–1961) - Kokomo CFD Saints, semi-pro baseball (1989–2002)
- Kokomo CFD Knights, semi-pro baseball (2006–2007)
- City of Fists Roller Girls, (started 2010)
Entertainment
Kokomo has a 12-screen movie theater, called AMC Showplace Kokomo 12AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres , officially known as AMC Entertainment, Inc., is the second largest movie theater chain in North America with 5,325 screens, second only to Regal Entertainment Group, and one of the United States's four national cinema chains AMC Theatres (American Multi-Cinema), officially known as...
, located on 1530 East Boulevard. In addition to AMC, Kokomo also has several forms of live entertainment, including choirs, a Park Band Association, and three live theatres. Live entertainment includes:
- The Kokomo Park Band Association, founded in 1891. Functions in the summer months. Holds summer concerts hosted by Kokomo's Department of Park and Recreation.
- Curtain Call Theatre for Children, founded in 1987 by Marge Scionti-Johnson. Functions September through May. Offers a 3-show season.
- Kokomo Civic Theatre, founded in 1949. Functions throughout the year. Offers a 4-5 shows per season.
- Kokomo Summer Drama Camp, founded in 1994 by Marge Scionti-Johnson, functions June through August. Offers 2 shows per season, and training for children ages 4 and up.
Major employers
- Chrysler LLC
- Kokomo TransmissionKokomo TransmissionKokomo Transmission is a Chrysler automobile factory in Kokomo, Indiana. The factory opened in 1956.Historic products:* Chrysler 45RFE transmission* Chrysler 4RE transmission RWD* Chrysler 48RE transmission RWD* Chrysler 41TE transmission FWD...
Plant (4,200 employees) - Kokomo CastingKokomo CastingKokomo Casting is a Chrysler automobile factory in Kokomo, Indiana. The factory opened in 1965 and was expanded in 1969, 1986, 1995, and 1997. It is the largest die casting factory in the world.In June 2010 Chrysler announced a 300 million dollar investment to retool and modernize the Kokomo...
Plant (1,115 employees) - Indiana TransmissionIndiana TransmissionIndiana Transmission is a Chrysler automobile factory in Kokomo, Indiana. The first plant, Indiana Transmission I, opened in 1998 and the second opened in 2003...
Plant #1 (1,898 employees) - Indiana TransmissionIndiana TransmissionIndiana Transmission is a Chrysler automobile factory in Kokomo, Indiana. The first plant, Indiana Transmission I, opened in 1998 and the second opened in 2003...
Plant #2 (482 employees)
- Kokomo Transmission
- Delphi Corporation
- Electronics & Safety World Headquarters
- GM Components Holdings LLC
- Haynes InternationalHaynes InternationalHaynes International Inc. is a manufacturer of metal alloys employing more than 1,070 employees worldwide with sales of 434.4 million United States Dollars in 2007 with 8 plants around the world. The corporation is headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana...
- Holder Mattress
- Syndicate Sales, Inc.
- Coca-ColaCoca-ColaCoca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
bottling plant
Transportation
AirportsHighways
-
US-31U.S. Route 31U.S. Route 31 is a long north–south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with its northern terminus at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City, Michigan, and southern terminus at the combined U.S. Route 90 & U.S. Route 98 at Spanish Fort, Alabama...
to South BendSouth Bend, IndianaThe city of South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total of 101,168 residents; its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 316,663...
(North) and IndianapolisIndianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
(South) -
US-35U.S. Route 35U.S. Route 35 is a north–south United States highway that runs northwest-southeast for approximately from northern Indiana to the western suburbs of Charleston, West Virginia. The highway's northern terminus is in Michigan City, Indiana, at U.S. Route 20. Its southern terminus is in Scott...
to LogansportLogansport, IndianaLogansport is a city in and the county seat of Cass County, Indiana, United States. The population was 18,396 at the 2010 census. Logansport is located in northern Indiana, at the junction of the Wabash and Eel rivers, northeast of Lafayette.-History:...
(North) and MuncieMuncie, IndianaMuncie is a city in Center Township, Delaware County in east central Indiana, best known as the home of Ball State University and the birthplace of the Ball Corporation. It is the principal city of the Muncie, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 118,769...
(South) -
IN-19Indiana State Road 19State Road 19 in the U.S. state of Indiana begins at State Road 32 in Noblesville in the south, and runs north to the Michigan state line just north of Elkhart, a distance of...
to Kokomo Reservoir (North) and TiptonTipton, IndianaTipton is a city in and the county seat of Tipton County, Indiana, United States. The population was 5,106 at the 2010 census. It is part of the 'Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
(South) -
IN-22Indiana State Road 22State Road 22 in the U.S. state of Indiana is a major thoroughfare from Kokomo to Interstate 69. The highway is concurrent with U.S. Route 35 from Kokomo to Interstate 69.-Route description:...
to BurlingtonBurlington, IndianaBurlington is a town in Burlington Township, Carroll County, Indiana, United States. The population was 603 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lafayette, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
(West) and Hartford CityHartford City, IndianaHartford City is a city in the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Blackford County. Located in the northeast central portion of the state, the small farming community experienced a 15-year “boom” beginning in the late 1880s...
(East) -
IN-26Indiana State Road 26State Road 26 is an east–west road in central Indiana in the United States that crosses the entire state from east to west, covering a distance of about .-Route description:...
to LafayetteLafayette, IndianaLafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
(West) and Hartford CityHartford City, IndianaHartford City is a city in the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Blackford County. Located in the northeast central portion of the state, the small farming community experienced a 15-year “boom” beginning in the late 1880s...
(East)
Railroads
- Central Railroad Company of Indianapolis
- Norfolk Southern RailwayNorfolk Southern RailwayThe Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada...
(tracks out of service) - Winamac Southern RailwayWinamac Southern RailwayThe Winamac Southern Railway is a short-line railroad in northern Indiana, United States, operated under lease by the U S Rail Corporation. It owns two lines radiating from Logansport to Kokomo and Bringhurst, and formerly a third to Winamac, all former Pennsylvania Railroad lines acquired from...
(formerly part of the Columbus to Chicago Main LineMain Line (Columbus to Chicago)The Columbus to Chicago Main Line was a rail line owned and operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the U.S. states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The line ran from Columbus, Ohio northwest via Logansport, Indiana to Chicago, Illinois. Junctions included the Columbus to Indianapolis Main Line via...
)
Bus Service
- Trailways service to Indianapolis and South Bend (Schedules)
- Cityline Trolley A fixed-route transportation system,Two buses run past a total of 108 bus stops, passing each stop once every hour, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (Schedules )
Notable people and groups
- Elmer and Edgar AppersonAppersonThe Apperson was a brand of American automobile manufactured from 1901 to 1926 in Kokomo, Indiana.-Company history:The company was founded by the brothers Edgar and Elmer Apperson shortly after they left Haynes-Apperson; for a time they continued to use a FR layoutont-mounted flat-twin engine,...
, automotive pioneers - Brandon BeachyBrandon BeachyBrandon Alan Beachy was born September 3, 1986, to parents Lester and Lori Beachy. He is currently a professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Atlanta Braves organization....
MLB pitcher, Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, Northwestern High School (Indiana)Northwestern High School (Indiana)Northwestern High School is located at 3431 N. Co Rd 400 W to the northwest of the city limits of Kokomo, Indiana. The building houses grades 9–12 and functions as the primary athletic building...
graduate - Alicia BernecheAlicia BernecheAlicia Berneche is an American lyric coloratura soprano who has sung leading roles in operas throughout the United States....
operatic soprano - Rupert BonehamRupert BonehamRupert Boneham is an American mentor for troubled teens who became known to reality television audiences in 2003 as a contestant on Survivor: Pearl Islands where he placed 8th. He later appeared on the All Stars and Heroes vs. Villains seasons of Survivor, placing 4th and 6th respectively...
, Survivor contestant - Breaksk8 Jamskating crew featured on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" and NBC's "America's Got Talent"
- Norman BridwellNorman BridwellNorman Bridwell is an American author and cartoonist, best-known for the Clifford the Big Red Dog series of children's books. Bridwell attended John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana and Cooper Union in New York City. He currently resides on Martha's Vineyard, MA, where he continues to...
, author of the Clifford the Big Red DogClifford the Big Red DogClifford the Big Red Dog is an American children's book series first published in 1963. Written by Norman Bridwell, the series helped establish Scholastic Books as a premier publishing company....
books - Quautico (Tico) BrownTico BrownQuautico Brown is a former American professional basketball player.A 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooting guard, Brown began his college career in 1975 at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, before starring at the Georgia Institute of Technology from 1976–79, averaging 16 points per game over...
, former Continental Basketball AssociationContinental Basketball AssociationThe Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
player - Steve Butler, six-time Sprint Car National Champion
- Kaitlyn ChristopherKaitlyn ChristopherKaitlyn Marie Christopher is a beauty queen who has held the title Miss Indiana USA and competed at Miss USA.Christopher was crowned Miss Indiana USA 2005 on November 14 2004. She was the first Miss Indiana USA to hail from Kokomo, Indiana since 1979...
, Miss Indiana USAMiss Indiana USAThe Miss Indiana USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Indiana in the Miss USA pageant.Nine Miss Indiana USA winners previously competed at Miss Teen USA. The state currently holds the record for the most Miss Teen USA state winners to win a Miss USA...
2005 - Elwood HaynesElwood HaynesElwood P. Haynes was an American inventor, metallurgist, automotive pioneer, entrepreneur and industrialist. He invented the metal alloys stellite and martensitic stainless steel and designed one of the earliest automobiles made in the United States...
, inventor, automotive pioneer - Ezra HendricksonEzra HendricksonEzra Hendrickson is a retired Vincentian footballer. He played professionally in the United States' Major League Soccer with New York MetroStars, Los Angeles Galaxy, Dallas Burn, and Chivas USA, and was also a member of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national team...
- Nellie KeelerNellie KeelerNellie Keeler was an Americana child circus performer known as Little Queen Mab.-Nellie Keeler:Nellie Keeler was born with dwarfism on the sixth of April, 1875 at Kokomo, Indiana. She was the youngest of three daughters and a son raised by Ezra and Maria Keeler. Her father was a farmer and a Civil...
, child circus performer - Don JohnsonDon Johnson (bowler)Don Johnson was an American ten-pin bowler who spent many years on the Professional Bowlers Association tour.-PBA career:...
, professional bowler/PBA Hall-of-Fame member - Sylvia Jane KirbySylvia (singer)Sylvia Jane Kirby is an American country music and country pop singer and songwriter. More commonly known by the singular name Sylvia, she enjoyed crossover music success with the song "Nobody" in 1982....
, singer - Steve KroftSteve KroftSteve Kroft is an American journalist and a longtime correspondent for 60 Minutes. His investigative reporting has garnered him much acclaim, including three Peabody Awards and nine Emmy awards, one of which was an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement.-Early life:Born on August 22, 1945 in Kokomo,...
, 60 Minutes60 Minutes60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
correspondent - Jim "Goose" LigonJim LigonJim "Goose" Ligon was an American professional basketball player.A 6'7" forward/center, Ligon starred at Kokomo High School in Indiana but never played in college due to legal issues...
, former ABAAmerican Basketball AssociationThe American Basketball Association was a professional basketball league founded in 1967. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger in 1976.-League history:...
basketball player - Strother MartinStrother MartinStrother Martin was an American actor in numerous films and television programs. Martin is perhaps best known as the prison "captain" in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, where he uttered the line, "What we've got here is...failure to communicate."-Early life:Strother Martin Jr. was born in Kokomo,...
, actor - Matthew Mays, Three-time Emmy Award winning television/film producer
- Kent C. NelsonKent C. NelsonKent C. Nelson is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Parcel Service, a position he held from November 1989 to December 1996. He now lives in Atlanta, GA....
, past CEO of United Parcel ServiceUnited Parcel ServiceUnited Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the... - Anthony NorrisAnthony NorrisAnthony "Tony" Norris , better known by his ring name, Ahmed Johnson, is an American former professional wrestler. He is best known for his stint in the World Wrestling Federation, where he is a one time Intercontinental Champion and the first-ever winner of the Kuwait Cup.-Global Wrestling...
, professional wrestler - John O'BanionJohn O'BanionJohn O'Banion was an American vocalist and actor.-Early career:He was born in Kokomo, Indiana in 1947 and was performing in theater by the age of 13 as well as in a local Indiana band Hog Honda & the Chain Guards...
, singer - John Oetjen, Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
winner, television and film producer - Jack PurvisJack PurvisJack Purvis was an American jazz musician.Purvis was best known as a trumpet player and the composer of Dismal Dan and Down Georgia Way. He was one of the earliest trumpeters to incorporate the innovations pioneered by Louis Armstrong in the late 1920s...
, JazzJazzJazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
musician - Jimmy RaylJimmy RaylJimmy Rayl is a former professional basketball player in the ABA.-1956-1959:Jimmy, the "Splendid Splinter", went to Kokomo High School, located in Kokomo, Indiana. He was named the 1959's Indiana "Mr...
, Splendid Splinter, Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
1967-1969, two-time All-American Indiana UniversityIndiana UniversityIndiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000... - John D. Shearer, photographer
- Tavis SmileyTavis SmileyTavis Smiley is a talk show host, author, liberal political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist. Smiley was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and grew up in Kokomo, Indiana. After attending Indiana University, he worked during the late 1980s as an aide to Tom Bradley, the mayor of...
, PBSPublic Broadcasting ServiceThe Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia.... - Floyd Talbert, soldier (of Band of BrothersBand of BrothersBand of Brothers is a 2001 ten-part, 11-hour television World War II miniseries based on the book of the same title written by historian and biographer Stephen E. Ambrose. The executive producers were Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who had collaborated on the World War II film Saving Private Ryan...
fame) - Joe ThatcherJoe ThatcherJoseph Andrew Thatcher is Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres. Nicknamed "The Prime Minister, and The Throw'in Kokomoan" he is 6'2" tall and weighs . In college, he pitched for Indiana State University...
, pitcher for MLB San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times... - Pat UnderwoodPat UnderwoodPatrick John Underwood was a Major League Baseball Pitcher from to .Underwood was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 1st round of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft, as the second pick overall....
, former MLB pitcher, 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... - Tom UnderwoodTom UnderwoodThomas Gerald Underwood was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies , St...
, former MLB pitcher, Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, Oakland A's, and Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... - Ryan WhiteRyan WhiteRyan Wayne White was an American teenager from Kokomo, Indiana, who became a national poster child for HIV/AIDS in the United States, after being expelled from middle school because of his infection. A hemophiliac, he became infected with HIV from a contaminated blood treatment and, when diagnosed...
, AIDSAIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
activist - Calibretto 13Calibretto 13Calibretto 13 was an acoustic punk band from Kokomo, Indiana, United States. The acoustic punk style of the band and the peculiar vocal style of singer Joe Whiteford gives the band their signature sound. Another signature mark of the band is themes in their lyrics, which often are about B-movies...
, band - Matt McKillip, Mayor, entrepreneur and Procter & Gamble Executive
Movies filmed in Kokomo
- A Romance of Kokomo (1917), a silent film.
- Terror Squad (1987), starring Chuck Connors and resident Michael W. Gordon
- The Ryan White Story (1988), starring Judith LightJudith LightJudith Ellen Light is an American actress. Her television roles include Karen Wolek on the soap opera One Life to Live, Angela Bower on the sitcom Who's the Boss?, Claire Meade on ABC's TV series Ugly Betty and Judge Elizabeth "Liz" Donnelly on Law & Order Special Victims Unit.-Early life:Light...
and Lukas HaasLukas HaasLukas Daniel Haas is an American actor, known for roles both as a child and as an adult. His career has spanned more than 25 years during which time he has appeared in more than 36 feature films, as well as a number of television shows and theater productions.-Early life and career:Haas was born...
Other film references to Kokomo
- In the 1947 film Mother Wore TightsMother Wore TightsMother Wore Tights is a 1947 musical film starring Betty Grable and Dan Dailey as married vaudeville performers. This was Grable and Dailey's first film together, based on a book of the same name by Miriam Young. It was the highest grossing film of Grable's career up to that time, earning more...
, Betty GrableBetty GrableElizabeth Ruth "Betty" Grable was an American actress, dancer and singer.Her iconic bathing suit photo made her the number-one pin-up girl of the World War II era. It was later included in the LIFE magazine project "100 Photos that Changed the World"...
and Dan DaileyDan DaileyDaniel James Dailey Jr. was an American dancer and actor.-Early life and career:Born in New York City on December 14, 1915, to James J. and Helen Dailey, both born in New York City. He appeared in a minstrel show when very young, and appeared in vaudeville before his Broadway debut in 1937 in...
sing a song entitled "Kokomo, Indiana". - In the animated movie Cats Don't DanceCats Don't DanceCats Don't Dance is a 1997 animated musical comedy film, notable as the only fully animated feature produced by Turner Entertainment's feature animation unit . The film was distributed by Warner Bros. Family Entertainment...
, the protagonist (Danny) hails from Kokomo. - The Blues Brothers (film)The Blues Brothers (film)The Blues Brothers is a 1980 musical comedy film directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues, characters developed from a musical sketch on the NBC variety series Saturday Night Live. It features musical numbers by R&B and soul singers James...
featured a fictitious Kokomo bar, Bob's Country Bunker, where patrons threw beer bottles at the band on a stage protected by a chicken wire cage. - City Connection (A NES video game) 5th Level is located in Kokomo.
- In the television miniseries Band of Brothers, Kokomo is referenced in first episode Currahee when Floyd M. Talbert receives a package from the Chief of the Kokomo Police Department. He sent him a revolverRevolverA revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
. Also in the third episode Carentan the end of the poem read says "...he lunged he thrust both high and low and skewered the boy from Kokomo" again referencing Talbert, a native of Kokomo.
Other references to Kokomo
- The song Kokomo (song)Kokomo (song)"Kokomo" is a song written by John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, Mike Love and Terry Melcher and recorded by The Beach Boys in spring 1988. Its lyrics describe two lovers taking a trip to a relaxing Caribbean island called Kokomo. It was released as a single in July 1988 by Elektra Records and became a...
by The Beach BoysThe Beach BoysThe Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
is mistakenly thought to be named after Kokomo.