Holland (town), Massachusetts
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Holland is a town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,407.
For geographic and demographic information on the census-designated place Holland, please see the article Holland (CDP), Massachusetts.
History
Richard Neal, a Massachusetts congressman offered the following history of Holland to the House on Thursday, July 16 1998.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the town of Holland, Massachusetts on the dedication of its new Town Hall and the celebration of its 215th anniversary.
In 1730, the Town of Holland was settled by Joseph Blodgett, whose descendants still live in the town today. The Town was named after Lord Holland, an English statesman who lobbied for independence for the American colonies. The town was incorporated on July 5, 1783, and is rich with history.
Holland is located in the southeast corner of Hampden County in Western Massachusetts. The town is four square miles in area. It contains the Quinnebaug River and the Hamilton Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in southern New England. It is nestled amongst two hill ranges, where elevations reach up to 1,100 feet.
Throughout the years, Holland has remained an example of the charm and beauty of the traditional New England village. At different times, it has sustained industries such as farming, the manufacturing of cloth, and brick making. To this day, Holland is known most for its recreational opportunities. There are extensive recreational facilities at the Hamilton Reservoir, which is stocked with trout each year by the state of Massachusetts. There is also a park and a swimming area at the very picturesque Lake Siog. This small town remains as alive and healthy today as it was 215 years ago.
Unfortunately, the 200-year old town hall was destroyed in a horrendous fire in December of 1995. The new Town Hall, which was dedicated on July 11, 1998, stands as a testament to the courage and character of the 2,300 residents of this wonderful town. I want to acknowledge this town and its residents as they celebrate their new Town Hall as well as their 215th anniversary.
Taken from: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=1998_record&page=E1329&position=all
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.9 km² (13.1 mi²). 32.1 km² (12.4 mi²) of it is land and 1.8 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 5.34% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 2,407 people, 898 households, and 668 families residing in the town. The population density is 75.0/km² (194.2/mi²). There are 1,317 housing units at an average density of 41.0/km² (106.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.97% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 898 households out of which 37.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% are married couples living together, 7.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% are non-families. 18.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.68 and the average family size is 3.06.
In the town the population is spread out with 27.9% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $52,073, and the median income for a family is $57,024. Males have a median income of $40,636 versus $29,010 for females. The per capita income for the town is $21,770. 7.3% of the population and 6.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.2% of those under the age of 18 and 5.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.