Longmeadow, Massachusetts: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Settlement |
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|official_name = Longmeadow, Massachusetts |
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|nickname = |
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|motto = |
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|image_skyline = Longmeadow Town Hall, MA.jpg |
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|imagesize = 250px |
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|image_caption = Longmeadow Town Hall |
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|image_seal = |
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|image_flag = |
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|image_map = Longmeadow_ma_highlight.png |
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|mapsize = 250px |
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|map_caption = Location in Hampden County in Massachusetts |
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|image_map1 = |
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|mapsize1 = |
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|map_caption1 = |
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|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]] |
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|subdivision_name = [[United States]] |
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|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]] |
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|subdivision_name1 = [[Massachusetts]] |
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|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]] |
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|subdivision_name2 = [[Hampden County, Massachusetts|Hampden]] |
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|established_title = Settled |
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|established_date = 1644 |
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|established_title2 = Incorporated |
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|established_date2 = 1783 |
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|established_title3 = |
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|established_date3 = |
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|government_type = [[Open town meeting]] |
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|leader_title = [[Town Manager|Town<br>{{nbsp|3}}Manager]] |
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|leader_name = Robin L. Crosbie |
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|leader_title1 = Board of<br>{{nbsp|3}}Selectmen |
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|leader_name1 = Robert Barkett, Brian Ashe, Kathy Grady, Bill Scibelli, Chairman, Paul Santaniello |
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|area_magnitude = |
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|area_total_km2 = 24.6 |
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|area_total_sq_mi = 9.5 |
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|area_land_km2 = 23.4 |
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|area_land_sq_mi = 9.0 |
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|area_water_km2 = 1.2 |
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|area_water_sq_mi = 0.5 |
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|population_as_of = 2000 |
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|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]] |
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|population_total = 15633 |
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|population_density_km2 = 668.9 |
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|population_density_sq_mi = 1732.5 |
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|population_blank1_title = [[Demonym]] |
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|population_blank1 = Longmeadowite |
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|elevation_m = 49 |
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|elevation_ft = 160 |
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|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]] |
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|utc_offset = -5 |
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|timezone_DST = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]] |
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|utc_offset_DST = -4 |
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|latd = 42|latm = 03|lats = 00|latNS = N |
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|longd = 72|longm = 35|longs = 00|longEW = W |
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|website = http://www.longmeadow.org/ |
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|postal_code_type = ZIP code |
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|postal_code = 01106 |
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|area_code = [[Area code 413|413]] |
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|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
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|blank_info = 25-36300 |
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|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |
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|blank1_info = 0618186 |
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|footnotes = |
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}} |
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'''Longmeadow''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Hampden County, Massachusetts|Hampden County]], [[Massachusetts]], [[United States]]. The population was 15,633 at the 2000 census. Its town government consists of a Select Board with 5 members. |
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Longmeadow is part of the [[Springfield, Massachusetts]] [[Springfield, Massachusetts metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. |
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==History== |
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Longmeadow was first settled in 1644, and officially incorporated on October 17, 1783. The town was originally farmland within the limits of [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]]. It remained relatively pastoral until the street railway was built about 1910, when the population tripled over a fifteen-year period. After [[Interstate 91]] was built in the wetlands on the west side of town, population tripled again between 1960 and 1975. Today it is one of the most affluent suburbs in the state west of [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester]], featuring the [[Massachusetts locations by per capita income|highest per capita income]] of any location in that region. |
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During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Longmeadow was best-known as the site from which Longmeadow brownstone was mined. Several famous American buildings, including [[Princeton University]]'s Neo-Gothic library are made of Longmeadow brownstone. |
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[[Johnny Appleseed]] once lived here, and [[Louisa May Alcott]] mentions a place called Longmeadow in [[Little Women]]. Longmeadow was also the home of Dr. [[Nathan Cooley Keep]], a pioneer in the field of dentistry and the founding Dean of the [[Harvard School of Dental Medicine]]. |
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Many recent celebrities are former Longmeadow residents, including actress [[Bridget Moynahan]], actress [[Erinn Bartlett]], former [[Total Request Live]] host [[Damien Fahey]], as well as [[New England Revolution]] defenseman [[Jay Heaps]]. [[Aaron Lewis]] of the band [[Staind]] graduated from Longmeadow High School. [[Joey Santiago]] of the band [[Pixies]] graduated from Longmeadow High School. Author [[Anita Shreve]] is a current town resident. |
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==Geography== |
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Longmeadow is located in the [[Western Massachusetts|western]] part of the state, just south of the city of Springfield, and is bordered on the west by the [[Connecticut River]], to the east by [[East Longmeadow]] and to the south by [[Enfield, Connecticut|Enfield]], [[Connecticut]]. It extends approximately {{convert|3|mi|km}} north to south and {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} east to west. It is approximately {{convert|20|mi|km}} north of [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]]. |
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More than 30% of the town is permanent open space. Conservation areas on the west side of town include more than {{convert|750|acre|km2}} bordering the Connecticut River. The area supports a wide range of wildlife including deer, beaver, wild turkeys, foxes, and eagles. Springfield's [[Forest Park (Springfield)]], which at {{convert|735|acre|km2}} is the largest city park in New England, forms the northern border of the town. The private Twin Hills and public Franconia golf courses, plus town athletic fields and conservation land, cover nearly 2/3 of the eastern border of the town. Two large public parks, the Longmeadow Country Club, and three conservation areas account for the bulk of the remaining formal open space. Almost 20% of the houses in town are in close proximity to a "dingle", a tree-lined steep sided sandy ravine with a wetland at the bottom that provides a privacy barrier between yards. |
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Longmeadow has a [[village green|town common]] located along [[U.S. Route 5|US Highway 5]], on the west side of town. It is about 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) long. Roughly 100 houses date back before 1900, most of which are in the historic district near the town green. Houses along the photogenic main street are set back farther than in most towns of similar residential density. The town has three recently remodeled elementary schools, two secondary schools, and one high school. The commercial center of town is an area called "The Longmeadow Shops," including restaurants and clothing stores. |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|9.5|sqmi|km2|lk=on}}, of which, {{convert|9.0|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.5|sqmi|km2}} of it (5.05%) is water. |
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==Demographics== |
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The [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000 shows there were 15,633 people, 5,734 households, and 4,432 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1732.5|PD/sqmi|/km2}}. There were 5,879 housing units at an average density of {{convert|651.5|/sqmi|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 0.69% African American, 0.05% Native American, 2.90% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. 1.09% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. |
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There were 5,734 households out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.09. |
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In the town the population was spread out with 26,8% under the age of 18, 4,6% from 18 to 24, 22% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.0 males. |
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The median household income in the town was $75,461, and the median family income was $87,742. Males had a median income of $88,238 versus $40,890 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $38,949. About 1.0% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 0.3% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over. |
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==Athletics== |
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Longmeadow is also known for excellence in athletics, particularly their rivalry against neighboring suburb, [[East Longmeadow]], and their [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving Day]] [[American football|football]] game is very popular among residents of both towns. Longmeadow High School's team name is the Lancers. Other rivals include Minnechaug Regional High School, [[Agawam]], Springfield Central, [[Westfield, Massachusetts|Westfield]], and [[South Hadley]]. Approximately 85% of students are involved in sports at [[Longmeadow High School]]. |
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==Lacrosse== |
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*Longmeadow is best known for their storied high school lacrosse tradition in both the boys' and girls' programs. Since 1970, the first year of varsity play for the Boy's Lacrosse program at Longmeadow, the team has established a tradition of excellence and earned a position as one of the top programs in the State, winning [[Massachusetts]] State Championships (a total of 17) in 1970, '74-'75, '77, '79-'81, '83-'86, '88-90, '92 and '97 and most recently 2008 (Boys), a win over [[Medfield, Massachusetts|Medfield]] (14-10). |
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*Longmeadow's Boys team has produced 36 All-American selections and 6 Academic All-American selections, and many of the lacrosse alumni have gone on to play lacrosse for top collegiate programs. |
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==Football== |
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*Longmeadow High School's Football team has gone to twelve straight Western Mass-Central Mass Super Bowls under Head Coach Alex Rotsko. |
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*Longmeadow has won 8 of the 12 Western Mass-Central Mass Super Bowls (which began in 1997) and 10 overall since 1972. These Super Bowls can be broken down by: two Western Mass Super Bowls, three Division II Super Bowls, one Division IA, and four Division I Super Bowls. |
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*Four out of the last five seasons, the football team has gone undefeated, including back to back to back perfect seasons. The 2005 football (12-0) team beat [[Leominster, Massachusetts|Leominster]] in the Division 1 Super Bowl 21-20 in [[Holyoke]]. |
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*The 2006 team (12-0) beat [[Leominster, Massachusetts|Leominster]] again, but in a more dominant fashion, 42-0 at [[Worcester State College]] . |
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*The 2007 team finished 13-0, a school record due to the new playoff system, and beat [[Leominster, Massachusetts|Leominster]] 21-0 in the Division 1 Super Bowl at [[Westfield State College]]. |
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*Longmeadow now holds a 47-0 record over the past 4 seasons, the best current streak in the state. Recently losing to [[East Longmeadow High School]] (ELHS) on 11/27/08 on the Thanksgiving day game ending their 48-0 streak with a 16-13 score. They however went on to their 13th consecutive Super Bowl and won their 9th title over the Fitchburgh Red Raiders. |
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The Longmeadow Lancers won 21 to 19 over the East Longmeadow Spartans. The game was played in Longmeadow. |
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==Boys Tennis== |
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*Longmeadow's Boys Tennis program has won twelve straight Western Mass titles (D1). In 2006, the team ended a 9 year losing streak to St. Johns (All 9 loses came in the state semi-final). Recently, the program proves to be a contender every year. Meadow fell short in 2006 against Sharon, 2008 against CC, and lost 3-2 in 2009 against CC. |
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*Many players have gone on to play at the college level. |
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*The longmeadow boys tennis team has not lost a match against a western mass team in four years. A record for the region, in any sport. |
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==Other Notable High School Sports== |
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*In 2006 Longmeadow High School's Hockey Team was the Division III state champions and 2009 Western Mass Champions. In 2007, they lost to [[East Longmeadow]] in the semifinals and in 2008 lost to [[Westfield, Massachusetts|Westfield]] in the Western Mass finals. |
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* The 2004 Girls Lacrosse were Division I State Champions. The girls lacrosse team currently holds a streak of more than 100 games won against Western Massachusetts opponents. The 2005, 2006 (Framingham), 2007 (Framingham), and 2008 (West Wood) teams have all been State Finalists. |
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* The 2005 Girls Soccer team were Division I Western Massachusetts Champions. Truly an underdog going into the finals and seeded 5th. Beat Cathedral to earn the spot against Minnechaug the number one team. A shoot out determined the winner. Longmeadow went on to State Semi-Finals loosing to Nashoba with 1-0 final. |
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*The Boy's basketball team won their first ever Western Massachusetts championship over [[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]] in 2008 under head coach Tim Allen (a former standout at Longmeadow) |
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*The 2007 Girl's Volleyball team won their first ever Western Mass championship over [[Amherst, Massachusetts]]. In 2008, they repeated, and beat [[East Longmeadow, Massachusetts|East Longmeadow]] in the Western Mass Finals. Both teams lost in the State-Semifinals, the 2008 team to Central Catholic. |
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==Education== |
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The Longmeadow public school system comprises six schools. Blueberry Hill School, Center School, and Wolf Swamp Road School are K-5 elementary schools. Williams Middle School and Glenbrook Middle School serve grades 6-8. [[Longmeadow High School]] serves all students in the town between grades 9 and 12. Longmeadow is known for its outstanding public education. The high school newspaper talked to 172 seniors in 2007, of whom 10 have decided to enroll in Ivy League colleges, 13 more in other schools in the top quarter of the US News & World Report "Top National Universities," including the US Air Force Academy. |
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Longmeadow also hosts two private parochial schools, the [http://www.lya.org/ Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy] (LYA), and [http://www.diospringfield.org/SUBDOMAIN/stmary/ St. Mary's Academy] . LYA was established in 1946 in response to the Greater Springfield Jewish community's need for a quality Jewish day school. In 1999, LYA became the first Jewish day school to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The more than 120 students that the school serves each year from across the spectrum of Jewish life includes orthodox, conservative, reform and unaffiliated families. St. Mary's School, located behind St. Mary's church, serves Catholic students grades Pre-K through Grade 8. |
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Longmeadow is also known for its phenomenal music program. Approximately 50% of the students at Longmeadow High School participate in the music program. The choruses have won gold medals at the MICCA competition. The jazz ensemble has won numerous gold medals as well, but no longer competes. The wind ensemble and symphony orchestra have had the honor of performing in Indianapolis, Boston (Boston Symphony Hall), and New York (Carnegie Hall). However, the music program's crowning achievement has been receiving three national [[Grammy Awards]] based on the high level of excellence maintained throughout all groups in the music program. |
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The physical facilities of the Longmeadow school system are considered to be a weakness by many parents and students. The town's elementary schools were recently rebuilt, but plans for improvements to the two middle schools and Longmeadow High School were not filed with the Massachusetts School Building Authority until 2007. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) recently lifted a 'warning' about the schools' physical condition, citing the filing of these plans with the MSBA, support from the Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), a plan by the town to study all town buildings, and reorganization of the town's building maintenance budget including the schools. |
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==Notable residents== |
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* Eric W. Bascom III, Professional jazz musician, leader of the band Eric Bascom Trio |
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* [[Jay Heaps]] - Professional soccer player for the [[New England Revolution]] and walk-on to [[Duke men's basketball]] team, where he played from 1996-1999 |
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* [[Aaron Lewis]] - guitarist and vocalist for the band [[Staind]] |
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* [[Bridget Moynahan|Kathryn Bridget Moynahan]] - Model and movie star known for her performances in [[Coyote Ugly]] (2000), [[I Robot]] (2004) and her connection to Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB. Gave birth to Brady's baby John Edward Thomas Moynahan August 22, 2007. |
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* [[Steven Purugganan]] - two time sport stacking world champion and world recold holder of 3 stacking disciplines (3-3-3, 3-6-3 and cycle). |
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* [[Anita Shreve]] - an award winning American writer. |
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* [[John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)]] - an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. |
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* [[Damien Fahey]] - MTV VJ and host of TRL. Moved to Longmeadow in 1992 and attended Longmeadow High School, attended college at Northeastern University. Began his career/internship at Boston's KISS108 FM. He's been linked and or dated Lindsey Lohan and Lydia Hearst. |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Hampden County, Massachusetts}} |
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{{coord|42|03|N|72|35|W|region:US-AK_type:city_scale:10000000|display=title}} |
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[[Category:Hampden County, Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Towns in Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Springfield, Massachusetts metropolitan area]] |
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[[Category:Settlements on the Connecticut River]] |
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Revision as of 15:44, 12 February 2010
Im a gangsta check my swagga