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Revision as of 06:32, 8 December 2010

Template:Geobox

Bethalto is a village in Madison County, Illinois, USA. Bethalto, like the rest of Madison County, is part of the Illinois Metro-East portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. The population of Bethalto was 9,454 at the 2000 census.[1]

Geography

Bethalto is located at 38°54′15″N 90°2′48″W / 38.90417°N 90.04667°W / 38.90417; -90.04667 (38.904197, -90.046579).Template:GR

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 6.6 square miles (17.0 km²), all of it land.

Early Beginnings

The original name of Bethalto was Bethel. However, when the first post office was established, it was discovered that there was already a Bethel, Illinois. There is a general consensus that the name "Bethalto" came from the first four letters of Bethel and the first four letters of nearby Alton, Illinois. It is believed that Bethalto is the only town of that name anywhere because of this unusual naming strategy. Bethalto was incorporated on April 19, 1869.[2]

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 9,454 people, 3,810 households, and 2,647 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,437.3 people per square mile (554.7/km²). There were 4,007 housing units at an average density of 609.2/sq mi (235.1/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.84% White, 0.76% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 3,810 households out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 26.8% 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 2.46 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the village the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,201, and the median income for a family was $50,764. Males had a median income of $41,512 versus $22,981 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,697. About 6.5% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.1% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Business and industry

As a bedroom community, Bethalto is not an industrial powerhouse. Nevertheless, it is home to a thriving cottage industry that includes Stands, the world's leading manufacturer of slot machine stands, which is actually located in Moro, a community north of Bethalto; RF Technologies, North America's largest independent service center for drive-thru communication systems; and Denny's Seat Cover and Upholstery. Major governmental institutions include St. Louis Regional Airport, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8 and the Bethalto Public Library. Local restaurants include Geno's 140 Club, Airport Restaurant, and Roma's Pizza.

In late October 2006, the segment of four-lane, controlled-access Illinois Route 255 (an extension of Interstate 255) between Illinois Route 143 and Fosterburg Road was opened.[3] This highway provides Bethalto residents with convenient access to the area's freeway system.

Parks

Bethalto Park

The main park in Bethalto is where the Bethalto Homecoming is held every year. It consists of a stage with seating, and many old trees. During the event bands may play, and carnival rides may be ridden for small fees. Food-stands are set up to supply beverages, and food.

Bethalto Arboretum

Entrance to the arboretum
Bethalto Arboretum at Night

The Bethalto Arboretum is an arboretum on the east end of town that was developed in 1966 after the demise of the railroad era in Bethalto. It is one of the few arboretums in the area. A directory of trees and bushes contained in the arboretum may be viewed in the mayor and clerk's offices.[4]

Culp Lane Park

Culp Lane Park is a large park on the northwest end of town that was established in 2005. Among its many features are a lake, a children's play area, and a new arboretum.[5] It has become a popular site for Bethalto residents to come for exercise as well as leisure. The park is a great spot for events; such as sports parties, to be held. Wilbur Trimpe Middle School also goes to fish there before colder seasons occur.

Schools

References

  1. ^ City data, 2000 census information Retrieved on May 28, 2007
  2. ^ Bethalto Library Town History Retrieved on July 3, 2007
  3. ^ Kapiolani Saxton, J. (2006, October 21). Another 7.6 miles is added to Interstate 255. Belleville News-Democrat (IL), Retrieved July 7, 2007, from EBSCO Newspaper Source database.
  4. ^ A Short History Retrieved on August 2, 2007
  5. ^ New in the Village Retrieved on August 2, 2007
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