text:
Readfield, Maine

Readfield (/ˈɹid fild/) is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,597 at the 2020 census. Readfield is home to the Kents Hill School, a preparatory school, Maranacook Community Schools, public schools for the district, a few summer camps, and the annual Readfield Heritage Days. A popular recreation spot in central Maine, the town contains nine lakes and ponds, including Maranacook Lake, and is part of the Winthrop Lakes Region. The town of Readfield was previously named Pond Town. Readfield is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan and included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England City and Town Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 30.95 sqmi, of which 29.16 sqmi is land and 1.79 sqmi is water. Drained by Beaver Brook and Tingley Brook, Readfield includes the northern half of Maranacook Lake, the southern half of Torsey Pond, the southeast corner of Echo Lake, and the northeast shore of Lovejoy Pond.

The town is crossed by state routes 17, 41 and 135. It borders the towns of Manchester to the east, Winthrop to the south, Wayne to the southwest, Fayette to the west, and Mount Vernon and Belgrade to the north.

Government
Readfield's municipal government's Town Manager is Eric Dyer. The type of government is a town meeting and five selectmen. The municipal facilities include a volunteer fire department, a small water system in the village, and private sewer.

Demographics
The occupational profile for 2000 was 585 jobs in Executive, Managerial and Professional; 218 jobs in Sales, Administration and Support; 155 jobs in service, seven jobs in Farm and Forestry, and 232 jobs in Skilled Labor.

By a population profile estimate, in 1960 there were 1,029 residents of the town. By 1970, it had grown by 22.3% to 1,258; by 1980 it had grown 54.5% to a population of 1,943. By 1990, it had grown 4.6% to a total of 2,033, and by 2000 it grew by 16.1% for a total of 2,360. A 2007 census estimated the current population at 2,530. The best estimate for 2020 is a population of 2,850.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 2,598 people, 998 households, and 738 families living in the town. The population density was 89.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,293 housing units at an average density of 44.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the town was 97.2% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7%.

Of the 998 households 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.1% were non-families. 19.6% of households were one person and 6.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the town was 43.4 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 34.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 2,360 people, 867 households, and 673 families living in the town. The population density was 80.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,148 housing units at an average density of 39.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the town was 97.71% White, 0.08% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06%.

25% of Readfield residents report English ancestry, 12% French, 12% Irish, 8% German, 4% French Canadian, 4% Italian, 3% Scottish, 3% Swedish, 2% Scotch-Irish, 2% American Indian, 2% Norwegian, 1% Polish, 1% Arab, 1% Danish, 1% Swiss, 1% Lebanese, 1% Welsh and 1% Canadian.

Of the 867 households 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.3% were non-families. 18.2% of households were one person and 5.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.10.

The age distribution was 28.7% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.7 males.

The median household income was $48,893 and the median family income was $51,890. Males had a median income of $37,981 versus $27,971 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,707. About 4.6% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public schools Private school
 * Maranacook Area Schools
 * Maranacook Community Middle School
 * Maranacook Community High School
 * Readfield Elementary
 * Kents Hill School

Site of interest

 * Readfield Historical Society & Museum, which contains historical artifacts, documents and pictures related to the history of the Town of Readfield. Officers for RHS are:  President Florence Drake, Vice President Allyson Handley, Treasurer Lee Hepfner and Secretary Kathryn Woodsum.  Historian is Evelyn Potter and Genealogist is Doreen Crocker.

Notable people

 * Christian Duguay, comic actor
 * Doug Friedman, professional ice hockey player
 * John Hubbard, physician, 22nd governor of Maine
 * Jonathan G. Hunton, 9th governor of Maine
 * Anson P. Morrill, US congressman, 24th governor of Maine
 * Mildred Brown Schrumpf, Maine food educator and columnist
 * Timothy Simons, comic actor
 * Naythen Wilson, Avant-Garde Musician/Composer

title: Readfield, Maine


text:
Rome, Maine

Rome is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,148 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Belgrade Lakes resort area, and is included in the Augusta, Maine, micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

History
Originally a part of West Pond Plantation, Rome was first settled about 1780 by Richard Furbush from Lebanon. The town was incorporated on March 7, 1804, and named after Rome in Italy. Although farmers found the surface broken and uneven, the hills and valleys offered excellent grazing. By 1839, when the population was 1,074, it was described as "a beautiful farming town," with "a pleasant and flourishing village." In 1837, its wheat crop was 4,117 bushels.

The ponds abounded in trout, perch and pickerel. By 1859, Rome had one sawmill, one gristmill, and one shingle mill, although agriculture remained the principal occupation. By 1870, when the population was 725, it had two post offices: Rome and Belgrade Mills.

On April 4, 2013, 47-year-old Christopher Thomas Knight was arrested on suspicion of over a thousand burglaries. He was reported to have lived, on stolen supplies, in forests near Rome for 27 years with no intentional human contact.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.72 sqmi, of which 25.41 sqmi is land and 6.31 sqmi is water. Rome includes the northern portions of Long Pond and Great Pond.

The town is serviced by state routes 8, 27, 137 and 225. It borders the towns of Vienna to the west, Mount Vernon to the west and south, Belgrade to the south and east, a portion of Smithfield to the northeast, Mercer to the north, and New Sharon to the northwest.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,010 people, 439 households, and 299 families living in the town. The population density was 39.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,038 housing units at an average density of 40.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 439 households, of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.9% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the town was 46.2 years. 19.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 37.4% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.5% male and 48.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 980 people, 386 households, and 289 families living in the town. The population density was 38.6 PD/sqmi. There were 941 housing units at an average density of 37.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.27% White, 0.10% African American, 0.82% Native American, 0.10% Asian, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 386 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,344, and the median income for a family was $46,635. Males had a median income of $32,153 versus $26,042 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,355. About 7.0% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.5% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Rome, Maine


text:
Sidney, Maine

Sidney is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,645 at the 2020 census. Sidney was incorporated as a town on January 30, 1792. The town was named for Sir Philip Sidney, an English author. Sidney is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area. Since 1937, the town has been the home of the New England Music Camp.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 45.51 sqmi, of which 42.25 sqmi is land and 3.26 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,208 people, 1,607 households, and 1,196 families residing in the town. The population density was 99.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,850 housing units at an average density of 43.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% White, 0.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 1,607 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.6% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% 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 2.92.

The median age in the town was 41.4 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 32.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,514 people, 1,314 households, 989 families, and 4,834 cows residing in the town. The population density was 83.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,518 housing units at an average density of 35.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.78% White, 0.06% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 1,314 households, out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.8% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $47,281. Males had a median income of $31,788 versus $22,861 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,530. About 4.6% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Nehemiah Abbott (1804–1877), US congressman
 * William M. Butterfield (1862–1932), architect

title: Sidney, Maine


text:
Vassalboro, Maine

Vassalboro (originally Vassalborough) is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 4,520 at the 2020 census. Vassalboro includes the villages of Riverside, Getchell's Corner, North Vassalboro, and East Vassalboro, home to the town library and sports field. Vassalboro is included in the Augusta, Maine, micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

History
Vassalboro was first settled by colonists in 1760 and incorporated in 1771. It was named for one of the settlement's proprietors, William Vassall.

William Vassall
William Vassall was born in 1715 on his family's Jamaican sugar plantation. Slavery had formed an "integral part" of the Vassalls' fortune since 1648, when William's great-grandfather moved to Barbados and launched the family into the sugar business. As a boy, Vassall moved first to Philadelphia, then Boston. He earned a BA (1733) and an MA (1743) from Harvard. A Loyalist during the Revolution, he fled to England, where he died in 1800, having spent many years arguing for "compensation for what he deemed the illegal confiscation of his properties in Massachusetts and Rhode Island."

On 2 March 1770, Vassall conveyed to his niece Mary Prescott of Nova Scotia Lot Number 5 in Vassalboro, one of the so-called "Proprietor's Lots" reserved for the town's founders. Niece Prescott sold the lot nine months later to a citizen of Hallowell.

Other Notes
The Revere House in East Vassalboro was once the home of Alexander Graham Bell. The Vassalboro Historical Society resides in the old school- house near the East Vassalboro China Lake landing. The East Vassalboro Grange hosts the annual library book sale in the fall.

The Vassalboro rec fields on Bog Road hosts sports events and teams and has a newly opened walking trail which includes portions of the abandoned narrow gauge Wiscassett, Waterville, & Farmington Railway roadbed.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 47.81 sqmi, of which 44.27 sqmi is land and 3.54 sqmi is water. Drained by Seven Mile Brook, Vassalboro is bounded on the west by the Kennebec River. China Lake is also partially located in the town.

The town is served by U.S. Route 201 and U.S. Route 202, in addition to state routes 3, 9, 32 and 100. It borders the towns of China to the east, Augusta to the south, Winslow to the north, and across the Kennebec River, Sidney to the west.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,340 people, 1,788 households, and 1,206 families living in the town. The population density was 98.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,065 housing units at an average density of 46.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.2% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 1,788 households, of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.6% were non-families. Of all households 23.8% were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the town was 44 years. Of residents 21.6% were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 33.7% were from 45 to 64; and 14.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,047 people, 1,549 households, and 1,138 families living in the town. The population density was 91.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,838 housing units at an average density of 41.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.62% White, 0.15% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.57% of the population.

There were 1,549 households, out of which 36.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. Of all households 19.0% were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.2% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $47,923, and the median income for a family was $40,192. Males had a median income of $31,859 versus $21,299 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,281. About 8.3% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * The town is home to Vassalboro Community School, which is attended by approximately 420 students. There is no public high school. Students have the choice of Winslow High School in Winslow, Waterville High School in Waterville, Cony High School in Augusta, and Erskine Academy in South China, where most students choose to attend. Erskine has a lowered rate for Vassalboro students.

It was a part of Kennebec Valley Consolidated Schools (AOS92) until July 1, 2018.

Sites of interest

 * Vassalboro Historical Society & Museum

Notable people

 * Edward Augustus Brackett, sculptor
 * Holman Day, author, editor
 * Henry H. Goddard, psychologist, eugenicist
 * Amy Morris Homans, physical educator
 * Alfred Atmore Pope, industrialist, art collector

title: Vassalboro, Maine


text:
Vienna, Maine

Vienna is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 578 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.51 sqmi, of which 24.30 sqmi is land and 1.21 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 570 people, 251 households, and 179 families living in the town. The population density was 23.5 PD/sqmi. There were 418 housing units at an average density of 17.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2%.

Of the 251 households 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.7% were non-families. 23.5% of households were one person and 9.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.66.

The median age in the town was 49.6 years. 16.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.6% were from 25 to 44; 39% were from 45 to 64; and 18.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 527 people, 214 households, and 154 families living in the town. The population density was 21.8 people per square mile (8.4/km$2$). There were 367 housing units at an average density of 15.2 per square mile (5.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.67% White, 0.38% African American, 0.19% Native American, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76%.

Of the 214 households 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.1% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 22.4% of households were one person and 7.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.92.

The age distribution was 23.1% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 35.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median household income was $36,985 and the median family income was $41,146. Males had a median income of $30,469 versus $21,818 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,987. About 5.7% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 22.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Milton Bradley, inventor of board game The Game of Life, founder of Milton Bradley Company
 * Samuel P. Morrill (1816–1892), US congressman; minister
 * Benjamin White, US congressman

title: Vienna, Maine


text:
Waterville, Maine

Waterville is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States, on the west bank of the Kennebec River. The city is home to Colby College, Thomas College, and the headquarters of HealthReach Community Health Centers. As of the 2020 census the population was 15,828. Along with Augusta, Waterville is one of the principal cities of the Augusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The area now known as Waterville was once inhabited by the Canibas tribe of the Abenaki people. Called "Taconnet" after Chief Taconnet, the main village was located on the east bank of the Kennebec River at its confluence with the Sebasticook River at what is now Winslow. Known as "Ticonic" by English settlers, it was burned in 1692 during King William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area. Fort Halifax was built by General John Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.

The township would be organized as Kingfield Plantation, then incorporated as Winslow in 1771. When residents on the west side of the Kennebec found themselves unable to cross the river to attend town meetings, Waterville was founded from the western parts of Winslow and incorporated on June 23, 1802. In 1824 a bridge was built joining the communities. Early industries included fishing, lumbering, agriculture and ship building, with larger boats launched in spring during freshets. By the early 1900s, there were five shipyards in the community.

Ticonic Falls blocked navigation farther upriver, so Waterville developed as the terminus for trade and shipping. The Kennebec River and Messalonskee Stream provided water power for mills, including several sawmills, a gristmill, a sash and blind factory, a furniture factory, and a shovel handle factory. There was also a carriage and sleigh factory, boot shop, brickyard, and tannery. On September 27, 1849, the Androscoggin and Kennebec Railroad opened to Waterville. It would become part of the Maine Central Railroad, which in 1870 established locomotive and car repair shops in the thriving mill town. West Waterville (renamed Oakland) was set off as a town in 1873. Waterville was incorporated as a city on January 12, 1888.

The Ticonic Water Power & Manufacturing Company was formed in 1866 and soon built a dam across the Kennebec. After a change of ownership in 1873, the company began construction on what would become the Lockwood Manufacturing Company, a cotton textile plant. A second mill was added, and by 1900 the firm dominated the riverfront and employed 1,300 workers. Lockwood Mills survived until the mid-1950s. The iron Waterville-Winslow Footbridge opened in 1901, as a means for Waterville residents to commute to Winslow for work in the Hollingsworth & Whitney Co. and Wyandotte Worsted Co. mills, but in less than a year was carried away by the highest river level since 1832. Rebuilt in 1903, it would be called the Two Cent Bridge because of its toll. In 1902, the Beaux-Arts style City Hall and Opera House designed by George Gilman Adams was dedicated. In 2002, the C.F. Hathaway Company, one of the last remaining factories in the United States producing high-end dress shirts, was purchased by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway company and was closed after over 160 years of operation in the city.

Waterville also developed as an educational center. In 1813, the Maine Literary and Theological Institution was established. It would be renamed Waterville College in 1821, then Colby College in 1867. Thomas College was established in 1894. The Latin School was founded in 1820 to prepare students to attend Colby and other colleges, and was subsequently named Waterville Academy, Waterville Classical Institute, and Coburn Classical Institute; the Institute merged with the Oak Grove School in Vassalboro in 1970, and remained open until 1989. The first public high school was built in 1877, while the current Waterville Senior High School was built in 1961.

Geography
Waterville is located in northern Kennebec County in the central part of the state, located at 44.55205°N, -69.64584°W. Its northern boundary is the Somerset County line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.05 sqmi, of which 13.58 sqmi are land and 0.47 sqmi, or 3.36%, are water. Situated beside the Kennebec River, Waterville is drained by the Messalonskee Stream.

Waterville is served by Interstate 95, U.S. Route 201, and Maine State Routes 137 and 104. It is bordered by Fairfield on the north in Somerset County, Winslow on the east, Sidney on the south and Oakland on the west.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Waterville has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,722 people, 6,370 households, and 3,274 families living in the city. The population density was 1157.7 PD/sqmi. There were 7,065 housing units at an average density of 520.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.9% White, 1.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 6,370 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.6% were non-families. Of all households 38.9% were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. 17.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 18.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,605 people, 6,218 households, and 3,370 families living in the city. The population density was 1,148.7 PD/sqmi. There were 6,819 housing units at an average density of 501.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.81% White, 0.78% African American, 0.56% Native American, 1.03% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population. 32% reported French and French Canadian ancestry, 18% English, 11% Irish, and 6% German.

There were 6,218 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.8% were non-families. Of all households 38.6% were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.7% under the age of 18, 18.5% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,816, and the median income for a family was $38,052. Males had a median income of $30,086 versus $22,037 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,430. 19.2% of the population and 15.1% of families were below the federal poverty level. Statewide, 10.9% of the population was below the poverty level. In Kennebec County, 11.1% of the population was below the federal poverty level. Thus, although the county poverty rate was close to the state poverty rate, the poverty rate for Waterville was higher—typical for a regional center whose suburbs had grown in population.

Out of the total population, 29.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Economy and redevelopment
Like many other towns in Maine and in the United States, Waterville has seen development in the suburbs and the decline of the downtown area. There have been new businesses and new facilities built by Inland Hospital on Kennedy Memorial Drive. Walmart, Home Depot, and a small strip mall of other stores have been built in the northern part of the city as part of an open-air shopping center. Because of this growth, the existing and now-neighboring Elm Plaza shopping center has recently had its exterior renovated and filled most or all of its previous vacancies.

In contrast, the downtown area has had its share of hardships due to chain store growth in the city. Stores that had a long history in the downtown area have closed in recent decades, including Levine's, Butlers, Sterns, Dunhams, Alvina and Delias, and LaVerdieres. The large vacancy in The Concourse shopping center that once housed the Ames, Zayre department store, as well as Brooks Pharmacy is struggling to find tenants; as is the now vacant Main Street location of a CVS pharmacy (it moved to a brand new building on Kennedy Memorial Drive). Organizations like Waterville Main St continue their efforts to revitalize downtown. Colby College has built a new dormitory for students on Main Street, and the boutique Lockwood Hotel opened in August 2022. The Paul J. Schupf Art Center is currently under construction.

Developer Paul Boghossian has converted the old Hathaway Mill to retail, office, and residential use. MaineGeneral Health agreed at the end of June 2007 to become the first tenant.

Waterville's top employers include MaineGeneral Medical Center, Colby College, HealthReach Community Health Centers, Northern Light Inland Hospital, Hannaford Supermarket, Shaw's Supermarket, Wal-Mart, Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, Thomas College, City of Waterville, The Woodlands Residential Care, and Central Maine Newspapers.

Local government
Waterville has a mayor and council-manager form of government, led by a mayor and a seven-member city council. The city council is the governing board, and the city manager is the chief administrative officer of the city, responsible for the management of all city affairs.

Waterville adopted a city charter in the 1970s. For some 40 years, the city had a "strong mayor" system in which the mayor enjoyed broad executive powers, including the power to veto measures passed by the city council and to line-item veto budget items passed by the council. In 2005, the charter was substantially revised, changing the city government to a "weak mayor" council-manager system. Under the present system, the city manager is the chief executive. The charter revision was approved by city voters by a 4–1 margin. The city is currently divided into seven geographic wards, each of which elects one member of the Waterville City Council and one member of the Waterville School Board.

Since 1970, the following people have served as mayor of Waterville: Richard "Spike" Carey (1970–1978), Paul Laverdiere (Republican, 1978–1982); Ann Gilbride Hill (Democrat, 1982–1986); Thomas Nale (1986–1987); Judy C. Kany (Democrat, 1988–1989); David E. Bernier (1990–1993); Thomas J. Brazier (1994–1995); Nelson Megna (1995–1996); Ruth Joseph (Democrat, 1996–1998); Nelson Madore (Democrat, 1999–2004); Paul R. LePage (Republican, 2004–2011); Dana W. Sennett (Democrat, 2011); Karen Heck (independent, 2012–2014); Nicholas Isgro (Republican, 2015–2020); Jay Coelho (2021–present).

In 2018, Isgro faced a recall election after he made a Twitter post insulting a gun control activist present during the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. The recall effort was backed by former Mayor Karen Heck, a Democrat who had previously endorsed Isgro. Isgro later made his Twitter feed private and said that he had deleted the post. During the recall effort, Isgro asserted that outside interests and the City Council were plotting to oust him over disputes over the city budget and taxation. After an acrimonious recall campaign, Waterville voters defeated the recall attempt, with 1,563 "no" votes (51%) to 1,472 "yes" votes (49%).

Political makeup
Waterville is considered a Democratic stronghold in Maine's 1st congressional district. Barack Obama received 70% of Waterville's votes in the 2008 presidential election.

Voter registration

Transportation

 * Robert LaFleur Airport
 * Interstate 95
 * US Route 201
 * State Route 100A
 * State Route 137
 * State Route 32
 * State Route 137 Business
 * State Route 11
 * State Route 104
 * Pan Am Railways – Waterville Intermodal Facility

Education
Waterville Public Schools provides the city primary and secondary education. It was a part of Kennebec Valley Consolidated Schools (AOS92) from 2009 to 2018.

Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield is the local public community college. Colby College and Thomas College are private 4-year colleges located in the city. Colby is the third highest ranked liberal arts college in Maine, according to U.S. News.

Media
Waterville is home to one daily newspaper, the Morning Sentinel and a weekly college newspaper, The Colby Echo. The city is also home to Fox affiliate WPFO and Daystar rebroadcaster WFYW-LP, both serving the Portland market, and to several radio stations, including Colby's WMHB, country WEBB, and MPBN on 91.3 FM.

The 2001 satirical comedy movie Wet Hot American Summer is set in a fictional summer camp near Waterville, with some scenes taking place in the city. The movie was filmed in Pennsylvania, but signs displaying "Waterville Maine Est. 1802 Pop. 17,173" and "Waterville C.B. Radio Supply Inc." are shown in these scenes. Gary, a character played by A. D. Miles, asks "Hey, guys, how was Waterville?" after the group returns from the city back to camp.

Sister cities

 * 🇷🇺 Kotlas, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia

Sites of interest

 * Colby College
 * Colby College Museum of Art
 * Thomas College
 * Atlantic Music Festival
 * Maine International Film Festival
 * Old Waterville High School
 * Old Waterville Post Office
 * Perkins Arboretum
 * Waterville Historical Society - Redington Museum
 * Waterville Public Library
 * Waterville Opera House
 * Waterville Main Street
 * Waterville – Winslow Footbridge (Two Cent Bridge)

title: Waterville, Maine


text:
Wayne, Maine

Wayne is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. Wayne is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area. The population was 1,129 at the 2020 census. The town was named after Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. During the summer, Wayne is home to Camp Androscoggin. A popular recreation spot in central Maine, Wayne is part of the Winthrop Lakes Region. The town is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area. and included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.63 sqmi, of which 19.26 sqmi is land and 6.37 sqmi is water. The Androscoggin Yacht Club is located in Wayne on Androscoggin Lake, at the foot of the road over Morrison Heights.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,189 people, 514 households, and 358 families living in the town. The population density was 61.7 PD/sqmi. There were 848 housing units at an average density of 44.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.9% White, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 514 households, of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.68.

The median age in the town was 49.1 years. 19.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.1% were from 25 to 44; 40.6% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,112 people, 467 households, and 330 families living in the town. The population density was 57.8 PD/sqmi. There were 753 housing units at an average density of 39.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.56% White, 0.27% African American, 0.09% Asian, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.18% of the population.

There were 465 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,625, and the median income for a family was $54,632. Males had a median income of $40,625 versus $29,659 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,015. About 3.9% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * T. Brigham Bishop (1835–1905), American composer of popular music
 * John Emory Bryant, Union Army Civil War veteran, Freedman Bureau official in Georgia, Republican Party organizer, and temperance movement advocate
 * Annie Louise Cary (1842–1921), popular American singer
 * Allen P. Lovejoy, Wisconsin politician

title: Wayne, Maine


text:
West Gardiner, Maine

West Gardiner is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 3,671 at the 2020 census. West Gardiner is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 27.07 sqmi, of which, 24.63 sqmi of it is land and 2.44 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,474 people, 1,368 households, and 983 families living in the town. The population density was 141.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,556 housing units at an average density of 63.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.4% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 1,368 households, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.1% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.4% were from 25 to 44; 32.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,902 people, 1,115 households, and 831 families living in the town. The population density was 117.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,308 housing units at an average density of 53.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.76% White, 0.52% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population.

There were 1,115 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% 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 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,434, and the median income for a family was $48,056. Males had a median income of $30,806 versus $26,357 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,832. About 3.4% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Earle McCormick, state senator; lived in West Gardiner
 * John Frank Stevens, chief engineer on the Panama Canal (1905–1907); born in West Gardiner
 * William H. Stevens, architect; born in West Gardiner

title: West Gardiner, Maine


text:
Windsor, Maine

Windsor is a town in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,632 at the 2020 census. Windsor is included in the Augusta, Maine micropolitan New England City and Town Area.

History
The territory was first incorporated March 3, 1809, under the name of "Malta." Shortly after, a minor rebellion called the "Malta War" broke out against the Massachusetts state government in Boston over settlement and land ownership rights. In 1820, the town was reincorporated under the name "Gerry" to honor the late statesman and Vice President Elbridge Gerry. Two years after that, the town was renamed Windsor in its final reincorporation.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.52 sqmi, of which 34.65 sqmi is land and 0.87 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,575 people, 1,039 households, and 721 families living in the town. The population density was 74.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,152 housing units at an average density of 33.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.0% White, 0.4% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 1,039 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.6% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the town was 42.1 years. 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 31.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,204 people, 846 households, and 620 families living in the town. The population density was 63.6 PD/sqmi. There were 952 housing units at an average density of 27.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.46% White, 0.27% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 846 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% 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 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,039, and the median income for a family was $43,792. Males had a median income of $31,146 versus $24,194 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,746. About 5.5% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest

 * Hussey's General Store
 * Maine Fiber Frolic
 * Windsor Fair Grounds

title: Windsor, Maine


text:
Appleton, Maine

Appleton is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. It is about 15 miles inland from Penobscot Bay and coastal towns such as Camden and Rockland, about 30 miles east of the state capital of Augusta. The population was 1,411 at the 2020 census.

History
The town was incorporated on January 28, 1829, from the former Plantation of Appleton. The plantation and town was named for Nathaniel Appleton, who was for more than 20 years an officer of the Twenty Associates, the proprietors of Appleton, as well as Camden, Hope, Liberty, and Montville.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.43 sqmi, of which 32.71 sqmi is land and 0.72 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,316 people, 545 households, and 362 families living in the town. The population density was 40.2 PD/sqmi. There were 646 housing units at an average density of 19.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 545 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.6% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9% 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 2.95.

The median age in the town was 43 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 34.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,271 people, 480 households, and 346 families living in the town. The population density was 38.8 PD/sqmi. There were 547 housing units at an average density of 16.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.51% White, 0.39% African American, 0.08% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 480 households, out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,615, and the median income for a family was $41,731. Males had a median income of $27,065 versus $25,385 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,484. About 4.6% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public schools:
 * Appleton Village School (K–8), School Union 69
 * Camden Hills Regional High School

Notable people

 * Barbara Merrill, Democrat-turned unenrolled state legislator who ran for governor in 2006
 * Jonathan Richman, singer, songwriter and guitarist
 * Gary Sukeforth, unenrolled state legislator and grocery store owner
 * Zachary Fowler, Winner of season 3 "Alone"

title: Appleton, Maine


text:
Cushing, Maine

Cushing is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,502 at the 2020 census. A favorite of artists for its unspoiled natural setting, Cushing includes the villages of North Cushing, Cushing, South Cushing, and Pleasant Point.

History
Part of the Waldo Patent, it was called the Lower Plantation of St. Georges, once extending across both sides of the St. George River. It was first permanently settled in 1733 with Scots and Irish immigrants recruited from Ireland by Brigadier-General Samuel Waldo, who offered 100 acre for each household. Attacks during the French and Indian Wars, however, deterred habitation. A stone blockhouse known as Burton's Fort was built in 1753 by its commander, Captain Benjamin Burton. Hostilities finally ceased in 1759 with the Fall of Quebec. On January 28, 1789, the town was incorporated and named for Thomas Cushing, statesman and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. On February 7, 1803, the town of St. George was set off and incorporated.

The Olson House was depicted in Andrew Wyeth's 1948 painting, Christina's World, which in turn was used as Dahlia Gillespie's house in the horror video game series Silent Hill, and inspired the farmer's house in the 1978 film Days of Heaven. The building is now operated by the Farnsworth Art Museum of Rockland.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 26.05 sqmi, of which 19.24 sqmi is land and 6.81 sqmi is water. Cushing, which includes Gay Island, is situated on Muscongus Bay between the Meduncook River to the west and St. George River to the east.

The town is served by Maine State Route 97. It borders Friendship to the west, Warren and Thomaston to the north, and separated by the St. George River, South Thomaston and St. George to the east.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,534 people, 642 households, and 431 families residing in the town. The population density was 79.7 PD/sqmi. There were 926 housing units at an average density of 48.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.8% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 642 households, of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.9% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% 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 2.83.

The median age in the town was 44 years. 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 30.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,322 people, 541 households, and 383 families residing in the town. The population density was 68.1 PD/sqmi. There were 778 housing units at an average density of 40.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.47% White, 0.08% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population. 28.3% were of English, 13.5% American, 9.1% Irish, 7.9% German, 5.9% Finnish, 5.2% French and 5.1% Scottish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 541 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the town, 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, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,598, and the median income for a family was $43,929. Males had a median income of $28,553 versus $22,455 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,264. About 7.6% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Raymond Cazallis Davis, librarian
 * Peter Halley, artist
 * Elisabeth Ogilvie, writer
 * Edward Robinson, US congressman
 * Dudley Willis Rockwell, metallurgist
 * Andrew Wyeth, artist

title: Cushing, Maine


text:
Friendship, Maine

Friendship (formerly known as Meduncook) is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. It is 31 miles (49.9 km) southeast of Augusta. The population was 1,142 at the 2020 census.

History
Abenaki Native Americans called it Meduncook, meaning "bay at the end of the sandbar". Part of the Waldo Patent, it was first settled in 1750. A garrison was built on Garrison Island, which is connected to the mainland at low tide. By 1754, 22 families lived in Meduncook, most taking shelter within the garrison when the French and Indian War broke out.

Raid on Meduncook (1758)
During the French and Indian War, the community was raided twice. The first attack was from the Abenaki just after sunrise on May 22, 1758. They killed and scalped Joshua and Hannah Bradford and their infant son, Winslow. An original settler from Kingston, Massachusetts, and a great-grandson of Governor William Bradford, Joshua had remained in his house, believing it close enough to the garrison that his family could flee there when necessary, but, while pounding corn, the Bradfords missed hearing the garrison's alarm gun. Five of their children managed to escape their pursuers into the fort, but two of their sons Cornelius (21) and Joshua (12) were captured and carried to Canada.

After trying to lay siege to Thomaston, Maine, in September 1758, a party of Native Americans and Acadians under the command of the French officer Boishebert, raided the village. Eight British were captured or killed.

On February 25, 1807, Meduncook Plantation was incorporated as Friendship. By 1859, when the population was 691, the village had two shipbuilders, two gristmills, one shingle mill and three sawmills. By 1880, when the population was 938, other manufactures included sails, carriages, boots and shoes. Boatbuilding remained the dominant industry in town, which became famous for producing the Friendship Sloop, a gaff-rigged sailboat designed for lobstering and fishing. Each summer the town hosts the Friendship Sloop Races.

The author John Cheever wrote his 1957 novel, The Wapshot Chronicle, while vacationing here.

Attractions
The Friendship Museum was established in 1964. Before being as the town's museum, it was the Friendship Grammar School from 1851 to 1923. The museum is a typical one-room schoolhouse, measuring 20x25 ft. The museum has many interesting artifacts including models of ships and plans for the famous Friendship sloops.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.37 sqmi, of which 14.10 sqmi is land and 17.27 sqmi is water. Located on a peninsula that projects into the Gulf of Maine, Friendship lies between Muscongus Bay and the Friendship River. It includes several islands, the largest of which is Friendship Long Island (or Meduncook Island).

The town is crossed by state routes 97 and 220. It borders the towns of Waldoboro to the northwest, and Cushing to the east.

The town is the site of Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Friendship has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 1,204 people, 508 households and 354 families residing in the town. The population density was 85.9 /sqmi. There were 849 housing units at an average density of 60.5 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the town was 99.34% White, 0.25% from other races and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 508 persons living alone who were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.76.

20.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64 and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median household income was $39,348 and the median family income was $41,648. Males had a median income of $29,605 and females $19,000. The per capita income was $20,409. About 8.3% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 1,152 people, 508 households and 352 families residing in the town. The population density was 81.7 /sqmi. There were 896 housing units at an average density of 63.5 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the town was 99.2% White, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 508 households, of which 21.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present and 30.7% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% 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 2.66.

The median age in the town was 50.1 years. 17.2% of residents were under the age of 18, 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24, 18.7% were from 25 to 44, 31.7% were from 45 to 64 and 25.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender make-up of the town was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

As of 2022, the population of Friendship was estimated at 1,162 people.

Schools
Friendship is part of the Maine School Administrative District 40. Friendship Village Elementary School is in Friendship.

Medomak Valley Middle School and Medomak Valley High School are in nearby Waldoboro.

Friendship Public Library is in the community.

In popular culture

 * The majority of the 1995 film Casper was set in Friendship, though the production crew chose the nearby resort town of Camden for filming, citing it to be "more authentic". In the film, Friendship is the site of an Art Nouveau mansion called Whipstaff Manor, which is haunted by four ghosts. Whipstaff Manor is not a real mansion located on the sea front of eastern Camden. The lower exterior and interior of the mansion was built on a set.
 * The short story "The Run of Yourself" in Sorry for Your Trouble by Richard Ford is set in Friendship.

Notable people

 * Allen Alexander Bradford, U.S. congressman
 * Jayne Loader, director, writer

title: Friendship, Maine


text:
Tetraethyllead

Tetraethyllead (commonly styled tetraethyl lead), abbreviated TEL, is an organolead compound with the formula Pb(C2H5)4. It was widely used as a fuel additive for much of the 20th century, first being mixed with gasoline beginning in the 1920s. This "leaded gasoline" had an increased octane rating that allowed engine compression to be raised substantially and in turn increased vehicle performance and fuel economy. TEL was first synthesised by German chemist Carl Jacob Löwig in 1853. American chemical engineer Thomas Midgley Jr., who was working for the U.S. corporation General Motors, was the first to discover its effectiveness as an antiknock agent in 1921, after spending several years attempting to find an additive that was both highly effective and inexpensive.

In the mid-20th century, scientists discovered TEL caused lead poisoning and was toxic to the human brain, especially in children. The United States and many other countries began phasing out the use of TEL in automotive fuel in the 1970s. By the early 2000s, most countries had completely banned the use of TEL in gasoline. Since 2011, leaded gasoline has been banned in every country. A 2011 study backed by the United Nations estimated that the removal of TEL had resulted in $2.4 trillion in annual benefits, and 1.2 million fewer premature deaths.

Despite being banned from use in automotive fuel, TEL is sometimes still used in certain grades of aviation fuel. Innospec has claimed to be the last firm legally making TEL but,, TEL was being produced illegally by several companies in China. In July 2021, the sale of leaded gasoline for cars was completely phased out worldwide, prompting the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to declare an "official end" of its use in cars on August 30, 2021.

Synthesis and properties
TEL is produced by reacting chloroethane with a sodium–lead alloy.

The product is recovered by steam distillation, leaving a sludge of lead and sodium chloride. TEL is a viscous colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Because TEL is charge neutral and contains an exterior of alkyl groups, it is highly lipophilic and soluble in petrol (gasoline). This property, which allows it to dissolve so evenly and effectively in motor fuel, also allows it to dissolve oils and fats well, and therefore, diffuse through the blood–brain barrier and accumulate within the limbic forebrain, frontal cortex, and hippocampus.

Despite decades of research, no reactions were found to improve upon this process, which is rather difficult, involves metallic sodium, and converts only 25% of the lead to TEL. A related compound, tetramethyllead, was commercially produced by a different electrolytic reaction. A process with lithium was developed but never put into practice.

Reactions
A noteworthy feature of TEL is the weakness of its four C–Pb bonds. At the temperatures found in internal combustion engines, TEL decomposes completely into lead as well as combustible, short-lived ethyl radicals. Lead and lead oxide scavenge radical intermediates in combustion reactions. Engine knock is caused by a cool flame, an oscillating low-temperature combustion reaction that occurs before the proper, hot ignition. Lead quenches the pyrolysed radicals and thus kills the radical chain reaction that would sustain a cool flame, preventing it from disturbing the smooth ignition of the hot flame front. Lead itself is the reactive antiknock agent, and the ethyl groups serve as a gasoline-soluble carrier.

When TEL burns, it produces not only carbon dioxide and water, but also lead and lead(II) oxide:

Pb and PbO would quickly over-accumulate and foul an engine. For this reason, 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane were also added to gasoline as lead scavengers—these agents form volatile lead(II) chloride and lead(II) bromide, respectively, which flush the lead from the engine and into the air:

In motor fuel
TEL was extensively used as a gasoline additive beginning in the 1920s, wherein it served as an effective antiknock agent and reduced exhaust valve and valve seat wear. Concerns were raised in reputable journals of likely health outcomes of fine particles of lead in the atmosphere.

Valve wear preventive
Tetraethyllead helps cool intake valves and is an excellent buffer against microwelds forming between exhaust valves and their seats. Once these valves reopen, the microwelds pull apart and abrade the valves and seats, leading to valve recession. When TEL began to be phased out, the automotive industry began specifying hardened valve seats and upgraded materials which allow for high wear resistance without requiring lead.

Antiknock agent
A gasoline-fuelled reciprocating engine requires fuel of sufficient octane rating to prevent uncontrolled combustion (preignition and detonation). Antiknock agents allow the use of higher compression ratios for greater efficiency and peak power. Adding varying amounts of additives to gasoline allowed easy, inexpensive control of octane ratings. TEL offered the business advantage of being commercially profitable because its use for this purpose could be patented. Aviation fuels with TEL used in WWII reached octane ratings of 150 to enable turbocharged and supercharged engines such as the Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon to reach high horsepower ratings at altitude. In military aviation, TEL manipulation allowed a range of different fuels to be tailored for particular flight conditions.

In 1935 a licence to produce TEL was given to IG Farben, enabling the newly formed German Luftwaffe to use high-octane gasoline. A company, Ethyl GmbH, was formed that produced TEL at two sites in Germany with a government contract from 10 June 1936.

In 1938 the United Kingdom Air Ministry contracted with ICI for the construction and operation of a TEL plant. A site was chosen at Holford Moss, near Plumley in Cheshire. Construction started in April 1939 and TEL was being produced by September 1940.

"Ethyl Fluid"
For mixing with raw gasoline, TEL was most commonly supplied in the form of "Ethyl Fluid", which consisted of TEL blended with 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane. Ethyl Fluid also contained a reddish dye to distinguish treated from untreated gasoline and discourage the use of leaded gasoline for other purposes such as cleaning.

In the 1920s before safety procedures were strengthened, 17 workers for the Ethyl Corporation, DuPont, and Standard Oil died from the effects of exposure to lead.

Ethyl Fluid's formulation consisted of:
 * 61.45% tetraethyllead
 * 18.80% 1,2-dichloroethane
 * 17.85% 1,2-dibromoethane
 * 1.90% inerts and dyes

Dichloroethane and dibromoethane act in a synergistic manner, where equal or approximately equal quantities of both provide the best scavenging ability.

Phaseout and ban
In most industrialized countries, a phaseout of TEL from road vehicle fuels was completed by the early 2000s because of concerns over air and soil lead levels and the accumulative neurotoxicity of lead. In the European Union, tetraethyllead has been classified as a Substance of Very High Concern and placed on the Candidate List for Authorisation under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Potential use of TEL would need to be authorised through the REACH authorisation procedure. While not a complete ban, it introduces significant obligations such as a mandatory analysis of alternatives and socioeconomic analysis.

The use of catalytic converters, mandated in the United States for 1975 and later model-year cars to meet tighter emissions regulations, started a gradual phase-out of leaded gasoline in the U.S. The need for TEL was lessened by several advances in automotive engineering and petroleum chemistry. Safer methods for making higher-octane blending stocks such as reformate and iso-octane reduced the need to rely on TEL, as did other antiknock additives of varying toxicity including metallic compounds such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) as well as oxygenates including methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE).

The first country to completely ban leaded gasoline was Japan in 1986.

Since January 1993 all gasoline powered cars sold in the European Union and the United Kingdom have been required to use unleaded fuel. This was to comply with the Euro 1 emission standards which mandated that all new cars to be fitted with a catalytic converter. Unleaded fuel was first introduced in the United Kingdom in June 1986.

Leaded gasoline was removed from the forecourts in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2000, and a Lead Replacement Petrol was introduced although this was largely withdrawn by 2003 due to dwindling sales. An exemption to the ban exists for owners of classic cars.

Vehicles designed and built to run on leaded fuel often require modification to run on unleaded gasoline. These modifications fall into two categories: those required for physical compatibility with unleaded fuel, and those performed to compensate for the relatively low octane of early unleaded fuels. Physical compatibility requires the installation of hardened exhaust valves and seats. Compatibility with reduced octane was addressed by reducing compression, generally by installing thicker cylinder head gaskets and/or rebuilding the engine with compression-reducing pistons, although modern high-octane unleaded gasoline has eliminated the need to decrease compression ratios.

Leaded gasoline remained legal as of late 2014 in parts of Algeria, Iraq, Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, and Afghanistan. North Korea and Myanmar purchased their TEL from China, while Algeria, Iraq, and Yemen purchased it from the specialty chemical company Innospec, the world's sole remaining legal manufacturer of TEL. In 2011 several Innospec executives were charged and imprisoned for bribing various government state-owned oil companies to approve the sale of their TEL products.

the UNEP-sponsored phase-out was nearly complete: only Algeria, Iraq, and Yemen continued widespread use of leaded gasoline, although not exclusively. In July 2021, Algeria had halted its sale.

Leaded-fuel bans
Leaded-fuel bans for road vehicles came into effect as follows:

Europe

 * Austria: 1989
 * Belarus: 1998
 * Bulgaria: 2002
 * Bosnia and Herzegovina: 2009
 * Croatia: 2006
 * Cyprus: 2004
 * Czech Republic: 2001
 * Denmark: 1994
 * European Union: 1 January 2000
 * Finland: 1994
 * France: 2000
 * Germany: 1996
 * Gibraltar: 2001
 * Greece: 2002
 * Hungary: 1999
 * Ireland: 1 January 2000
 * Italy: 1 January 2002
 * Malta: 2003
 * Monaco: 2000
 * Netherlands: 1998
 * Norway: 1997
 * Poland: December 2000
 * Slovenia: 2001
 * Spain: 1 August 2001
 * Portugal: 1999
 * Romania: 2005
 * Russia: 2003
 * Serbia: 2010
 * Sweden: 1995
 * Switzerland: 2000
 * Ukraine: 2003
 * United Kingdom: 1 January 2000

North America

 * Anguilla: 1998
 * Antigua and Barbuda: 1991
 * Aruba: 1997
 * Bahamas: 1996
 * Belize: 1997
 * Bermuda: 1990
 * Cayman Islands: 1999
 * Canada: December 1990
 * Costa Rica: 1996
 * Dominican Republic: 1999
 * El Salvador: 1992
 * Guatemala: 1991
 * Haiti: 1998
 * Honduras: 1996
 * Jamaica: 2000
 * Mexico: 1998
 * Nicaragua: 1995
 * Panama: 2002
 * Trinidad and Tobago: 2000
 * United States (including Puerto Rico): 1 January 1996
 * California: 1992

South America

 * Argentina: 1998
 * Bolivia: 1995
 * Brazil: 1989 or 1991
 * Chile: 2001 or 2005
 * Colombia: 1991
 * Guyana: 2000
 * Peru: 2004
 * Suriname: 2001
 * Uruguay: 2004
 * Venezuela: 2005

Asia

 * Afghanistan: 2016
 * Bangladesh: 1999
 * China: 2000
 * Hong Kong: 1999
 * India: March 2000
 * Saudi Arabia: 2001
 * Indonesia: 2006
 * Iran: 2003
 * Iraq: 2018
 * Japan: 1986
 * Malaysia: 2000
 * Myanmar: 2016
 * Nepal: 2000
 * North Korea: 2016
 * Pakistan: 2001
 * Philippines: 2000
 * Singapore: 1998
 * South Korea: 1993
 * Sri Lanka: 1999
 * Taiwan: 2000
 * Thailand: 1996
 * Turkey: 2006
 * United Arab Emirates: 2003
 * Vietnam: 2001
 * Yemen: 2018

Oceania

 * Australia: 2002
 * New Zealand: 1996
 * Guam: 1 January 1996 (USA)
 * Samoa: 2001

Africa

 * Egypt: 1999
 * South Africa: 2006
 * Leaded petrol was supposed to be completely phased out continent-wide on 1 January 2006, following a ban initiated from the 2002 Earth Summit. However, in Algeria refineries needed to be altered; as a result, leaded fuel remained available in parts of Algeria, with phaseout scheduled for 2016. After the Algerian Government outlawed the sale of leaded petrol throughout all of Algeria, leaded petrol has now been effectively phased out.

In motor racing
Leaded fuel was commonly used in professional motor racing, until its phase out beginning in the 1990s. Since 1993, Formula One racing cars have been required to use fuel containing no more than 5 mg/L of lead.

NASCAR began experimentation in 1998 with an unleaded fuel, and in 2006 began switching the national series to unleaded fuel, completing the transition at the Fontana round in February 2007 when the premier class switched. This was influenced after blood tests of NASCAR teams revealed elevated blood lead levels.

Aviation gasoline
TEL remains an ingredient of 100 octane avgas for piston-engine aircraft. The current formulation of 100LL (low lead, blue) aviation gasoline contains 2.12 g/USgal of TEL, half the amount of the previous 100/130 (green) octane avgas (at 4.24 grams per gallon), and twice as much as the 1 gram per gallon permitted in regular automotive leaded gasoline prior to 1988 and substantially greater than the allowed 0.001 grams per gallon in automotive unleaded gasoline sold in the United States today. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, FAA, and others are working on economically feasible replacements for leaded avgas, which still releases 100 tons of lead every year.

Alternative antiknock agents
Antiknock agents are classed as high-percentage additives, such as alcohol, and low-percentage additives based on heavy elements. Since the main problem with TEL is its lead content, many alternative additives that contain less poisonous metals have been examined. A manganese-carrying additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT or methylcymantrene), was used for a time as an antiknock agent, though its safety is controversial and it has been the subject of bans and lawsuits. Ferrocene, an organometallic compound of iron, is also used as an antiknock agent although with some significant drawbacks.

High-percentage additives are organic compounds that do not contain metals, but require much higher blending ratios, such as 20–30% for benzene and ethanol. It had been established by 1921 that ethanol was an effective antiknock agent, but TEL was introduced instead mainly for commercial reasons. Oxygenates such as TAME derived from natural gas, MTBE made from methanol, and ethanol-derived ETBE, have largely supplanted TEL. MTBE has environmental risks of its own and there are also bans on its use.

Improvements to gasoline itself decrease the need for antiknock additives. Synthetic iso-octane and alkylate are examples of such blending stocks. Benzene and other high-octane aromatics can be also blended to raise the octane number, but they are disfavored today because of toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Toxicity
6 mL of tetraethyllead is enough to induce severe lead poisoning. The hazards of TEL content are heightened due to the compound's volatility and high lipophilicity, enabling it to easily cross the blood–brain barrier.

Early symptoms of acute exposure to tetraethyllead can manifest as irritation of the eyes and skin, sneezing, fever, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Later symptoms of acute TEL poisoning include pulmonary edema, anemia, ataxia, convulsions, severe weight loss, delirium, irritability, hallucinations, nightmares, fever, muscle and joint pain, swelling of the brain, coma, and damage to cardiovascular and renal organs. Chronic exposure to TEL can cause long-term negative effects such as memory loss, delayed reflexes, neurological problems, insomnia, tremors, psychosis, loss of attention, and an overall decrease in IQ and cognitive function.

The carcinogenity of tetraethyllead is debatable. It is believed to harm the male reproductive system and cause birth defects.

Concerns over the toxicity of lead eventually led to the ban on TEL in automobile gasoline in many countries. Some neurologists have speculated that the lead phaseout may have caused average IQ levels to rise by several points in the US (by reducing cumulative brain damage throughout the population, especially in the young). For the entire US population, during and after the TEL phaseout, the mean blood lead level dropped from 16 μg/dL in 1976 to only 3 μg/dL in 1991. The U.S. Centers of Disease control previously labelled children with 10 μg/dL or more as having a "blood lead level of concern". In 2021, the level was lowered in accordance with the average lead level in the U.S. decreasing to 3.5 μg/dL or more as having a "blood lead level of concern".

History
In 1853, German chemist Karl Jacob Löwig (1803–1890) first prepared what he claimed was Pb2(C2H5)3 from ethyl iodide and an alloy of lead and sodium. In 1859, English chemist George Bowdler Buckton (1818–1905) reported what he claimed was Pb(C2H5)2 from zinc ethyl (Zn(C2H5)2) and lead(II) chloride. Later authors credit both methods of preparation with producing tetraethyl lead.

In fuel
TEL remained unimportant commercially until the 1920s. In 1921, at the direction of DuPont Corporation, which manufactured TEL, it was found to be an effective antiknock agent by Thomas Midgley, working under Charles Kettering at General Motors Corporation Research. General Motors patented the use of TEL as an antiknock agent and used the name "Ethyl" that had been proposed by Kettering in its marketing materials, thereby avoiding the negative connotation of the word "lead". Early research into "engine knocking" (also called "pinging" or "pinking") was also led by A.H. Gibson and Harry Ricardo in England and Thomas Boyd in the United States. The discovery that lead additives modified this behavior led to the widespread adoption of their use in the 1920s, and therefore more powerful, higher-compression engines. In 1924, Standard Oil of New Jersey (ESSO/EXXON) and General Motors created the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation to produce and market TEL. Deepwater, New Jersey, across the river from Wilmington, was the site for production of some of DuPont's most important chemicals, particularly TEL. After TEL production at the Bayway Refinery was shut down, Deepwater was the only plant in the Western hemisphere producing TEL up to 1948, when it accounted for the bulk of the Dupont/Deepwater's production.

Initial controversy
The toxicity of concentrated TEL was recognized early on, as lead had been recognized since the 19th century as a dangerous substance that could cause lead poisoning. In 1924, a public controversy arose over the "loony gas", after five workers died, and many others were severely injured, in Standard Oil refineries in New Jersey. There had also been a private controversy for two years prior to this controversy; several public health experts, including Alice Hamilton and Yandell Henderson, engaged Midgley and Kettering with letters warning of the dangers to public health. After the death of the workers, dozens of newspapers reported on the issue. The New York Times editorialized in 1924 that the deaths should not interfere with the production of more powerful fuel.

To settle the issue, the U.S. Public Health Service conducted a conference in 1925, and the sales of TEL were voluntarily suspended for one year to conduct a hazard assessment. The conference was initially expected to last for several days, but reportedly the conference decided that evaluating presentations on alternative anti-knock agents was not "its province", so it lasted a single day. Kettering and Midgley stated that no alternatives for anti-knocking were available, although private memos showed discussion of such agents. One commonly discussed agent was ethanol. The Public Health Service created a committee that reviewed a government-sponsored study of workers and an Ethyl lab test, and concluded that while leaded gasoline should not be banned, it should continue to be investigated. The low concentrations present in gasoline and exhaust were not perceived as immediately dangerous. A U.S. Surgeon General committee issued a report in 1926 that concluded there was no real evidence that the sale of TEL was hazardous to human health but urged further study. In the years that followed, research was heavily funded by the lead industry; in 1943, Randolph Byers found children with lead poisoning had behavior problems, but the Lead Industries Association threatened him with a lawsuit and the research ended.

In the late 1920s, Robert A. Kehoe of the University of Cincinnati was the Ethyl Corporation's chief medical consultant and one of the lead industry's staunchest advocates, who would not be discredited until decades later by Dr. Clair Patterson's work on human lead burdens (see below) and other studies. In 1928, Dr. Kehoe expressed the opinion that there was no basis for concluding that leaded fuels posed any health threat. He convinced the Surgeon General that the dose–response relationship of lead had "no effect" below a certain threshold. As the head of Kettering Laboratories for many years, Kehoe would become a chief promoter of the safety of TEL, an influence that did not begin to wane until about the early 1960s. But by the 1970s, the general opinion of the safety of TEL would change, and by 1976 the U.S. government would begin to require the phaseout of this product.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Clair Cameron Patterson accidentally discovered the pollution caused by TEL in the environment while determining the age of the Earth. As he attempted to measure lead content of very old rocks, and the time it took uranium to decay into lead, the readings were made inaccurate by lead in the environment that contaminated his samples. He was then forced to work in a cleanroom to keep his samples uncontaminated by environmental pollution of lead. After coming up with a fairly accurate estimate of the age of the Earth, he turned to investigating the lead contamination problem by examining ice cores from countries such as Greenland. He realized that the lead contamination in the environment dated from about the time that TEL became widely used as a fuel additive in gasoline. Being aware of the health dangers posed by lead and suspicious of the pollution caused by TEL, he became one of the earliest and most effective proponents of removing it from use.

In the 1960s, the first clinical works were published proving the toxicity of this compound in humans, e.g. by Mirosław Jan Stasik.

Modern findings
In the 1970s, Herbert Needleman found that higher lead levels in children were correlated with decreased school performance. Needleman was repeatedly accused of scientific misconduct by individuals within the lead industry, but he was eventually cleared by a scientific advisory council. Needleman also wrote the average US child's blood lead level was 13.7 μg/dL in 1976 and that Patterson believed that everyone was to some degree poisoned by TEL in gasoline.

In the U.S. in 1973, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued regulations to reduce the lead content of leaded gasoline over a series of annual phases, which therefore came to be known as the "lead phasedown" program. EPA's rules were issued under section 211 of the Clean Air Act, as amended 1970. The Ethyl Corp challenged the EPA regulations in Federal court. Although the EPA's regulation was initially invalidated, the EPA won the case on appeal, so the TEL phasedown began to be implemented in 1976. Leaded gas was banned in vehicles with catalytic converters in 1975 due to damage of catalytic converters but it continued to be sold for vehicles without catalytic converters. Additional regulatory changes were made by EPA over the next decade (including adoption of a trading market in "lead credits" in 1982 that became the precursor of the Acid Rain Allowance Market, adopted in 1990 for SO2), but the decisive rule was issued in 1985. The EPA mandated that lead additive be reduced by 91 percent by the end of 1986. A 1994 study had indicated that the concentration of lead in the blood of the U.S. population had dropped 78% from 1976 to 1991. The U.S. phasedown regulations also were due in great part to studies conducted by Philip J. Landrigan.

In Europe, Professor Derek Bryce-Smith was among the first to highlight the potential dangers of TEL and became a leading campaigner for removal of lead additives from petrol.

From 1 January 1996, the U.S. Clean Air Act banned the sale of leaded fuel for use in on-road vehicles although that year the US EPA indicated that TEL could still be used in aircraft, racing cars, farm equipment, and marine engines. Thus, what had begun in the U.S. as a phasedown ultimately ended in a phase-out for on-road vehicle TEL. Similar bans in other countries have resulted in lowering levels of lead in people's bloodstreams.

Taking cue from the domestic programs, the U.S. Agency for International Development undertook an initiative to reduce tetraethyl lead use in other countries, notably its efforts in Egypt begun in 1995. In 1996, with the cooperation of the U.S. AID, Egypt took almost all of the lead out of its gasoline. The success in Egypt provided a model for AID efforts worldwide.

By 2000, the TEL industry had moved the major portion of their sales to developing countries whose governments they lobbied against phasing out leaded gasoline. Leaded gasoline was withdrawn entirely from the European Union market on 1 January 2000, although it had been banned earlier in most member states. Other countries also phased out TEL. India banned leaded petrol in March 2000.

By 2011, the United Nations announced that it had been successful in phasing out leaded gasoline worldwide. "Ridding the world of leaded petrol, with the United Nations leading the effort in developing countries, has resulted in $2.4 trillion in annual benefits, 1.2 million fewer premature deaths, higher overall intelligence and 58 million fewer crimes", the United Nations Environmental Programme said. The announcement was slightly premature, as a few countries still had leaded gasoline for sale as of 2017. On 30 August 2021 the United Nations Environment Programme announced that leaded gasoline had been eliminated. The final stocks of the product were used up in Algeria, which had continued to produce leaded gasoline until July 2021.

Effect on crime rates
Reduction in the average blood lead level is believed to have been a major cause for falling violent crime rates in the United States. A statistically significant correlation has been found between the usage rate of leaded gasoline and violent crime: the violent crime curve virtually tracks the lead exposure curve with a 22-year time lag. After the ban on TEL, blood lead levels in U.S. children dramatically decreased. Researchers including Amherst College economist Jessica Wolpaw Reyes, Department of Housing and Urban Development consultant Rick Nevin, and Howard Mielke of Tulane University say that declining exposure to lead is responsible for an up to 56% decline in crime from 1992 to 2002. Taking into consideration other factors that are believed to have increased crime rates over that period, Reyes found that the reduced exposure to lead led to an actual decline of 34% over that period.

Lingering issues over time
Although leaded gasoline has long since ended its history of regular use in U.S. transportation, it has left high concentrations of lead in the soil adjacent to roads that were heavily used prior to its phaseout. These contaminated materials present health dangers even when merely touched or when components of it get breathed in. Children, especially those in poverty inside of the U.S., are particularly at risk.

Media articles

 * The Man Who Warned the World About Lead (PBS / NOVA)
 * The Most Important Scientist You’ve Never Heard Of, BY Lucas Reilly, May 17, 2017, mentalfloss.com
 * The World Has Finally Stopped Using Leaded Gasoline. Algeria Used The Last Stockpile, August 30, 2021, Heard on All Things Considered, Camila Domonoske, NPR.

Official documents

 * U.S. Gov't, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Scientific papers and journal articles

 * Kovarik, Bill (1999). Charles F. Kettering and the 1921 Discovery of Tetraethyl Lead
 * True unleaded alternative for 100LL needed for general aviation
 * Jamie Lincoln Kitman: The Secret History of Lead. In: The Nation, 2 March 2000.

title: Tetraethyllead


text:
Hope, Maine

Hope is a town in Knox County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,698 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.88 sqmi, of which 21.96 sqmi is land and 1.92 sqmi is water. Principal bodies of water include: Part of Megunticook Lake, Alford Lake (595), Hobbs Pond (266 acres), Lermond Pond (173 acres), Fish Pond (112 acres), Mansfield Pond (41 acres) and Lily Pond (29 acres).

The town is crossed by Maine State Routes 17, 105 and 235. It is bordered by Searsmont on the north, Lincolnville on the east, Camden and Rockport on the southeast, Union on the west and Appleton on the northwest.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,536 people, 603 households, and 444 families residing in the town. The population density was 69.9 PD/sqmi. There were 805 housing units at an average density of 36.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 603 households, of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.4% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the town was 43.2 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 34% were from 45 to 64; and 12.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,310 people, 513 households, and 380 families residing in the town. The population density was 60.0 PD/sqmi. There were 687 housing units at an average density of 31.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.63% White, 0.15% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.84% of the population.

There were 513 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,273, and the median income for a family was $45,781. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $26,850 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,385. About 4.7% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
For grades Kindergarten to 8, Hope is part of School Union 69. Danielle Fagonde is the principal and Kate Clark is the superintendent. Hope Elementary School was one of two schools in the state of Maine to receive the title of National Blue Ribbon School in 2012.

For grades 9 to grades 12, Hope is part of the Five Town Community School District, which operates Camden Hills Regional High School. Maria Libby is the Superintendent.

title: Hope, Maine