Stowe, Vermont
Encyclopedia
Stowe is a town
in Lamoille County, Vermont
, United States
. The population was 4,339 at the 2000 census. Tourism is a significant industry.
, the town has a total area of 72.7 square miles (188.4 km2), of which 72.7 square miles (188.2 km2) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km2) (0.10%) is water. By area, it is the second-largest town in the state of Vermont (after Chittenden
in Rutland County).
Stowe lies in a broad, fertile valley between Mount Mansfield
and other peaks of the Green Mountains
to the west, and the Worcester Range or "Hogback" Mountains
to the east. The Waterbury River (or Little River, as it is presently known) with its main east and west branches and various tributaries, flows southward and, above Waterbury Center, empties into the large reservoir created by the flood control dam. From there the "Little River" flows southward and eventually empties into the westward flowing Winooski River
west of the Village of Waterbury.
of 2000, there were 4,339 people, 1,905 households, and 1,129 families residing in the town. The population density
was 59.7 people per square mile (23.1/km2). There were 2,728 housing units at an average density of 37.5 per square mile (14.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.28% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.23% from other races
, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.
There were 1,905 households out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples
living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the town the population was spread out with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.
for the town was $35,474. About 3.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
event is held annually in Stowe during the third week of September. The Stowe Theater Guild, along with Hyde Park Opera House, and the Waterbury Festival Players, combine to offer theatrical productions each Summer.
The 2007 Fed Cup
Semifinals between the United States
team (coached by Zina Garrison
) and Russia
took place in Stowe on hard courts in July. Vania King
, Lisa Raymond
, Meilen Tu
and Venus Williams
made up the team for the U.S. A 4100 capacity stadium was built at Topnotch Resort.
is Vermont's highest mountain and is a ski area with terrain suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. The famous "Front Four" trails (National, Lift Line, Starr and Goat) are the most challenging. The lower altitude Spruce Peak is suitable for beginners and intermediates.
, such as the Long Trail
, all of which are operated by the Green Mountain Club. There are rock climbing and ice climbing activities.
There is mountain biking in the area. Besides public trails, there are private trails at the Trapp Family Lodge.
, is a recreation trail that runs 5.3 miles (8.5 km), and was completed in 1989 at a total cost of $680,000. The Stowe Recreation Path has received several awards and honors.
; is licensed to Stowe, and programs a classical music format.
HGTV's 2011 Dream Home
is located in Stowe.
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 Lamoille County, Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 4,339 at the 2000 census. Tourism is a significant industry.
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 72.7 square miles (188.4 km2), of which 72.7 square miles (188.2 km2) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km2) (0.10%) is water. By area, it is the second-largest town in the state of Vermont (after Chittenden
Chittenden, Vermont
Chittenden is a town in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,258 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 74.2 square miles , of which 73.0 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water...
in Rutland County).
Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a summit that peaks at above sea level. The summit is in Underhill; the ridgeline, including some secondary peaks, extends into the town of Stowe, and the mountain's flanks also reach into the town of Cambridge.When viewed from the east or...
and other peaks of the Green Mountains
Green Mountains
The Green Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Vermont. The range extends approximately .-Peaks:The most notable mountains in the range include:*Mount Mansfield, , the highest point in Vermont*Killington Peak, *Mount Ellen,...
to the west, and the Worcester Range or "Hogback" Mountains
Hogback Mountain (Vermont)
Hogback Mountain is a mountain in southern Vermont, in the town of Marlborough, Vermont, just north of New England Interstate Route 9.It was the site of a small alpine ski area, Hogback Mountain Ski Area, from 1946 to 1986. It is currently the center of an attempt to place roughly in conservation...
to the east. The Waterbury River (or Little River, as it is presently known) with its main east and west branches and various tributaries, flows southward and, above Waterbury Center, empties into the large reservoir created by the flood control dam. From there the "Little River" flows southward and eventually empties into the westward flowing Winooski River
Winooski River
The Winooski River is a tributary of Lake Champlain, approximately long, in northern Vermont in the United States. Although not Vermont's longest river, it is one of the state's most significant, forming a major valley way from Lake Champlain through the Green Mountains towards the Connecticut...
west of the Village of Waterbury.
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 4,339 people, 1,905 households, and 1,129 families residing in the town. 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 59.7 people per square mile (23.1/km2). There were 2,728 housing units at an average density of 37.5 per square mile (14.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.28% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.23% 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 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.
There were 1,905 households out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the town the population was spread out with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.
Economy
There has been some manufacturing in Stowe, such as the Tubbs Snowshoe factory, but they closed in 2009 and moved their manufacturing overseas.Personal income
The median income for a household in the town was $52,378, and the median income for a family was $64,700. Males had a median income of $37,788 versus $31,689 for females. The per capita incomePer 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 town was $35,474. About 3.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
Tourism
Stowe is host to an arts and crafts shows, a balloon festival, and many other special events. The weekend-long British InvasionBritish Invasion (car show)
British Invasion is an annual British automobile show and cultural celebration held in Stowe, Vermont. The multiple events that comprise British Invasion take place over several days during the third weekend of September...
event is held annually in Stowe during the third week of September. The Stowe Theater Guild, along with Hyde Park Opera House, and the Waterbury Festival Players, combine to offer theatrical productions each Summer.
The 2007 Fed Cup
2007 Fed Cup
The 2007 Fed Cup is the 45th edition of the most important tournament between national teams in women's tennis. 74 nations participated in the tournament...
Semifinals between the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
team (coached by Zina Garrison
Zina Garrison
Zina Lynna Garrison is a former professional tennis player from the United States. During her career, she was a women's singles runner-up at Wimbledon in 1990, a three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, and a women's doubles gold medalist at the 1988 Olympic Games.-Career:An African-American...
) and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
took place in Stowe on hard courts in July. Vania King
Vania King
Vania King is a Taiwanese American female tennis player. King won both the 2010 Wimbledon Women's Doubles and 2010 US Open Women's Doubles titles with Kazakh partner Yaroslava Shvedova....
, Lisa Raymond
Lisa Raymond
Lisa Raymond is an American professional tennis player who has achieved notable success in doubles tennis. On June 12, 2000, she reached the world number one ranking in doubles...
, Meilen Tu
Meilen Tu
Meilen Tu is a former American professional female tennis player...
and Venus Williams
Venus Williams
Venus Ebony Starr Williams is an American professional tennis player who is a former World No. 1 and is ranked World No. 101 as of 10 October 2011 in singles and World No. 20 in doubles as of 2011. She has been ranked World No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association on three separate...
made up the team for the U.S. A 4100 capacity stadium was built at Topnotch Resort.
Skiing
At 4393 feet (1,339 m), Mount MansfieldMount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a summit that peaks at above sea level. The summit is in Underhill; the ridgeline, including some secondary peaks, extends into the town of Stowe, and the mountain's flanks also reach into the town of Cambridge.When viewed from the east or...
is Vermont's highest mountain and is a ski area with terrain suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. The famous "Front Four" trails (National, Lift Line, Starr and Goat) are the most challenging. The lower altitude Spruce Peak is suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Points of interest
- Mount MansfieldMount MansfieldMount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a summit that peaks at above sea level. The summit is in Underhill; the ridgeline, including some secondary peaks, extends into the town of Stowe, and the mountain's flanks also reach into the town of Cambridge.When viewed from the east or...
- Smugglers' Notch State ParkSmugglers' Notch State ParkSmugglers' Notch State Park is a Vermont state park near Stowe in Lamoille County, Vermont in the United States. The park is at an elevation of near Mount Mansfield, and is named for Smugglers Notch, which separates Mount Mansfield—the highest peak of the Green Mountains—from Spruce Peak and the...
- Trapp Family LodgeTrapp Family LodgeThe Trapp Family Lodge is a , three-and-a-half-star resort located in Stowe, Vermont, United States. The lodge is managed by Sam von Trapp and his father Johannes von Trapp.- History :...
- Stowe Mountain ResortStowe Mountain ResortStowe Mountain Resort is a ski resort near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont, comprising two separate mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The vertical drop from Mount Mansfield of is the fifth largest in New England and the fourth largest in Vermont. The resort is primarily owned by...
Other activities
There are hiking facilities on and around Mount Mansfield, and Smugglers' Notch State ParkSmugglers' Notch State Park
Smugglers' Notch State Park is a Vermont state park near Stowe in Lamoille County, Vermont in the United States. The park is at an elevation of near Mount Mansfield, and is named for Smugglers Notch, which separates Mount Mansfield—the highest peak of the Green Mountains—from Spruce Peak and the...
, such as the Long Trail
Long Trail
The Long Trail is a hiking trail located in Vermont, running the length of the state. It is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, constructed between 1910 and 1930 by the Green Mountain Club...
, all of which are operated by the Green Mountain Club. There are rock climbing and ice climbing activities.
There is mountain biking in the area. Besides public trails, there are private trails at the Trapp Family Lodge.
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation PathStowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path, also called the Stowe Bike Path, is a greenway located in Stowe, Vermont, United States The recreation trail was built in two phases, 1981–84 and 1986–89, at a total cost of US$680,000...
, is a recreation trail that runs 5.3 miles (8.5 km), and was completed in 1989 at a total cost of $680,000. The Stowe Recreation Path has received several awards and honors.
Education
There are three public schools in town: Stowe Elementary School, Stowe Middle School, and Stowe High School.Stowe Land Trust
Stowe Land Trust has conserved 25 properties and over 3000 acres (12.1 km²), many of which are available to the public. One is Wiessner Woods, conserved by the trust in 1992 through a donation from the Wiessner family.Media
Radio station WCVTWCVT
WCVT is a radio station broadcasting a Classical format. Licensed to Stowe, Vermont, USA, the station serves the Burlington-Plattsburgh area. The station is currently owned by Radio Vermont Classics, L.L.C.-History:...
; is licensed to Stowe, and programs a classical music format.
HGTV's 2011 Dream Home
HGTV Dream Home
The HGTV Dream Home is the American cable network Home & Garden Television's annual project house and sweepstakes, held since 1997. The sweepstakes commences with a January 1 television special showcasing the fully furnished, custom-built home valued in excess of one million dollars; viewers are...
is located in Stowe.
Notable people
- Douglas Casey, investor and financial author.
- Rusty DeWeesRusty DeWeesRusty DeWees is an American actor, producer and writer. He works regionally in Vermont, off off broadway, television and Films...
, comedian, actor, and writer. - William "Billy" KiddBilly KiddWilliam Winston "Billy" Kidd is a former alpine ski racer, a member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1962-70 and a pro racer from 1970-72...
, first American man to earn an Olympic medal in alpine skiing.
- Joe Kirkwood, Sr.Joe Kirkwood, Sr.Joseph Henry Kirkwood, Sr. was a professional golfer who is acknowledged as having put Australian golf on the world map....
, professional golfer. - Graham MinkGraham MinkGraham Mink is an American ice hockey Winger currently playing for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.-Playing career:...
, professional hockey player. - Joseph SkingerJoseph Skinger- History :Joe Skinger was an American metalsmith and sculptor of the 1950s and 1960s who practiced in Vermont. As a craftsman his work in handwrought jewelry was primarily carried out in silver. He designed and created production pieces made by himself and his assistant Gay Bessette...
, artisan. - Ken SquierKen SquierKen Squier is an American sportscaster and motorsports editor from Waterbury, Vermont. From 1979-1997, he was the lap-by-lap commentator for NASCAR on CBS, and was also a lap-by-lap commentator for TBS from the time they had rights to NASCAR until 2000. Squier was the first announcer to give...
, former Lap-by-Lap commentator for NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
. - Maria von TrappMaria von TrappMaria Augusta von Trapp , also known as Baroness Maria von Trapp, was the stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers...
, matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers. - Fritz WiessnerFritz WiessnerFritz Wiessner was a pioneer of free climbing. Born in Dresden, Germany, he emigrated to New York City in 1929. He became a U.S. citizen in 1935.-Early days:...
, pioneer of free climbing.