Goshen (IPA: [ˈgoʊ.ʃən]) is a city of about 30,000 people located about 100 miles east of Chicago and 30 miles east of South Bend in north-central Indiana. Goshen is the county seat of Elkhart County. The city's preferred nickname is the Maple City.
City of Goshen, Indiana | |
|---|---|
 Location in the state of Indiana | |
| County | Elkhart |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Allan Kauffman |
| Population (2000) | |
• Total | 29,383 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Website | www.ci.goshen.in.us |
It is primarily known as a center of manufacturing for recreational vehicles and accessories. It is also home to Goshen College (the Maple Leafs); a nationally recognized liberal arts college.
Geography
- Goshen is located at 41°34′55″N 85°50′12″W / 41.58194°N 85.83667°W.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.7 km² (13.4 mi²). 34.2 km² (13.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (1.57%) is water.
- The Elkhart River winds its way through the city.
- The city is divided north/south by Lincoln Avenue and east/west by Main Street.
Demographics
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- As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 29,383 people, 10,675 households, and 7,088 families residing in the city. The population density was 860.1/km² (2,227.7/mi²). There were 11,264 housing units at an average density of 329.7/km² (854.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.15% White, 1.53% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 12.00% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. 19.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
- There were 10,675 households out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14.
- In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
- The median income for a household in the city was $39,383, and the median income for a family was $46,877. Males had a median income of $32,159 versus $23,290 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,899. About 6.0% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
- There is a distinct economic/social divide between the north and south sides of the city, the north side being regarded as the area north of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. Many of the city's poor and disadvantaged live within in this part of the city.
- South of Lincoln Avenue is considered the "old money" area of the city and many old houses and a brick street have been preserved.
Facts
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- In 2005, Goshen based soccer club FC Indiana became the first North American women's team ever to win league and cup double by winning the Women's Premier Soccer League national championship and the US Open Cup national championship.
- Goshen is the subject of a documentary on immigration, Fuerza. It was made by students at Goshen College who are part of Soluz Films.
- Goshen is known for the invention of the sirk; which is a covering for shoes with a cloth inside and rubber outside. One simply puts their shoe inside and zips from toe-to-top to prevent shoes from getting wet. This can also be worn to cover a small portion of the bottom of the pants.
- In April 2006, Goshen was the site for an immigration march. Officials estimate that about 2000 to 3000 people marched from Linway Plaza to the Courthouse. That is a considerable number of people given that Goshen's total population is just under 30,000. [1]
Recreation
- Goshen has four parks and has a few different greenways and trails winding through the city.
- One of those trails runs along the old Mill Race and hydraulic canal. It was once used to power and old hydroelectric power plant. Plans drawn up in 2005 call for the plant to be reopened and redevelopment to begin along the canal.
- The Elkhart County Fairgrounds are also located in the city. In late July, the Elkhart County Fair is held. It is the largest county fair in Indiana and one of the largest county fairs in the United States.
- Pringle Park (aka Lincoln Park) is known to be the favorite spot to play soccer by Goshen's latinos, also extends into the Goshen Little League Park right behind Model Elementary.
Famous Residents
- Film director Howard Hawks (1896-1977) was born in Goshen, Indiana. The director of dozens of films, his 1941 film "Sergeant York" won him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Other notable films directed by Hawks include "Scarface" (1932); "Bringing Up Baby" (1938); "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939); "His Girl Friday" (1940); "To Have and To Have Not" (1944); "The Big Sleep" (1946); "Red River" (1948); "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953); and "Rio Bravo" (1959).
- Former Notre Dame and NFL quarterback Rick Mirer is a native of Goshen. He was the quarterback of the Goshen High School Redskins and his number, 12, is now retired there. During his years quarterbacking at Notre Dame, he was often referred to as "The Rifleman" and "The Goldenboy". During his time at ND and in the NFL, Mirer had many nicknames. Among these were "The Goshen Motion." His father, Ken, led the Goshen High School football team to a class AA state title in 1978.
- Noted children's author Olive Forgatsch resides in Goshen. Her highly-regarded books include "A World Of Wonder" "A Bear Does What In The Woods?" and "Giggles, Farts, and Other Silly Noises."
- Goshen native Andrew Stoner of Indianapolis is the author of the biography on the life of Indiana Governor Frank L. O'Bannon. Stoner served as a member of O'Bannon's staff and his book, "Legacy Of A Governor: The Life of Indiana's Frank O'Bannon" is published by Rooftop Publishingof Bloomington, Ind.
- Screenwriter James C. Strouse is a native of Goshen, Indiana. In 2005, his first film "Lonesome Jim" was filmed in Goshen, Indiana by actor Steve Buscemi. He is currently producing his second film, "Grace Is Gone," scheduled for release in 2007.
- Mennonite inspirational author, Helen Good Brenneman (1925-1994), was a long time Goshen resident who wrote the popular Mennonite books "Meditations for the New Mother" and "Meditations for the Expectant Mother" as well as other books and novels published by Harold Press.
Infamy
- On April 11, 1965, a super outbreak of tornadoes struck the Midwest. Although the most famous pair of tornadoes devastated Dunlap, Indiana, another F4 tornado occurred on Goshen's Northwest side, killing 5 people.
- In 1999, officer Thomas Goodwin became Goshen's first, and to date, only police officer killed in the line of duty, at a shooting in the northwest part of town. A large playground in municipal Shanklin Park was built and dedicated in his memory.
- On December 6, 2001, Goshen was featured on national and international news networks due to a shooting at the Nu-Wood factory. While initial reports said that 35 people had been shot, the actual facts were that the gunman, Robert Wissman killed one co-worker (plant general manager Greg Oswald), wounded 6 others, and took his own life.
External links
- City of Goshen - informational page from Goshen College
- Goshen city government website
- FC Indiana
- Goshen Chamber of Commerce
- Goshen on citydata.com - collection of statistics and graphs of Goshen demographics.
- Rooftop Publishing
- Goshen Southside Wal-Mart
References
- ^ Levitz, Bridget. "Plaza site for march, Rally to support immigrants may draw thousands", Elkhart Truth, Wednesday, April 19, 2006, p A8, accessed at http://www.etruth.com/news/NewsStory.aspx?id=371133 on 3/14/2007