South Amboy, New Jersey
Encyclopedia
South Amboy is a city
in Middlesex County
, New Jersey
, on the Raritan Bay
. As of the 2000 United States Census, the city population was 7,913.
South Amboy, and Perth Amboy
across the Raritan River
, are collectively referred to as The Amboys
. Signage for Exit 11 on the New Jersey Turnpike
refers to "The Amboys" as a destination.
South Amboy has passed through three of the five types of New Jersey municipalities. It was first mentioned on May 28, 1782 in Freeholder minutes as being formed from Perth Amboy Township
, and then formally incorporated as a township
on February 21, 1798. Over the next 90 years, portions broke away to form Monroe Township
(April 9, 1838), Madison Township
(March 2, 1869; later Old Bridge Township) and Sayreville Township
(April 6, 1876; later Borough of Sayreville). As of February 25, 1888, South Amboy borough
was formed, replacing South Amboy Township. On April 11, 1908, South Amboy was incorporated as a city, replacing South Amboy borough, with a referendum held on July 21, 1908.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7 km²), of which, 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²) of it (42.59%) is water.
Area code 732 and 848 are used in South Amboy. It used to carry Area code 908, until 908 was allocated to Union, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties and South Amboy was designated as 732. Rahway and Clark in Union County still use the 732 area code.
of 2000, there were 7,913 people, 2,967 households, and 2,041 families residing in the city. The population density
was 5,102.1 people per square mile (1,971.1/km2). There were 3,110 housing units at an average density of 2,005.3 per square mile (774.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.22% White, 0.86% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.71% from other races
, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.75% of the population.
There were 2,967 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples
living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $50,529, and the median income for a family was $62,029. Males had a median income of $42,365 versus $29,737 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $23,598. About 6.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.
system of municipal government with a mayor elected directly by the voters. The City Council consists of five members, two of whom are elected on an at-large
basis while three are elected from wards.
, the Mayor
of South Amboy is Fred Henry. Members of the City Council are Council President Joseph E. Connors (at-large), Donald Applegate (First Ward), Michael Gross (at-large), Mark Noble (Second Ward), William J. Schwarick (Third Ward). Following the death of Russell Stillwagon in June 2010 after serving nearly two decades on the City Council, Donald Applegate was chosen the following month by councilmembers from among three names proposed to fill the vacancy representing the First Ward.
serve students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
) are South Amboy Elementary School (PreK-6, 581 students) and South Amboy Middle High School
(7-12, 445 students).
South Amboy also has one Catholic elementary school, Sacred Heart School.
Cardinal McCarrick High School
is a coeducation
al Catholic
secondary school
that serves nearly 500 students in ninth through twelfth grade.
station provides service on the New Jersey Transit
North Jersey Coast Line
, with most trains heading to Penn Station
in Midtown Manhattan
and some heading to Hoboken Terminal
. NJ Transit bus service is available on the 815 and 817 routes.
City (New Jersey)
A City in the context of New Jersey local government refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government....
in Middlesex County
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, on the Raritan Bay
Raritan Bay
Raritan Bay is a bay located at the southern portion of Lower New York Bay between the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey and is part of the New York Bight. The bay is bounded on the northwest by New York's Staten Island, on the west by Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on the south by the Raritan...
. As of the 2000 United States Census, the city population was 7,913.
South Amboy, and Perth Amboy
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Perth Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. The City of Perth Amboy is part of the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 50,814. Perth Amboy is known as the "City by the Bay", referring to Raritan Bay.-Name:The Lenape...
across the Raritan River
Raritan River
The Raritan River is a major river of central New Jersey in the United States. Its watershed drains much of the mountainous area of the central part of the state, emptying into the Raritan Bay on the Atlantic Ocean.-Description:...
, are collectively referred to as The Amboys
The Amboys
The Amboys are a pair of municipalities in Middlesex County, New Jersey, both of which have the word Amboy in their name. The two municipalities are the City of Perth Amboy and the City of South Amboy, located across from each other on the Raritan Bay....
. Signage for Exit 11 on the New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
refers to "The Amboys" as a destination.
South Amboy has passed through three of the five types of New Jersey municipalities. It was first mentioned on May 28, 1782 in Freeholder minutes as being formed from Perth Amboy Township
Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Perth Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. The City of Perth Amboy is part of the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 50,814. Perth Amboy is known as the "City by the Bay", referring to Raritan Bay.-Name:The Lenape...
, and then formally incorporated as a township
Township (New Jersey)
A township, in the context of New Jersey local government, refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. As a political entity, a township is a full-fledged municipality, on par with any town, city, borough, or village, collecting property taxes and providing...
on February 21, 1798. Over the next 90 years, portions broke away to form Monroe Township
Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey
Monroe Township is a Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 27,999. Monroe was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 9, 1838, from portions of South Amboy Township, based on the...
(April 9, 1838), Madison Township
Old Bridge Township, New Jersey
Old Bridge Township is a Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the township had a total population of 60,456...
(March 2, 1869; later Old Bridge Township) and Sayreville Township
Sayreville, New Jersey
Sayreville is a borough located on the Raritan River, near Raritan Bay in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 42,704....
(April 6, 1876; later Borough of Sayreville). As of February 25, 1888, South Amboy borough
Borough (New Jersey)
A borough in the context of New Jersey local government refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government....
was formed, replacing South Amboy Township. On April 11, 1908, South Amboy was incorporated as a city, replacing South Amboy borough, with a referendum held on July 21, 1908.
Geography
South Amboy is located at 40.481455°N 74.285125°W (40.481455, -74.285125).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7 km²), of which, 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²) of it (42.59%) is water.
Area code 732 and 848 are used in South Amboy. It used to carry Area code 908, until 908 was allocated to Union, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties and South Amboy was designated as 732. Rahway and Clark in Union County still use the 732 area code.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,913 people, 2,967 households, and 2,041 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 5,102.1 people per square mile (1,971.1/km2). There were 3,110 housing units at an average density of 2,005.3 per square mile (774.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.22% White, 0.86% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.71% 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 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.75% of the population.
There were 2,967 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% 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, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $50,529, and the median income for a family was $62,029. Males had a median income of $42,365 versus $29,737 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 $23,598. About 6.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.
Local government
South Amboy is governed under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council)
The Faulkner Act, or Optional Municipal Charter Law, provides for New Jersey municipalities to adopt a Mayor-Council government.This form of government provides for election of a mayor and five, seven, or nine council members...
system of municipal government with a mayor elected directly by the voters. The City Council consists of five members, two of whom are elected on an at-large
At-Large
At-large is a designation for representative members of a governing body who are elected or appointed to represent the whole membership of the body , rather than a subset of that membership...
basis while three are elected from wards.
, the Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of South Amboy is Fred Henry. Members of the City Council are Council President Joseph E. Connors (at-large), Donald Applegate (First Ward), Michael Gross (at-large), Mark Noble (Second Ward), William J. Schwarick (Third Ward). Following the death of Russell Stillwagon in June 2010 after serving nearly two decades on the City Council, Donald Applegate was chosen the following month by councilmembers from among three names proposed to fill the vacancy representing the First Ward.
Federal, state and county representation
South Amboy is in the 6th Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 19th state legislative district.Education
The South Amboy Public SchoolsSouth Amboy Public Schools
The South Amboy Public Schools are a comprehensive community public school district that serve students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade from South Amboy, in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States....
serve students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
) are South Amboy Elementary School (PreK-6, 581 students) and South Amboy Middle High School
South Amboy Middle High School
South Amboy Middle High School is a six-year comprehensive public high school that serves students in seventh through twelfth grades from South Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States, as part of the South Amboy Public Schools....
(7-12, 445 students).
South Amboy also has one Catholic elementary school, Sacred Heart School.
Cardinal McCarrick High School
Cardinal McCarrick High School
Cardinal McCarrick High School is a Catholic secondary school located in South Amboy, New Jersey.As of the 2007-08 school year, the school had an enrollment of 469 students and 31.3 classroom teachers , for a student–teacher ratio of 13.0....
is a coeducation
Coeducation
Mixed-sex education, also known as coeducation or co-education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution. It is the opposite of single-sex education...
al Catholic
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
secondary school
Secondary education in the United States
In most jurisdictions, secondary education in the United States refers to the last six or seven years of statutory formal education. Secondary education is generally split between junior high school or middle school, usually beginning with sixth or seventh grade , and high school, beginning with...
that serves nearly 500 students in ninth through twelfth grade.
Transportation
The South AmboySouth Amboy (NJT station)
South Amboy is a station on New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line located in South Amboy, New Jersey, United States. The station is 2½ miles east of Perth Amboy station and 5 miles west of Aberdeen-Matawan station. Electric trains from the north started terminating here in 1938, and many...
station provides service on the New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
North Jersey Coast Line
North Jersey Coast Line
The North Jersey Coast Line is a New Jersey Transit commuter rail service operating between New York Penn Station or Hoboken Terminal and Bay Head, New Jersey...
, with most trains heading to Penn Station
Pennsylvania Station (New York City)
Pennsylvania Station—commonly known as Penn Station—is the major intercity train station and a major commuter rail hub in New York City. It is one of the busiest rail stations in the world, and a hub for inbound and outbound railroad traffic in New York City. The New York City Subway system also...
in Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan, or simply Midtown, is an area of Manhattan, New York City home to world-famous commercial zones such as Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and Times Square...
and some heading to Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal is one of the New York Metropolitan area's major transportation hubs. The commuter-oriented intermodal facility, is located on the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey...
. NJ Transit bus service is available on the 815 and 817 routes.
Noted residents
- Allie ClarkAllie ClarkAlfred Aloysius "Allie" Clark is a former professional baseball player playing most notably for the New York Yankees. He made his pro debut on August 5, 1947 with the Yankees and played his final game on June 5, 1953 with the Philadelphia Athletics...
(born 1923), former New York YankeeNew 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...
. - Greg EviganGreg EviganGregory Ralph "Greg" Evigan is an American actor best known for the TV series B.J. and the Bear, My Two Dads, P.S. I Luv U and TekWar.-Personal life:...
(born 1953), actor best known for the TV series B.J. and the Bear, then My Two Dads. - Harold G. HoffmanHarold G. HoffmanHarold Giles Hoffman was an American politician, a Republican who served as the 41st Governor of New Jersey, from 1935 to 1938. He also served two terms representing in the United States House of Representatives, from 1927 to 1931.-Early life:Hoffman was born in South Amboy, New Jersey to Frank...
(1896–1954), former Governor of New JerseyGovernor of New JerseyThe Office of the Governor of New Jersey is the executive branch for the U.S. state of New Jersey. The office of Governor is an elected position, for which elected officials serve four year terms. While individual politicians may serve as many terms as they can be elected to, Governors cannot be...
, who was mayor of South Amboy in 1925 and 1926. - Jack McKeonJack McKeonJohn Aloysius McKeon , nicknamed Trader Jack, is a former Major League Baseball manager. In 2003, he won a World Series with the Florida Marlins...
(born 1930), ManagerManager (baseball)In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the 2003 World Series2003 World SeriesThe 2003 World Series marked the 99th baseball World Series event. The Florida Marlins defeated the New York Yankees in six games, 4–2.-Background:...
Champion Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
. - Johnny O'BrienJohnny O'BrienJohn Thomas O'Brien is a former backup second baseman and pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves . O'Brien batted and threw right-handed...
and Eddie O'BrienEddie O'Brien (baseball)Edward Joseph O'Brien is an American former Major League Baseball shortstop, outfielder and pitcher. He played his entire five-year baseball career for the Pittsburgh Pirates...
(the O'Brien twins, born 1930), played together for the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. - Thomas J. ScullyThomas J. ScullyThomas Joseph Scully was an American Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 3rd congressional district from 1911 to 1921.-Biography:...
(1864–1921) represented New Jersey's 3rd congressional districtNew Jersey's 3rd congressional districtNew Jersey's Third Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Jon Runyan. It is a swing district, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+1. Former NFL player Republican Jon Runyan defeated John Adler in the 2010 House elections...
from 1911 to 1921 and served as mayor of South Amboy in 1909 and 1910, and again in 1921. - Benjamin Franklin HowellBenjamin Franklin HowellBenjamin Franklin Howell was an American Republican Party politician who represented in the United States House of Representatives from 1895 to 1911....
(1844–1933), represented New Jersey in the 58th - 61st US Congressional sessions, buried in Christ Church Cemetery. - Hometown of the Dan Patrick Show's,producer Patrick "Seton" O'Connor (1979).
- Timothy WiltseyTimothy WiltseyTimothy Wiltsey was a 5 year old boy from South Amboy, New Jersey who was reported missing by his mother, Michelle Lodzinski, on May 25, 1991 from a local carnival....
(1985-91), a 5 year old boy from South Amboy who was reported missing by his mother on May 25, 1991 from a local carnival.
External links
- Middlesex County webpage for South Amboy
- Sadie Pope Dowdell Library
- South Amboy Police Department
- South Amboy Public Schools
- Data for the South Amboy Public Schools, National Center for Education StatisticsNational Center for Education StatisticsThe National Center for Education Statistics is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States...
- South Amboy First Aid & Safety Squad