Middletown, Rhode Island
Encyclopedia
Middletown is a town
in Newport County
, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 16,150 at the 2010 census
. It lies to the south of Portsmouth
and to the north of Newport
on Aquidneck Island
, hence the name "Middletown."
, the town has a total area of 14.9 square miles (38.7 km²), of which 13.0 square miles (33.6 km²) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.1 km²)(13.18%) is water. Middletown is known as the "farming community" of Aquidneck Island, today about 45% of the town is farm land, 25% is wooded, and about 30% is developed of its 14.9 square miles (38.6 km²). Most of the developed land is located towards the southern part of the town near Newport while the rural area is towards the North near Portsmouth. Middletown also has several beaches.
During the 1980s, large sections of East Main Road and West Main Road running through Middletown began to be commercialized, and by the late 1990s, the area had become Aquidneck Island's central business district.
Middletown forms part of , represented by Democrat David Cicilline
. At the state level, Middletown is part of one state senate and three state house districts. The 12th Rhode Island Senate
district, which also includes parts of Newport, Little Compton and Tiverton, is held by Democrat Louis P. DiPalma. In the Rhode Island House of Representatives
, Middletown forms part of the 72nd, 73rd and 74th districts. The 72nd, which also includes portions of Newport and Portsmouth, is represented by Republican Daniel Reilly. The 73rd, which is predominantly Newport, is held by Democrat Russell Jackson. The 74th, shared between Middletown and Jamestown, is represented by Democrat Deb Ruggiero
.
, and 2.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.93% of the population.
There were 6,993 households out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $51,075, and the median income for a family was $57,322. Males had a median income of $41,778 versus $27,229 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,857. About 3.7% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.
– In August 2007, Cage purchased a home in Middletown titled the "Grey Craig." The 24000 square feet (2,229.7 m²), brick-and-stone country home, on 26 secluded acres, has 12 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from its spot neighbouring the Norman Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Refuge. The sale ranks among the state’s most expensive residential purchases, eclipsed by the $17.15 million sale last December of the Miramar mansion on Bellevue Avenue in Newport.
Charlie Day
of the television show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
spent his childhood in the 1980s in Middletown.
, a public-use general aviation
airport and the only airport on Aquidneck Island, is located in Middletown.
West Main Road (RI-114) and East Main Road (RI-138) are the main roads running north-south through Middletown.
, which hosts an annual cricket tournament for teams throughout the New England
area. The Newport National Golf Club is located in Middletown. The town is also home to the Middletown Islanders Hockey, Football, Baseball, Volleyball, and Lacrosse teams.
They also are involved with Pop Warner football and cheer-leading along with many other cities throughout New England. More known as a Middle School football teams, Pop Warner hosts from very young ages and separates them by age.
(Grades 9 – 12). Starting in September 2009, all fourth grade students will attend Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School. John F. Kennedy, former elementary school, will be closed at the end of the 2008–2009 school year due to budget cuts.
Middletown is also home to private schools, including All Saints Academy (Grades K-8) and St. George's School
(Grades 9–12).
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in Newport County
Newport County, Rhode Island
-National protected areas:* Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge* Touro Synagogue National Historic Site-History:Newport County was constituted on June 22, 1703, as one of the two original counties of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. As originally established, Newport...
, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 16,150 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...
. It lies to the south of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Portsmouth is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,389 at the 2010 U.S. Census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water. Most of its land area lies on Aquidneck...
and to the north of Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
on Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island, located in the state of Rhode Island, is the largest island in Narragansett Bay. The island's official name is Rhode Island, and the common use of name "Aquidneck Island" helps distinguish the island from the state. The total land area is 97.9 km²...
, hence the name "Middletown."
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 town has a total area of 14.9 square miles (38.7 km²), of which 13.0 square miles (33.6 km²) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.1 km²)(13.18%) is water. Middletown is known as the "farming community" of Aquidneck Island, today about 45% of the town is farm land, 25% is wooded, and about 30% is developed of its 14.9 square miles (38.6 km²). Most of the developed land is located towards the southern part of the town near Newport while the rural area is towards the North near Portsmouth. Middletown also has several beaches.
History
Various issues including unjust taxation and a growing population caused the Newport freeholders living in the northern section of Newport to petition the general assembly for independence. As a result of the petition, the land that Middletown occupies was set apart in 1731. The town was incorporated in 1743.During the 1980s, large sections of East Main Road and West Main Road running through Middletown began to be commercialized, and by the late 1990s, the area had become Aquidneck Island's central business district.
Government
The town is governed by a seven-member town council, elected at-large in partisan elections. Executive authority is vested in an appointed town administrator (on the council–manager model). The town also elects a non-partisan school committee.Middletown forms part of , represented by Democrat David Cicilline
David Cicilline
David Nicola Cicilline is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Democratic Party. He is formerly the Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, and was the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital.-Early life, education, and career:...
. At the state level, Middletown is part of one state senate and three state house districts. The 12th Rhode Island Senate
Rhode Island Senate
The Rhode Island Senate is the upper house of the Rhode Island General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Rhode Island. It is composed of 38 Senators, each of whom is elected to a two-year term. Rhode Island is one of the 14 states where its upper house serves at a two-year...
district, which also includes parts of Newport, Little Compton and Tiverton, is held by Democrat Louis P. DiPalma. In the Rhode Island House of Representatives
Rhode Island House of Representatives
The Rhode Island House of Representatives is the lower house of the Rhode Island General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Rhode Island. It is composed of 75 members, elected to two year terms from 75 districts of equal population. The Rhode Island General Assembly does not have...
, Middletown forms part of the 72nd, 73rd and 74th districts. The 72nd, which also includes portions of Newport and Portsmouth, is represented by Republican Daniel Reilly. The 73rd, which is predominantly Newport, is held by Democrat Russell Jackson. The 74th, shared between Middletown and Jamestown, is represented by Democrat Deb Ruggiero
Deb Ruggiero
Deborah L. Ruggiero , commonly known as Deb Ruggiero, is an American radio personality and politician from Jamestown, Rhode Island. A Democrat, she serves in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing the 74th district, which contains all of Jamestown and part of Middletown...
.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,334 people, 6,993 households, and 4,643 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,335.4 people per square mile (515.6/km²). There were 7,603 housing units at an average density of 585.7 per square mile (226.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 89.12% White, 2.72% African American, 2.36% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 1.11% Pacific Islander, 1.07% from other racesRace (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 2.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.93% of the population.
There were 6,993 households out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $51,075, and the median income for a family was $57,322. Males had a median income of $41,778 versus $27,229 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,857. About 3.7% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.
Notable residents
Nicolas CageNicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is an American actor, producer and director, having appeared in over 60 films including Raising Arizona , The Rock , Face/Off , Gone in 60 Seconds , Adaptation , National Treasure , Ghost Rider , Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans , and...
– In August 2007, Cage purchased a home in Middletown titled the "Grey Craig." The 24000 square feet (2,229.7 m²), brick-and-stone country home, on 26 secluded acres, has 12 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from its spot neighbouring the Norman Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Refuge. The sale ranks among the state’s most expensive residential purchases, eclipsed by the $17.15 million sale last December of the Miramar mansion on Bellevue Avenue in Newport.
Charlie Day
Charlie Day
Charles Peckham "Charlie" Day is an American television and film actor, from Middletown, Rhode Island, best known for playing Charlie Kelly on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".-Early life:...
of the television show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is an American television sitcom that premiered on FX on August 4, 2005. New episodes continue to air on FX, with reruns playing on Comedy Central, general broadcast syndication, and WGN America—the first-ever cable-to-cable syndication deal for a sitcom...
spent his childhood in the 1980s in Middletown.
Transportation
Newport State AirportNewport State Airport (Rhode Island)
Newport State Airport is a public use airport in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. It serves the city of Newport and is located two nautical miles northeast of its central business district. There is no scheduled airline service available, but it once was served by Air New...
, a public-use general aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
airport and the only airport on Aquidneck Island, is located in Middletown.
West Main Road (RI-114) and East Main Road (RI-138) are the main roads running north-south through Middletown.
Sports
Middletown is home to St Columba's Cricket ClubSt Columba's Cricket Club
St. Columba's Cricket Club is a cricket club in Middletown, Newport County, Rhode Island. SCCC was founded by Tony Fairchild in 1993. Fairchild named the club after St. Columba's Episcopal Church, of which he was a member...
, which hosts an annual cricket tournament for teams throughout the New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
area. The Newport National Golf Club is located in Middletown. The town is also home to the Middletown Islanders Hockey, Football, Baseball, Volleyball, and Lacrosse teams.
They also are involved with Pop Warner football and cheer-leading along with many other cities throughout New England. More known as a Middle School football teams, Pop Warner hosts from very young ages and separates them by age.
- Kids ages 6–8: Mighty Mights
- Kids ages 9&10: Junior Pee Wee
- Kids ages 11&12: Pee Wee
- Kids ages 13&14: Midget
Schools
As of September 2009, The Middletown Public School District will consist of 4 schools serving pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade. They are Aquidneck Elementary School (Grades PreK – 3), Forest Avenue Elementary School (Grades K – 3), Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School (Grades 4 – 8) and Middletown High SchoolMiddletown High School (Rhode Island)
Middletown High School is a public high school located on Aquidneck Island serving 9th through 12th grade; it is found at 130 Valley Road. Called MHS for short, it serves approximately 730 students...
(Grades 9 – 12). Starting in September 2009, all fourth grade students will attend Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School. John F. Kennedy, former elementary school, will be closed at the end of the 2008–2009 school year due to budget cuts.
Middletown is also home to private schools, including All Saints Academy (Grades K-8) and St. George's School
St. George's School, Newport
St. George's School is a private, Episcopal, coeducational boarding school in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA, just east of the city of Newport. The school was founded in 1896 by the Rev. John Byron Diman, a member of a prominent Rhode Island family. It sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean...
(Grades 9–12).
Historic Sites in Middletown
- Boyd's WindmillBoyd's WindmillBoyd's Windmill, also known as Boyd's Wind Grist Mill, built in 1810, is a historic smock mill in Middletown, Rhode Island.John Peterson built the windmill on Old Mill Lane in Portsmouth, Rhode Island in 1810, and William Boyd purchased it in 1815...
, built 1810 - Bailey FarmBailey FarmBailey Farm is an historic farm at 373 Wyatt Road in Middletown, Rhode Island.Bailey farm was built in the early nineteenth century as an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture.The farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984....
, built 1838 - Clambake Club of NewportClambake Club of NewportThe Clambake Club of Newport is a historic clubhouse meeting hall in Middletown, Rhode Island on 353 Tuckerman Avenue.The building was completed in the mid-nineteenth century and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 as building #95001267.-References and external links:*...
, built in 1895 - Gardiner Pond Shell MiddenGardiner Pond Shell MiddenThe Gardiner Pond Shell Midden is an historic midden site in Middletown, Rhode Island.The Gardiner Pond Shell Midden contains various prehistoric shell fossils and other archaeological remains. The midden was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as #85000718.-References and...
- Hamilton Hoppin HouseHamilton Hoppin HouseHamilton Hoppin House is an historic house at 120 Miantonomi Ave in Middletown, Rhode Island. It has been known by several names, including Villalon, Montpelier, Shadow Lawn, Agincourt Inn, and, currently, The Inn at Villalon....
, built in 1856 - Lyman C. Joseph HouseLyman C. Joseph HouseThe Lyman C. Joseph House is an historic home in Middletown, Rhode Island.Architect Clarence Luce built the house in 1882. The home is in an American shingle style and is currently privately owned. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975....
, built 1882 - Paradise SchoolParadise SchoolParadise School is an historic school in Middletown, Rhode Island.The one room schoolhouse was built in 1875 and held classes until 1955 when it became an administration office. The Middletown Historical Society acquired the building in 1976 and was later restored and holds a small museum...
, built 1875 - Prescott FarmPrescott FarmPrescott Farm is a historic preservation of a colonial farm in Middletown , Rhode Island. It spans 40 acres, and was in danger of demolition before Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation bought it in 1973 and began restoration of the historical site. Notable features of it include...
, ca. 1715 - Whitehall (Rhode Island), built 1729
- Witherbee SchoolWitherbee SchoolThe Witherbee School is a school house in Middletown, Rhode Island on Green End Avenue.The one-room wooden school house was one of five in Middletown in 1900. It closed in the 1940s, and now is run by the Middletown Historical Society as an educational center...
, built 1900
External links
- Town of Middletown, Rhode Island
- Middletown Historical Society
- Middletown Beaches rated among the Top 10 New England Beaches