text:
Grand Beach, Michigan

Grand Beach is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 310 at the 2020 census. The village is within New Buffalo Township on the shore of Lake Michigan near to the Michigan-Indiana border.

History
Grand Beach was founded by the Grand Beach Company around 1903. It was conceived of partially as a short-stay resort. People would take the Michigan Central Railroad to Grand Beach station, rent small cottages for a day or two, eat in the dining hall (located at the corner of Lakeview and Whitewood), and enjoy bathing and golfing. The town was incorporated in 1934 to allow property owners to retain more control.

Its lakeshore beach has always been important to Grand Beach. An entertainment pier was built out into Lake Michigan and offered dining and dancing in the 1920s. The pier has long since disappeared, though its supporting posts are sometimes visible when the lake levels are low. The Golfmore Hotel was built as a luxury hotel just across the creek in Michiana, Michigan. A footbridge over the creek linked the hotel to the pier area. The hotel was an important part of the social life of the beach in the 1920s, even in the winter when it hosted ski jumping events. The hotel burned down on November 19, 1939.

The public golf course has been an integral part of village life at Grand Beach since its establishment. At one time there were 27 holes, but for many decades the course has been a 9-hole course that runs from the club house down to the village gate and back. In the 1950s the village hall moved from the old dining hall structure on the lake to the newly built golf club house / community center.

Lake levels have affected the focus of village social activities. During periods when lake levels were high, beach frontage has sometimes been minimal. Erosion of beachfront properties was especially noticeable in the early 1950s, early 1970s, and late 2010s.

Three Frank Lloyd Wright homes were built in Grand Beach. One of them, the Ernest Vosburgh Summer House (built in 1916) on Ravine Road near Crescent and Royal, still retains much of its original design.

The 1950s brought relative decline as all of Southwest Michigan was bypassed by Chicagoans in favor of more exotic resorts. However, beginning in the 1980s, Grand Beach and nearby New Buffalo have undergone a renaissance as a charming, unpretentious, yet accessible resort area. The former Forest Beach YWCA camp was developed as a gated community with multimillion-dollar homes, thus giving the area a slightly more upscale image.

In recent decades Grand Beach has probably been most famous because of its association with Chicago's Daley family.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.91 sqmi, all land. Grand Beach is located roughly 73 miles east of Chicago, across Lake Michigan.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 272 people, 133 households, and 84 families living in the village. The population density was 298.9 PD/sqmi. There were 414 housing units at an average density of 454.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 133 households, of which 15.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.8% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.58.

The median age in the village was 60.2 years. 15.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 8% were from 25 to 44; 37.9% were from 45 to 64; and 35.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 221 people, 108 households, and 69 families living in the village. The population density was 257.6 PD/sqmi. There were 340 housing units at an average density of 396.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.19% White, 1.36% African American, and 0.45% from two or more races.

There were 108 households, out of which 13.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 2.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 13.1% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 14.5% from 25 to 44, 42.5% from 45 to 64, and 27.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $61,875, and the median income for a family was $103,369. Males had a median income of $86,188 versus $36,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $51,788. None of the families and 1.8% of the population were living below the poverty line.

title: Grand Beach, Michigan


text:
Hagar Township, Michigan

Hagar Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,243.

The township is in the north of the county with Lake Michigan to the northwest, Covert Township in Van Buren County to the north, Coloma Charter Township to the east, Bainbridge Township to the southeast, and Benton Charter Township to the south.

Communities
There are no incorporated municipalities within the township. The unincorporated communities of Riverside and Lake Michigan Beach (also known as "Hagar Shores") are within the township.

History
Charles Lamb and his wife came to the area from Vermont in 1839 to become the first European-American settlers. The township was officially organized on March 25, 1846.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 48.4 km2, of which 47.6 km2 is land and 0.8 km2, or 1.76%, is water.

Interstate 196/US 31 serves the township with two interchanges, and M-63 passes through the township along the shore of Lake Michigan.

The Paw Paw River flows to the southwest through the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,964 people, 1,639 households, and 1,085 families residing in the township. The population density was 213.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,122 housing units at an average density of 114.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.59% White, 1.74% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.83% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.14% of the population.

There were 1,639 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $38,614, and the median income for a family was $47,768. Males had a median income of $34,890 versus $23,924 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,710. About 6.5% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Hagar Township, Michigan


text:
Lake Charter Township, Michigan

Lake Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,316 at the 2020 census. The township is located in the west central portion of the county. Lake Michigan and the city of Bridgman are to the west, Lincoln Township to the north, Baroda Township to the east, Weesaw Township to the south, and Chikaming Township to the southwest.

Communities

 * Browntown was a village in Lake Township that was platted in 1861. It no longer exists.
 * Livingston is a small unincorporated community in the township at the junction of Livington and Gast roads, just east of I-94 and Red Arrow Highway at 41.96833°N, -86.54306°W in section 8 in the northern part of the township. A post office was established in August 1890 and operated until July 1912.

In 1848, a village of 80 blocks was platted in section 25 with the name Livingston, but nothing became of it and it soon became farm property.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 48.3 km2, of which 48.2 sqkm is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 0.20%, is water.

I-94 passes through the township, parallel to the Lake Michigan shore. Warren Dunes State Park is in the southwest of the township.

Flooding
Lake Charter Township derived its name from the existence of a high water table. The community was built on top of an ancient lake named "Lake Baroda".

Due to the soil composition and failure of state and local governments to maintain infrastructure to manage storm water, the area is prone to flooding. There has been significant flooding in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. In some of these cases, homeowners have been displaced for several weeks or months due to the extent of damage. Although homeowners have experienced significant losses due to flooding, the area is not recognized as an official FEMA flood zone. Berrien County has not requested a declaration of a state of emergency in any of these instances so residents are unable to recoup of the costs for damages.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,148 people, 1,171 households, and 892 families residing in the township. The population density was 168.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,366 housing units at an average density of 73.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.74% White, 0.67% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.92% of the population.

There were 1,171 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $49,764, and the median income for a family was $57,228. Males had a median income of $41,673 versus $26,531 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,666. About 6.4% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lake Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Lake Michigan Beach, Michigan

Lake Michigan Beach is an unincorporated community in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, without any legal status as a municipality. The population was 1,101 at the 2020 census.

The community is in Hagar Township on the shore of Lake Michigan. The area is also known as Hagar Shores.

History
Lake Michigan Beach was established in 1922. It was originally primarily a summer resort but later became a village with 1,200 permanent residents. The Hagar Shores name came about in 1958 when the post office rejected the name Lake Michigan Beach.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.2 km2, of which 9.9 km2 is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 2.44%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,509 people, 635 households, and 405 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 393.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,012 housing units at an average density of 263.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.16% White, 0.73% Black or African American, 1.33% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.93% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.12% of the population.

There were 635 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $33,150, and the median income for a family was $39,196. Males had a median income of $34,271 versus $25,054 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,253. About 6.5% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lake Michigan Beach, Michigan


text:
Lincoln Charter Township, Michigan

Lincoln Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,929 at the 2020 census.

Lincoln Charter Township is located in the west-central portion of Berrien County, with Lake Michigan to the west. The village of Shoreham and St. Joseph Charter Township are to the north, Royalton Township to the east, Baroda Township to the southeast and south, and Lake Charter Township to the south and southwest.

Communities

 * Glenlord was initially called Lincoln in the 1870s. It was named after Monroe N. Lord who donated land for the railroad right-of-way. It had a post office from 1879 until 1905.
 * The village of Stevensville is located within the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 47.2 sqmi, of which 46.4 sqmi is land and 0.8 sqmi, or 1.67%, is water.

Interstate 94 passes through the western portion of the township. Grand Mere State Park is centered on the three Grand Mere Lakes and is home to sand dunes that range from 3,000 to 10,000 years old. The park lies between Stevensville and Lake Michigan.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,952 people, 5,486 households, and 3,999 families residing in the township. The population density was 778.2 PD/sqmi. There were 5,992 housing units at an average density of 334.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.62% White, 1.06% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.39% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 5,486 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $53,718, and the median income for a family was $64,211. Males had a median income of $48,571 versus $26,984 for females. The per capita income for the township was $27,559. About 1.3% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lincoln Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Michiana, Michigan

Michiana is a village in New Buffalo Township, Berrien County in the extreme southwest corner of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 200 at the 2020 census.

Michiana is also the commonly used term to describe the southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana region, hence the name "Mich-iana".

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.37 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
Michiana is known for their log homes built in the 1920s. It has been a popular vacation home area for Chicago residents, who are only 67 mi away.

Michiana is adjacent to Michiana Shores, Indiana.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 182 people, 105 households, and 58 families living in the village. The population density was 491.9 PD/sqmi. There were 373 housing units at an average density of 1008.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.4% White, 1.1% African American, and 0.5% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 105 households, of which 3.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.8% were non-families. 39.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.73 and the average family size was 2.21.

The median age in the village was 63 years. 4.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 7.6% were from 25 to 44; 43.8% were from 45 to 64; and 42.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 200 people, 108 households, and 60 families living in the village. The population density was 512.0 PD/sqmi. There were 360 housing units at an average density of 921.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.50% White, 4.00% African American, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 108 households, out of which 7.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.85 and the average family size was 2.33.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 7.0% under the age of 18, 1.5% from 18 to 24, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 40.5% from 45 to 64, and 32.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $75,984, and the median income for a family was $110,991. Males had a median income of $65,500 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $63,558. None of the families and 1.1% of the population were living below the poverty line.

title: Michiana, Michigan


text:
New Buffalo, Michigan

New Buffalo is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,708 during the 2020 census.

History
The area around the mouth of the Galien River was originally populated by Miami and Potawatomi peoples. Later, French missionaries visited the area on their search for the fabled Northwest Passage. The area remained sparsely populated, even as Michigan Territory was petitioning for statehood.

In 1834 a sea-captain from Buffalo, New York—Wessel Whittaker—and his crew were shipwrecked on the Lake Michigan coast south of the Galien River outlet. As they headed back to Saint Joseph, MI to report the loss of their ship, Whittaker noticed the possibilities of the New Buffalo area as a potential harbor. He purchased the land around the river-mouth and with various family members in tow, returned and named his new settlement New Buffalo.

Compared to larger harbors along the coast, New Buffalo wasn't a contender initially. However, the new Michigan Central Railway was being built across Michigan in the late 1830s. This new transportation route terminated for several years in New Buffalo, leading to explosive growth. Railway passengers would stop in town to wait for steamers to finish taking them to Chicago, creating a demand for hotels. Unfortunately, the rail line was completed directly to Chicago, which made New Buffalo just another stop along the route. The boom times were over.

As the 19th century progressed, New Buffalo area became a popular vacation getaway spot for Chicagoans. It was easily reached by train and was miles away from the heavy industry of Gary, Indiana and the hustle and bustle of Chicago, Illinois. New Buffalo area also preserved the sand dunes that are common along the Lake Michigan shore. In the early 20th Century, US Highway 12 was constructed through town, allowing autos to drive there directly. In the mid-20th century, Interstate 94 was constructed just east of town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.53 sqmi, of which 2.50 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water. The city is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Galien River. This forms a natural harbor, which is part of the current pleasure-boat harbor drawing summer residents and boaters.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,883 people, 881 households, and 497 families living in the city. The population density was 753.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,692 housing units at an average density of 676.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.4% White, 1.6% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.4% of the population.

There were 881 households, of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.6% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 48.4 years. 17.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.4% were from 25 to 44; 34.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,200 people, 947 households, and 603 families living in the city. The population density was 910.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,426 housing units at an average density of 590.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.64% White, 0.41% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.27% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.86% of the population.

There were 947 households, out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,658, and the median income for a family was $52,639. Males had a median income of $35,076 versus $22,227 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,440. About 4.3% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
New Buffalo is a popular resort town due to its location along the Lake Michigan shoreline and its proximity to the Chicago Metropolitan Area. As a result, tourism is the primary industry.

Four Winds Casino Resort New Buffalo opened on August 2, 2007, and brought more than 2,000 jobs to the New Buffalo area. The casino includes over 3,000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. The Four Winds is the main competition for the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana.

Transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides three trains per day at the New Buffalo station, with the Blue Water and Wolverine. CSX Transportation provides freight service to the city.

US 12 and I-94 provide freeway access to Detroit and Chicago.

A harbor, both natural and man made, is present at the mouth of the Galien River. This harbor is used by pleasure boats and is accessible to all Lake Michigan ports and beyond, but has little to no commercial traffic other than the occasional charter sailboat.

Education
The New Buffalo Area Schools system is composed of an elementary school, and a joined middle/high school. The New Buffalo Middle/High School, located off of Clay Street, was built in 2001. It has a performing arts center, multiple computer labs, indoor and outdoor running tracks, and is designed symmetrically for the middle and high school sections. The elementary school's gym was also rebuilt.

The middle/high school also has a "Smart Lab", one of the most sophisticated student labs in the country. At the smart lab, students from New Buffalo and neighboring municipalities have access to EKG machines, flight simulators, and video production equipment. In addition, an addition to the Athletic Wing was completed in 2010 with a brand new two-story weight room and auxiliary gymnasium.

The New Buffalo High School Bison compete in the BCS Conference in sports. The 1963 Boys Basketball team won the Class C State title, boys baseball won the Class D State title in 1983 and 1995. The 1999 boys cross country team won the Class D State title, and the 2005 baseball team won the Division IV State title.

Notable people

 * Roger Brown, Chicago painter
 * Laurent Novikoff, ballet master

title: New Buffalo, Michigan


text:
New Buffalo Township, Michigan

New Buffalo Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 2,455. It is the southwesternmost township on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Communities

 * The city of New Buffalo is within the township, but is administratively autonomous.
 * The villages of Grand Beach and Michiana are also within the township.
 * The unincorporated community of Union Pier is situated on the boundary between New Buffalo Township and Chikaming Township.

The township is part of a region sometimes referred to as Harbor Country.

History
At the time of the arrival of the first Europeans to the area, French explorer Father Jacques Marquette in 1675 reported seeing the Miami people in his travels down the nearby St. Joseph River. Four years later, the exploration party of René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, reported that the Miami were being displaced by the Potawatomi.

When Berrien County was first established in 1831, New Buffalo was a part of Berrien Township. New Buffalo Township was established by an act of the state legislature on March 12, 1836. Five days later, the village of New Buffalo was incorporated. The township originally included what are now Three Oaks Township and Chikaming Township. Three Oaks and Chikaming were set apart in 1856.

In 1834, one of the first permanent European-American settlers to the area, Captain Wessell Whittaker, ran his schooner Post Boy aground near what is now the village of Grand Beach. The captain and crew found shelter a bit south of there at the present-day Michigan City, Indiana. While traveling north to St. Joseph to report the ship's loss to its underwriters, Whittacker was so struck by the beauty of the area and the natural harbor that he filed claim to a large tract of land around the mouth of the Galien River. Whittacker named it after his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

After laying out plans for the city and gaining partners to develop the area, the value of land rapidly increased in a period of land speculation. This lasted until the Panic of 1837, which brought an abrupt end to most speculative land development in the area for several years. Followed soon after by a severe winter in 1841, the area struggled economically. The western terminus of the Michigan Central Railroad in New Buffalo was completed in 1849. The harbor was improved and the economy flourished briefly until the railroad connection to Chicago was completed in 1853, after which the use of the harbor for shipping declined.

Around the turn of the century, the area began to be recognized for its vacation and resort potential, resulting in summer cottages, camps and hotels. 1921 saw the opening of the Golfmore Hotel, rated as one of the finest resorts on the Great Lakes. Unfortunately, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1936. Like much of the country, the area struggled through the Great Depression, followed by booming growth after World War II.

During the 1970s and 1980s nightclubs just north of the Indiana state line in New Buffalo Township were popular destinations for young adults from Illinois and Indiana who were under age 21. Both of those states had minimum drinking ages of 21, whereas Michigan's minimum drinking age was 18.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 52.5 sqkm, of which 51.8 sqkm is land and 0.6 sqkm, or 1.21%, is water.

Due to the Lake Michigan shoreline on the northwest and the Indiana border to the south, New Buffalo Township has an irregular triangle shape and is one of the smallest townships in Michigan. Most survey townships are 36 sqmi. However, the townships along the Michigan side of the Indiana border are truncated so that they are only 6 mi wide by about 3.5 mi tall. The village of Michiana within New Buffalo Township consists of the partial section 24 of survey township T8S R22E, the westernmost portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The rest of the township consists of the several partial and whole sections of T8S R21E as well as the western row of sections from T8S R20E, section 31 of T7S R20E, and section 35 and 36 of T7S R21E.

The Pokagon Indian Reservation is located within the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,468 people, 1,093 households, and 718 families residing in the township. The population density was 121.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,139 housing units at an average density of 105.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 93.88% White, 3.65% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.62% of the population.

There were 1,093 households, out of which 20.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the township the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 33.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,991, and the median income for a family was $58,333. Males had a median income of $46,411 versus $27,639 for females. The per capita income for the township was $33,587. About 3.5% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: New Buffalo Township, Michigan


text:
Lake Los Angeles, California

Lake Los Angeles is a census-designated place (CDP) in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 12,328 at the 2010 census, up from 11,523 at the 2000 census. It is located 17 mi east of Palmdale's Civic Center. According to the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance report of 2009, the Palmdale / Lancaster urban area has a population of 483,998, of which Lake Los Angeles is a part.

Transportation
Public transportation services are operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority. The route 50 bus travels from Lake Los Angeles's Town Center Plaza to Owen Memorial Park in Lancaster. Route 51 also serves Town Center Plaza, but terminates at Palmdale Transportation Center. Each route runs about every two hours all week, with a one-way fare of $1.50.

History
The region was once called Los Angeles Buttes, since they were the only ones in the northern part of the county. The eponymous lakes (one dedicated to fishing and one dedicated to swimming and boating) have dried up. The fishing lake was stocked with trout, bass and catfish. In 1967, during the 1960s land speculation boom in the Antelope Valley, land developers bought 4000 acre in the region, subdivided it into 4,465 lots, and artificially refilled the natural lake and named it Lake Los Angeles as an enticement to land buyers. Advertisements showed a water skier on the lake (which was probably no more than 5 feet deep) and a showcase home on the top of the nearby hill, giving the impression of a resort town. There was a country club and a high-end restaurant that overlooked the large recreational lake. There was also a small store/bar and grill. Streets were named Biglake Avenue, Lakespring Avenue and Longmeadow Avenue to draw attention away from the fact that the town was in fact a barren desert used for filming westerns. The lake was left to evaporate in the early 1980s after the initial developers sold their interests. Much of the land was sold to buyers who never visited the area. There are efforts to refill the lake, but the main obstacle has been funding.

The film history of the region dates back to 1938. Numerous movies, serials, commercials and television series were filmed in Lake Los Angeles for decades. Filmed segments and stock footage of Bonanza episodes made at the region include "The Mission", "Gallagher's Sons", "Twilight Town", "Big Shadow on the Land", "The Deed and the Dilemma", "The Oath", "Second Chance" and "Meena." Lake Los Angeles has two permanent film sets: Four Aces, a replica mid-century style rest stop with a diner, gas station and motel, used in the films Identity, Fall, and Palm Springs; and Club Ed, a more dilapidated early 20th century gas station and two-story house, originally built for the 1991 film Eye of the Storm, since used in The Devil's Rejects and Torque. Both locations and their surrounding areas have been used for television series, feature films, music videos, and television commercials.

2010
At the 2010 census Lake Los Angeles had a population of 12,328. The population density was 1,259.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Lake Los Angeles was 6,862 (55.7%) White (31.9% Non-Hispanic White), 1,388 (11.3%) African American, 178 (1.4%) Native American, 116 (0.9%) Asian, 27 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 3,068 (24.9%) from other races, and 689 (5.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6,604 persons (53.6%).

The census reported that 12,299 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 29 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

There were 3,267 households, 1,709 (52.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,793 (54.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 548 (16.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 324 (9.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 265 (8.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 20 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 445 households (13.6%) were one person and 138 (4.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.76. There were 2,665 families (81.6% of households); the average family size was 4.08.

The age distribution was 4,089 people (33.2%) under the age of 18, 1,390 people (11.3%) aged 18 to 24, 2,882 people (23.4%) aged 25 to 44, 3,030 people (24.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 937 people (7.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 29.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

There were 3,658 housing units at an average density of 373.7 per square mile, of the occupied units 2,374 (72.7%) were owner-occupied and 893 (27.3%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 8,418 people (68.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,881 people (31.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Lake Los Angeles had a median household income of $45,440, with 27.1% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 11,523 people, 3,137 households, and 2,613 families in the CDP. The population density was 885.7 /mi2. There were 3,453 housing units at an average density of 265.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 61.01% White, 12.11% African American, 1.49% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 18.73% from other races, and 5.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33.58%.

Of the 3,137 households 52.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 11.7% of households were one person and 2.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.66 and the average family size was 3.92.

The age distribution was 39.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% 65 or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median household income was $38,794 and the median family income was $37,533. Males had a median income of $36,737 versus $24,917 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,209. About 19.7% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.5% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Mexican and German were the most common ancestries according to the 2000 census. Mexico and El Salvador were the most common foreign places of birth.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Lake Los Angeles is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Lake Los Angeles is in.

Public services
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Lancaster Station in Lancaster, serving Lake Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Antelope Valley Health Center in Lancaster, serving Lake Los Angeles.

title: Lake Los Angeles, California


text:
Niles Charter Township, Michigan

Niles Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,417 at the 2020 census.

On June 5, 2006, the township board voted unanimously to approve a resolution for Niles Township to become Niles Charter Township.

Communities
The city of Niles lies mostly within the boundaries of township, but is administratively autonomous. There are no other incorporated municipalities in the township. Much of the township is considered to be part of either the Niles urban area or the South Bend, Indiana, urban area.

Bertrand is an unincorporated community in the southern part of the township at 41.77417°N, -86.2625°W on the St. Joseph River approximately 4 mi south of Niles. Joseph Bertrand, a French Canadian, had a trading post here by 1812. He had married the daughter of a Potawatomi chief and through her had acquired land. After the Potowatomi ceded their lands to the federal government with the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, Daniel G. Garnsey obtained the permission of U.S. President Andrew Jackson and the consent of Mrs. Bertrand to locate a village on her land. Alonzo Bennett platted the village of Bertrand in 1833 and became its first postmaster on June 9, 1834. The town was a stop on the Detroit-Chicago road. In 1844, the Sisters of the Holy Cross founded their first convent in the United States here. The town gradually declined after it was by-passed by railroads. The post office closed on April 15, 1901.

Geography
The township is irregularly-shaped, with a southern appendage consisting of a small portion of land lying between the St. Joseph River on the west and Cass County on the east and the Indiana state line to the south.

Bertrand Township lies to the west and south, Buchanan Township to the west, and Berrien Township to the north. Neighboring townships in Cass County are Pokagon Township to the northeast, Howard Township to the east, and Milton Township to the southeast. To the south in St. Joseph County, Indiana, is Clay Township, and German Township is to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Niles Charter Township has a total area of 99.4 km2, of which 96.6 km2 is land and 2.8 km2, or 2.79%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,325 people, 5,252 households, and 3,744 families residing in the township. The population density was 353.5 PD/sqmi. There were 5,522 housing units at an average density of 146.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 93.30% White, 3.03% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.83% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.92% of the population.

There were 5,252 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,794, and the median income for a family was $44,446. Males had a median income of $35,037 versus $22,901 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,249. About 7.1% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Niles Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Oronoko Charter Township, Michigan

Oronoko Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 9,226 at the 2020 census.

Communities
The village of Berrien Springs is the only incorporated municipality within the township.

History
The township was organized on March 11, 1837, from a portion of Berrien Township. Part of the area was known as Feather Settlement starting in the 1830s.

Oronoko initially included what is now Lake Township, which was organized in 1846. Originally, portions of both Oronoko and Berrien townships were on either side of the St. Joseph River, and at the time a large portion of the village of Berrien Springs was in Berrien Township, even though it was on the other side of the river from most of the township. In 1847, the river was made the dividing line between the townships.

There are several accounts given for the name of the township. One is that it was named by Governor Stevens T. Mason after the Indian chief named "Oronoko". However, apart from this story, there is no record that there ever was such a chief. Another is that it is a variant spelling of Orinoco, the name of a South American river that was adopted with various spellings in other states besides Michigan: Oronoco, Minnesota, and Oronoque, Kansas. Others believe the township was named after the literary character Oroonoko, which was also derived from the South American river. A final possibility suggested by Vogel is that the name was taken from a variety of tobacco known as oronoco, orinoko, or oronooka.

Geography
The St. Joseph River forms the eastern boundary of the township. Berrien Township lies across the river directly to the east, and Sodus Township is to the north and northeast. Buchanan Township is to the south, Weesaw Township to the southwest, Baroda Township to the west, and Royalton Township to the north.

US 31 passes through the eastern corner of the township.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 86.1 km2, of which 83.7 km2 is land and 2.4 km2, or 2.77%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,843 people, 3,295 households, and 2,303 families residing in the township. The population density was 302.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,545 housing units at an average density of 109.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 66.54% White, 17.48% African American, 0.40% Native American, 7.03% Asian, 0.27% Pacific Islander, 4.38% from other races, and 3.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.53% of the population.

There were 3,295 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.0% under the age of 18, 18.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,980, and the median income for a family was $45,998. Males had a median income of $36,341 versus $26,330 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,904. About 9.9% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Seventh-day Adventist Andrews University is located in the township.

title: Oronoko Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Paw Paw Lake, Michigan

Paw Paw Lake is an unincorporated community in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, without legal status as a municipality. The community is located within areas of both Coloma Charter Township and Watervliet Township in the area surrounding Paw Paw Lake and Little Paw Paw Lake, excluding the cities of Watervliet and Coloma. The population of the CDP was 3,323 at the 2020 census.

History
The area which became the CDP was the site of a tourist area in the early 20th century. An 1894 Chicago newspaper article was the catalyst in making the shore a resort area, and a rail line extension from nearby Coloma in 1896 started the building boom. Pavilions, hotels, and cottages soon followed, with nationally known acts performing at the pavilions. Most of these buildings no longer exist.

Deer Forest
The nearby Deer Forest animal park in Coloma Township opened at the end of the heyday of the resort area. Though many of its assets were auctioned off on September 26, 2009,  the park continued to operate through the 2014 season. It closed permanently at the end of that season and animals were dispersed to various other locations. The property itself was auctioned off on June 29, 2015. It was auctioned again in 2021 and sold in March 2022.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.5 km2, of which 13.3 km2 is land and 4.3 km2, or 24.47%, is water, consisting primarily of Paw Paw Lake and Little Paw Paw Lake. The Paw Paw River, outlet of the lakes, forms most of the southern boundary of the CDP. North Coloma Road forms the western edge of the CDP, Hagar Shore Road the north edge, and highway M-140 the eastern edge. The cities of Watervliet and Coloma touch the CDP at its southeast and southwest corners, respectively.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,944 people, 1,655 households, and 1,128 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 752.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,363 housing units at an average density of 450.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.63% White, 0.58% Black or African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 1,655 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,216, and the median income for a family was $42,377. Males had a median income of $35,112 versus $20,833 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,003. About 5.2% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Paw Paw Lake, Michigan


text:
Pipestone Township, Michigan

Pipestone Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,177 at the 2020 census. The township was organized on February 16, 1842.

History
The first settler in the township was James Kirk, who moved with his family to Niles, Michigan, in 1833 and then established a residence in Pipestone in April 1837. In the fall of 1837, Dr. Morgan Enos moved from Bainbridge Township and settled at a point that became known as "Shanghai Corners", because, according to local history, Dr. Enos was the first to bring Shanghai chickens into the township. Joab Enos, a brother of Dr. Enos, moved into the township in 1838. He and William Boughton laid out a village known first as "Pipestone", and later as "Shanghai". Although only a few lots were sold, a post office was established in the village in 1846, and later there was a store operated by John Garrow.

The word "pipestone" refers to a red stone, known today as catlinite, which is used to make the bowls of some Indian ceremonial pipes. Pipestone Creek was so named because Native Americans have found material for making pipes along its course. The name was later extended to Pipestone Township.

Communities

 * The village of Eau Claire lies partially within the township and partially within Berrien Township to the south. There are no other incorporated municipalities within the township. The township is primarily agricultural.
 * Pleasant Valley was a rural post office in the township at approximately 42.03889°N, -86.24167°W from May 11, 1870, until September 18, 1874.

Geography
Two tributaries of the St. Joseph River drain the township: Pipestone Creek in the north and Farmers Creek in the south. M-140 runs north–south through the township.

Sodus Township lies to the west, Benton Charter Township to the northwest, Bainbridge Township to the north, Van Buren County to the northeast, Cass County to the east, and Berrien Township to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.0 km2, of which 92.0 km2 is land and 1.1 km2, or 1.16%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,474 people, 842 households, and 661 families residing in the township. The population density was 69.4 PD/sqmi. There were 899 housing units at an average density of 25.2 per square mile (9.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 90.22% White, 4.93% African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 2.87% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.44% of the population.

There were 842 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.3% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,440, and the median income for a family was $45,859. Males had a median income of $32,214 versus $24,432 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,423. About 8.0% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pipestone Township, Michigan


text:
Royalton Township, Michigan

Royalton Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan, a few miles southeast of the city of St. Joseph. The population was 5,141 at the 2020 census.

Communities
There are no incorporated municipalities in the township, but portions are considered to be part of the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph urban area. The unincorporated communities of Hollywood, Scottdale, Arden, and Buckhorn are within the township.

History
Royalton Township was organized in 1835 and originally included portions of Lincoln Charter Township, Sodus Township, and St. Joseph Charter Township.

Geography
Lincoln Charter Township lies directly to the west. St. Joseph Charter Township is to the northwest. The St. Joseph River forms the eastern boundary of the township. Sodus Township lies across the river. Oronoko Charter Township lies to the south and Baroda Township to the southwest.

M-139 runs northwest–southeast through the township. Interstate 94 and M-63 are accessible in the northwest of the township.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 48.1 km2, of which 46.9 km2 is land and 1.2 km2, or 2.49%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,888 people, 1,299 households, and 1,084 families residing in the township. The population density was 215.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,366 housing units at an average density of 75.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 93.29% White, 2.03% African American, 0.15% Native American, 2.44% Asian, 1.34% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.42% of the population.

There were 1,299 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.8% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.5% were non-families. 14.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $69,375, and the median income for a family was $76,295. Males had a median income of $50,833 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $26,926. About 7.6% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 27.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Royalton Township, Michigan


text:
Shoreham, Michigan

Shoreham is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 844 at the 2020 census. The village is located within St. Joseph Charter Township on the shore of Lake Michigan, just south of the City of St. Joseph.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 862 people, 392 households, and 261 families living in the village. The population density was 1486.2 PD/sqmi. There were 471 housing units at an average density of 812.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.6% White, 3.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.9% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 392 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the village was 48.1 years. 18.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 31.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 860 people, 423 households, and 233 families living in the village. The population density was 1,505.8 PD/sqmi. There were 471 housing units at an average density of 824.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.44% White, 2.09% African American, 0.23% Native American, 3.72% Asian, 0.81% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population.

There were 423 households, out of which 18.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,333, and the median income for a family was $64,375. Males had a median income of $52,381 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,449. About 3.5% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Shoreham, Michigan


text:
Shorewood–Tower Hills–Harbert, Michigan

Shorewood–Tower Hills–Harbert is a census-designated place (CDP) composed of several small unincorporated communities in Chikaming Township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,249 at the 2020 census. The CDP is limited to Chikaming Township, although some of the communities extend into southern Lake Township. All of the communities are located either upon or just east of the dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan. Most of the communities lie west of Interstate 94, although the CDP includes a small area east of the freeway up to Sawyer, Michigan. The township is a popular resort destination.

Communities

 * Bethany Beach is at 41.89139°N, -86.61806°W. The FIPS place code is 08040. Bethany Beach is a Christian Swedish community primarily made up of summer cottages and Bethany Beach, a Christian family-oriented lakefront recreation area. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan. The community was named after Bethany, a place mentioned in the Bible.
 * Birchwood is at 41.88139°N, -86.62861°W. The FIPS place code is 08580.
 * Harbert is at 41.87194°N, -86.62889°W. The ZIP code is 49115 and the FIPS place code is 36440. It was once the home of poet Carl Sandburg.
 * Hazelhurst is at 41.87833°N, -86.62861°W. The FIPS place code is 37395. Hazelhurst Camp is a private cottage community founded and operated by the Prairie Club - a non-profit volunteer organization that was established in Chicago in 1908, to promote outdoor recreation and conservation. The camp includes 94 cottages on 60 acre, and over 600 ft of Lake Michigan waterfront.
 * Sawyer is at 41.88528°N, -86.58944°W. The ZIP code is 49125 and the FIPS place code is 71760. The elevation is 654 ft above sea level. The unincorporated village is named for Silas Sawyer, an early resident.
 * Shorewood Hills is at 41.89583°N, -86.61583°W. The FIPS place code is 73700. Shorewood Hills was first called Bethany Hills Country Club, and started in the early 1920s as a derivative offshoot Swedish summer community from Bethany Beach. It since has developed a core group of homestead residences, but the emphasis is oriented as a second-home beach community along Lake Michigan in the barrier dunes. Besides the beachfront, its other features are its mesophytic forest with four co-dominant species, including both northern hemlock and southern tulip trees, an ample population of trillium seen in spring, and Deer Creek which winds its way through a common ravine area out to the lake.
 * Tower Hill Shorelands is at 41.90167°N, -86.61083°W. The FIPS place code is 80230. Situated between Shorewood Hills and Warren Dunes State Park, this is a small lakefront duneland community.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.8 km2, of which 11.7 km2 is land and 0.1 km2, or 0.71%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,619 people, 725 households, and 484 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 356.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,519 housing units at an average density of 334.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.10% White, 0.86% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 725 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 24.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,708, and the median income for a family was $52,917. Males had a median income of $44,402 versus $25,057 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $36,219. About 2.6% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

The median age is 60.5, but the township has a large youth population as well. In the town, white females make a disproportionately low amount of income.

title: Shorewood–Tower Hills–Harbert, Michigan


text:
Sodus Township, Michigan

Sodus Township is a civil township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,995 at the 2020 census. There are no incorporated municipalities in the township. The unincorporated community of Sodus in the northwest of the township is its main settlement; the portion of the township just to the west is part of the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph urban area.

History
Probably the first entrepreneur in Sodus Township was James LaRue, a New Jersey native, who purchased riverfront land for the construction of a sawmill in 1835. The first permanent settler, however, was David S. Rector who, in 1837, took possession of 40 acres of land. The name of the township came from Rector. He and his brother, William H., came to the area by way of keel boat from Sodus, New York, so the township was named such in 1859 after the town from which they departed. In 1853, Joab Enos built a flour mill, also on Pipestone Creek. The township was organized on October 11, 1859. In 1891, Ernest Tabor established Tabor Farm Summer Resort on the banks of the St. Joseph River. The resort was open during summers and hosted reunions, conventions and banquets. From 1961 to 1983, it was owned and managed by Alma and Valdas Adamkus, future President of Lithuania. The resort was closed in 1990.

Sodus has had retail establishments in the past, though it has none now.

Geography
The St. Joseph River forms most of the western boundary of the township, with Royalton Township on the other side of the river. The township shares a short western border with the community of Fair Plain in Benton Charter Township north of the St. Joseph River. Benton Charter Township continues as the township to the north, Bainbridge Township is to the northeast, Pipestone Township to the east, Berrien Township to the southeast, and Oronoko Charter Township to the south. A new segment of US 31 was completed in August 2003 that re-routed the highway through the township. Interstate 94 crosses the northwest corner of the township with two interchanges located nearby.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 51.8 km2, of which 50.3 km2 is land and 1.5 km2, or 2.91%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,139 people, 884 households, and 570 families residing in the township. The population density was 109.5 PD/sqmi. There were 957 housing units at an average density of 49.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 87.19% White, 8.37% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 2.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.74% of the population.

There were 884 households, out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $33,804, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $34,018 versus $22,824 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,646. About 6.6% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.

Culture
The novel At Home in Old Sodus by Michael Jewell (ISBN 1603832343) is set in Sodus Township.

Notable people

 * James Enright, Basketball Hall of Fame referee and former Chicago sportswriter

title: Sodus Township, Michigan


text:
St. Joseph, Michigan

St. Joseph, colloquially known as St. Joe, is a city and the county seat of Berrien County, Michigan. It was incorporated as a village in 1834 and as a city in 1891. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 7,856. It lies on the shore of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, about 90 mi east-northeast of Chicago. It is home of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

History
The mouth of the St. Joseph River at present day St. Joseph was an important point of Amerindian travel and commerce, as it lay along a key water route between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Both the Miami and Potawatomi used this route and would use the area as a camp. The St. Joseph River also allowed for connection with the Sauk Trail, which was the major land trail through Michigan. In 1669, the mouth of the river was seen by European explorers. French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, built Fort Miami on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. In 1679, he waited for the ship Le Griffon, which never returned. Once the ship was deemed lost, La Salle and his men made the first land crossing of the lower peninsula by Europeans.

The next permanent white settler in St. Joseph was William Burnett, who around 1780 started a trading post at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. The post traded food, furs and goods with places including Detroit, Mackinac and Chicago. In 1829, Calvin Britain, who had come from Jefferson County, New York, and had taught at the Carey Mission at Niles for two years, came to the site of St. Joseph. Shortly thereafter, he laid out the plat of the village, then known as Newburyport, named after a coastal city in Massachusetts. Britain was influential in attracting other settlers to the area. Lots sold rapidly and the village flourished.

The St. Joseph river mouth was straightened through a channel and piers were added later. The first lighthouse in St. Joseph contends with Chicago's original lighthouse as the first to be built on Lake Michigan. Newburyport changed its name to St. Joseph when it was incorporated on March 7, 1834. The city was incorporated June 5, 1891.

The first water route across Lake Michigan between St. Joseph and Chicago began as a mail route in 1825, but service was sporadic until 1842 when Samuel and Eber Ward began a permanent service. That lasted eleven years. Before the rise of large ship companies on Lake Michigan, service was done primarily by owner-operated boats. With the rise in shipping in Benton Harbor and the rise in tourism in St. Joseph, permanent and larger operations began operating out of the ports.

The Coast Guard still maintains a station on this site. In 1876 the United States Lifesaving Service built a Lifesaving Station at St Joseph, appointing Joseph Napier as the first stationkeeper. After a bitterly fought political contest, St. Joseph was named the seat of Berrien County in 1894, when Berrien Springs relinquished that status. The three largest towns in the county, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Niles, each wanted to be the county seat, but none had a majority vote. Once St. Joseph and Benton Harbor voters combined their votes, St. Joseph had enough to win.

On October 11, 1898, Augustus Moore Herring took one of his gliders, fitted with a motor, to Silver Beach in St. Joseph. Herring's machine lifted ever so slightly off the ground and actually flew for seven seconds. Eleven days later, the inventor made another flight of ten seconds. While Herring had a powered heavier-than-air craft, he did not have a way to control it. It was left to the Wright brothers to perfect controlled flight five years later, and give themselves and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a place in history that might have ended up belonging to Herring and St. Joseph.

Transportation history
Two major shipping companies operated between St. Joseph and Chicago during the last half of the 19th century, the Goodrich Transportation company and the local firm of Graham and Morton. They dominated the traffic at St. Joseph for more than 100 years, although other smaller companies did operate during this time.

Starting in 1874, Henry Graham and J. Stanley Morton began operating a steam line out of St. Joseph. Their collaboration would become the Graham and Morton Transportation Company. Through vigorous competition, they won the war to become the major carrier out of St. Joseph. Goodrich stopped service to the Twin Cities in 1880. The company grew fast and over the fifty plus years of its existence became the second largest line on Lake Michigan behind only Goodrich. In 1924, as graded roads began to line the Lake Michigan shoreline, G & M was forced to merge into Goodrich. Like most other ports along Lake Michigan, St. Joseph saw a huge drop in traffic during the early years of the twentieth century and this was exacerbated by the Great Depression. The route between Chicago and St. Joseph did survive until the 1950s. On January 29, 1870, the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad extended a rail line from New Buffalo to St. Joseph. This railroad connected St. Joseph to Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit and Chicago. (Prior to this, the only connection St. Joseph had to these other cities was by water.) The line was reorganized as the Chicago and West Michigan Railway and then was incorporated into the Pere Marquette Railroad.

Business and industry history
In 1892, Truscott Boat Manufacturing Co moved to St. Joseph from Grand Rapids. In the early 20th Century, the company was the largest employer in St. Joseph with 700 employees and built 600 wooden boats per year. The company built boats for the government in World War I, struggled during the Depression, was sold in 1940, revived during World War II to build ships for the Navy and went bankrupt in 1948.

In 1911, Louis, Emory, and Frederick Upton began a business that produced household washing machines. The business soon became a boom and has continued to grow to this day. In 1929, Upton Machine Company merged with Nineteen Hundred Corp., taking the latter name. The company began marketing a line of appliances known as the "Whirlpool" brand in 1948. Within the next decade, Nineteen Hundred changed its name to Whirlpool. Today, Whirlpool Corporation is the largest manufacturer of major home appliances and maintains a large presence in Benton Harbor and nearby St. Joseph. Whirlpool has its world headquarters in Benton Harbor.

In 1891 the Silver Beach Amusement Park was opened on land between the lake and mouth of the river in St. Joseph. Logan Drake and Louis Wallace bought the land from the Pere Marquette Railroad and added cottages to lure tourists to the lake front. As the park aged and grew in popularity, the pair added many attractions, including concessions, games, pool, a boardwalk and different rides. The first roller coaster was built in 1904 and was called the Chase Through the Clouds, which was replaced by the Velvet roller coaster (renamed the Comet). Among the most popular attractions were the carousel and the Shadowland Ballroom, built in 1927. During the 1960s and 1970s, the buildings decayed and the crowds decreased. Finally, crime in the park led police to shut it down in 1970.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.80 sqmi, of which 3.22 sqmi is land and 1.58 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,365 people, 3,933 households, and 1,941 families residing in the city. The population density was 2597.8 PD/sqmi. There were 4,795 housing units at an average density of 1489.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.1% White, 5.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 3,933 households, of which 20.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.6% were non-families. 43.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.97 and the average family size was 2.74.

The median age in the city was 41.6 years. 16.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.6% were from 25 to 44; 27.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,789 people, 4,117 households, and 2,058 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,561.3 PD/sqmi. There were 4,594 housing units at an average density of 1,338.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.31% White, 5.11% African American, 0.41% Native American, 2.39% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.29% of the population.

There were 4,117 households, out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.6% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.0% were non-families. 44.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.99 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,032, and the median income for a family was $51,328. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $26,395 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,949. About 4.3% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Erma Hennes, St Joe resident born on 7/14/1923 turned 101 years old today, July 14, 2024. She has been a widow for 32 years and lived alone since. She is a legendary resident. Cannot find any documentation of others in that age bracket. Will update after checking with county clerk.

Government
City government is organized as a council-manager government. There is a city commission with five members, who are elected at large. City elections are held in November of even-numbered years; at each election, three commission seats become open. The two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes receive four-year terms, while the candidate receiving the third-greatest number of votes receives a two-year term. At the first meeting following each election, the commission selects from its own number a mayor and mayor pro tem for the following two years. The city commission is a part-time body, typically meeting twice each month to act as a legislative body and set general policies. Day-to-day operations are delegated to a contracted city manager.

Major city facilities include the City Hall and Police Station at 700 Broad Street; the Department of Public Works at 1160 Broad Street; the Fire Department at 915 Broad Street; the Maud Preston Palenske Public Library at 500 Market Street; the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena at 2414 Willa Drive; the Water Treatment Plant at 1701 Lions Park Drive; and Riverview Cemetery at 2525 Niles Road.

The city Water Treatment Plant provides drinking water to the communities of the Lake Michigan Shoreline Water and Sewage Treatment Authority, which serves Lincoln Charter Township, Royalton Township, St. Joseph Charter Township, and the villages of Shoreham and Stevensville. Wastewater treatment is provided through the Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is jointly owned by the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, and which also serves the LMSWSTA communities, Benton Charter Township and portions of Sodus Township.

Culture
St. Joseph is cohost of the annual Blossomtime Festival with Benton Harbor.

The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff is held in Lake Bluff Park every year on the weekend after the July 4 weekend.

The Concours d'Elegance of Southwest Michigan is held annually on the second Saturday in August. The inaugural show was held in 2005. An invitational fine car show, 75 vintage car owners are asked to show vehicles in St. Joseph's downtown Lake Bluff Park.

Venetian Festival
From 1979 to 2011, St. Joseph was the site of the Venetian Festival, which comprised three traditions: the Blessing of the River, the Lighted Boat Parade, and a Classic Boat Parade. The festival's name was a nod to similarities between St. Joseph and Venice, Italy.

In 1987, USS Oliver Hazard Perry came to port, and its commander let festival-goers take a free tour. This initiated a tradition whereby US Navy ships regularly came to the festival. Music also contributed to the festival's success, and was offered at three locations: the Bluff, Shadowland Pavilion, and the Main Stage. Many local musicians played at the Bluff and the Pavilion, while the Main Stage hosted such well-known bands as the Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, Gin Blossoms, Little Big Town, and Jason Michael Carroll.

In a study done by Michigan State University in 1998, approximately 63,000 people attended the 1997 Venetian Festival and the festival generated around $1.7 million in revenue to the local economy.

Competitions also took place along Silver Beach and the Saint Joseph River during the festival, including volleyball tournaments, a river run & walk, and sand sculpturing. The Lighted Boat Parade and the Classic Boat Display both took place along the St. Joseph River and were a part of the Venetian Festival since 1987. Fireworks and rides were also attractions, bringing people from bigger cities such as Chicago. A blessing of the river was done July 30, and continues as a tradition to this day.

Infrastructure

 * begins just northeast of Benton Harbor–St. Joseph
 * The St. Joseph railway station is serviced daily by Amtrak's Pere Marquette passenger train.
 * Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) provides public transit throughout the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. It was originally a dial-a-ride system. More recently, it launched three fixed routes. Only one of those routes, the Red Route, passes through St. Joseph. The other routes are limited to Benton Harbor and its vicinity.
 * The St. Joseph Harbor is a commercial port that receives bulk goods from lake freighters. St. Joseph has two docks within city limits and another dock is located in Benton Harbor. Due to limitations on the depth of the port and lack of dredging funding, the harbor is experiencing a down trend in the amount of tonnage. The 2007 numbers for the port are:
 * The St. Joseph railway station is serviced daily by Amtrak's Pere Marquette passenger train.
 * Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) provides public transit throughout the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. It was originally a dial-a-ride system. More recently, it launched three fixed routes. Only one of those routes, the Red Route, passes through St. Joseph. The other routes are limited to Benton Harbor and its vicinity.
 * The St. Joseph Harbor is a commercial port that receives bulk goods from lake freighters. St. Joseph has two docks within city limits and another dock is located in Benton Harbor. Due to limitations on the depth of the port and lack of dredging funding, the harbor is experiencing a down trend in the amount of tonnage. The 2007 numbers for the port are:
 * Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) provides public transit throughout the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. It was originally a dial-a-ride system. More recently, it launched three fixed routes. Only one of those routes, the Red Route, passes through St. Joseph. The other routes are limited to Benton Harbor and its vicinity.
 * The St. Joseph Harbor is a commercial port that receives bulk goods from lake freighters. St. Joseph has two docks within city limits and another dock is located in Benton Harbor. Due to limitations on the depth of the port and lack of dredging funding, the harbor is experiencing a down trend in the amount of tonnage. The 2007 numbers for the port are:

Previous year tonnage includes:

Education

 * St. Joseph High School (Bears)
 * Upton Middle School
 * Brown Elementary
 * Lincoln Elementary
 * E.P. Clarke Elementary
 * Lake Michigan Catholic (Lakers)
 * Lake Michigan College (Red Hawks)
 * Trinity Lutheran School (Kingsmen)
 * Michigan Lutheran High School (Titans)
 * Grace Lutheran School (Hornets)

Media
St. Joseph is served by The Herald-Palladium newspaper, whose offices are in nearby St. Joseph Township, is part of the South Bend/Elkhart television market, and is served by sister radio stations WCSY-FM, WCXT, WIRX, WQYQ, WSJM-FM, and WYTZ as well as some in the South Bend market.

Notable people

 * Marc Bitzer, CEO at Whirlpool Corporation
 * Dave Carlock, record producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
 * Robert J. Warren, President of LECO Corporation
 * Nina Davuluri, Miss New York 2013, Miss America 2014
 * James Frey, writer
 * Harry Gast, farmer and Michigan state legislator
 * Sean Giambrone, actor
 * Michael Joseph Green, Roman Catholic bishop
 * Rob Harbin, Bliss 66 guitarist
 * Doris Keane, actress
 * Jeff M. Fettig, Ex-CEO of Whirlpool Corporation
 * Benjamin Franklin King Jr., humorist and writer
 * Amy Robach, news anchor, ABC's Good Morning America
 * Rachel Renee Russell, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling children's book series, Dork Diaries
 * Roger Craig Smith, voice actor
 * Fred Upton, politician (U.S. House of Representatives)
 * Frederick Upton, Senior Vice President of Whirlpool Corporation
 * Louis Upton, Founder of Whirlpool Corporation
 * Kate Upton, supermodel
 * Karen Ziemba, actress, singer, and dancer
 * Reilly Opelka, tennis player

title: St. Joseph, Michigan


text:
St. Joseph Charter Township, Michigan

St. Joseph Charter Township is a charter township of Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 9,993 at the 2020 census. The township is on the shores of Lake Michigan in the west central portion of the county, south of and adjacent to the city of St. Joseph.

Communities
The village of Shoreham, on Lake Michigan south of the city of St. Joseph, is the only incorporated community within the boundaries of the township. Both the village and township are bedroom communities for the city of St. Joseph.

Fair Plain is an unincorporated census-designated place that includes the portion of the township lying north of the St. Joseph River.

History
The township was one of the original divisions of Berrien County, and was organized in 1832.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 18.0 km2, of which 17.2 km2 is land and 0.8 km2, or 4.56%, is water.

The St. Joseph River flows through the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,042 people, 4,094 households, and 2,947 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,507.1 PD/sqmi. There were 4,271 housing units at an average density of 641.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 85.21% White, 11.47% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.72% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 4,094 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $54,158, and the median income for a family was $60,743. Males had a median income of $49,410 versus $31,375 for females. The per capita income for the township was $28,095. About 2.2% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: St. Joseph Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Stevensville, Michigan

Stevensville is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village lies within Lincoln Township. The population was 1,147 at the 2020 census.

History
The village was platted in the 1840s by Thomas Stevens, who was a prominent banker from Niles, Michigan, and owned a large tract of land in the area. A.D. Brown made a later addition, and in 1893 the village was incorporated. In 1906, Stevensville's population was 250.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,142 people, 526 households, and 315 families living in the village. The population density was 1098.1 PD/sqmi. There were 584 housing units at an average density of 561.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.6% White, 2.1% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 526 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the village was 44.2 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,191 people, 522 households, and 326 families living in the village. The population density was 1,153.9 PD/sqmi. There were 575 housing units at an average density of 557.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.22% White, 1.26% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population (also including Paco).

There were 522 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% 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 2.87.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,569, and the median income for a family was $54,000. Males had a median income of $37,125 versus $29,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,228. About 0.6% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 1.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Stevensville and neighboring Baroda are served by the Lakeshore School District.

Christ Lutheran School is a Pre-K-8 school of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Stevensville.

St. Paul's Lutheran School is a Pre-K-8 school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Stevensville.

title: Stevensville, Michigan