Waterville, Maine | |
|---|---|
 City Hall and Opera House in 1905 | |
 Seal | |
| Nickname: Elm City | |
 Location inKennebec County and the state ofMaine. | |
  Waterville, Maine Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates:44°33′7″N69°38′45″W / 44.55194°N 69.64583°W /44.55194; -69.64583 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Kennebec |
| Incorporated (town) | June 23, 1802 |
| Incorporated | January 12, 1888 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor and council-manager |
| • Body | Waterville City Council |
| • Mayor | Michael Morris |
| • City Manager (acting) | Cornell Knight |
| Area | |
• Total | 14.01 sq mi (36.28 km2) |
| • Land | 13.53 sq mi (35.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0.47 sq mi (1.23 km2) |
| Elevation | 108 ft (33 m) |
| Highest elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Lowest elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 17,657 |
| • Density | 1,170/sq mi (451.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Postal code | 04901 |
| Area code | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-80740 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0577893 |
| Website | www |
Waterville is a city inKennebec County, Maine, United States, on the west bank of theKennebec River. A college town, the city is home toColby College, aNESCAC college, andThomas College.
As of the2020 census the population was 15,828.[2] Along withAugusta, Waterville is one of the principal cities of theAugusta-Waterville, ME Micropolitan Statistical Area.
The area now known as Waterville was once inhabited by theCanibas tribe of theAbenaki people. Called "Taconnet" after Chief Taconnet, the main village was located on the east bank of the Kennebec River at its confluence with theSebasticook River at what is nowWinslow. Known as "Ticonic" byEnglish settlers, it was burned in 1692 duringKing William's War, after which the Canibas tribe abandoned the area.Fort Halifax was built by GeneralJohn Winslow in 1754, and the last skirmish with indigenous peoples occurred on May 18, 1757.[3]
The township would be organized as Kingfield Plantation, then incorporated asWinslow in 1771. When residents on the west side of the Kennebec found themselves unable to cross the river to attendtown 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 includedfishing,lumbering,agriculture andship building, with larger boats launched in spring duringfreshets. By the early 1900s, there were five shipyards in the community.[4]
Ticonic Falls blocked navigation farther upriver, so Waterville developed as the terminus for trade and shipping. The Kennebec River and Messalonskee Stream providedwater power for mills, including severalsawmills, agristmill, asash andblind factory, a furniture factory, and a shovel handle factory. There was also a carriage and sleigh factory, boot shop,brickyard, andtannery. On September 27, 1849, theAndroscoggin and Kennebec Railroad opened to Waterville. It would become part of theMaine Central Railroad, which in 1870 establishedlocomotive and car repair shops in the thrivingmill town. West Waterville (renamedOakland) was set off as a town in 1873. Waterville was incorporated as a city on January 12, 1888.[5]
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, acotton 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 ironWaterville-Winslow Footbridge opened in 1901, as a means for Waterville residents to commute to Winslow for work in theHollingsworth & 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 itstoll.[6] In 1902, theBeaux-Arts style City Hall and Opera House designed by George Gilman Adams was dedicated. In 2002, theC.F. Hathaway Company, one of the last remaining factories in the United States producing high-enddress shirts, was purchased by Warren Buffett'sBerkshire Hathaway company and was closed after over 160 years of operation in the city.[6]
Waterville also developed as an educational center. In 1813, theMaine Literary and Theological Institution was established. It would be renamed Waterville College in 1821, thenColby 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 inVassalboro 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.[3]
Waterville is in northern Kennebec County, in central Maine, at44°33′07″N69°38′45″W / 44.552051°N 69.645839°W /44.552051; -69.645839.[7] Its northern boundary is theSomerset County line.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 14.05 square miles (36.39 km2), of which 13.58 square miles (35.17 km2) is land and 0.47 square miles (1.22 km2), or 3.36%, is water.[8] Situated beside theKennebec River, Waterville is drained by the Messalonskee Stream.
Waterville is served byInterstate 95,U.S. Route 201, and Maine State Routes137 and104. It is bordered byFairfield on the north in Somerset County,Winslow on the east,Sidney on the south andOakland on the west.
Thisclimatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to theKöppen Climate Classification system, Waterville has ahumid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[9]
| Climate data for Waterville, Maine, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1896–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 61 (16) | 63 (17) | 84 (29) | 92 (33) | 98 (37) | 98 (37) | 101 (38) | 101 (38) | 96 (36) | 90 (32) | 75 (24) | 67 (19) | 101 (38) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 49.8 (9.9) | 49.7 (9.8) | 58.4 (14.7) | 74.0 (23.3) | 85.1 (29.5) | 89.7 (32.1) | 91.1 (32.8) | 90.2 (32.3) | 86.4 (30.2) | 75.1 (23.9) | 64.4 (18.0) | 53.2 (11.8) | 93.1 (33.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 28.5 (−1.9) | 31.8 (−0.1) | 40.3 (4.6) | 53.5 (11.9) | 65.8 (18.8) | 74.7 (23.7) | 80.1 (26.7) | 79.5 (26.4) | 71.7 (22.1) | 58.7 (14.8) | 46.1 (7.8) | 34.5 (1.4) | 55.4 (13.0) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 18.7 (−7.4) | 20.9 (−6.2) | 30.4 (−0.9) | 42.9 (6.1) | 54.5 (12.5) | 63.9 (17.7) | 69.6 (20.9) | 68.5 (20.3) | 60.6 (15.9) | 48.5 (9.2) | 37.4 (3.0) | 25.9 (−3.4) | 45.2 (7.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 8.8 (−12.9) | 9.9 (−12.3) | 20.5 (−6.4) | 32.2 (0.1) | 43.2 (6.2) | 53.1 (11.7) | 59.1 (15.1) | 57.4 (14.1) | 49.5 (9.7) | 38.4 (3.6) | 28.7 (−1.8) | 17.2 (−8.2) | 34.8 (1.6) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −11.7 (−24.3) | −8.8 (−22.7) | −0.9 (−18.3) | 20.4 (−6.4) | 31.1 (−0.5) | 41.6 (5.3) | 49.6 (9.8) | 46.8 (8.2) | 35.6 (2.0) | 25.3 (−3.7) | 13.7 (−10.2) | −2.1 (−18.9) | −14.9 (−26.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −36 (−38) | −35 (−37) | −20 (−29) | −1 (−18) | 21 (−6) | 26 (−3) | 37 (3) | 31 (−1) | 23 (−5) | 10 (−12) | −6 (−21) | −39 (−39) | −39 (−39) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 3.12 (79) | 2.61 (66) | 3.27 (83) | 3.73 (95) | 3.33 (85) | 4.03 (102) | 3.37 (86) | 3.39 (86) | 3.82 (97) | 4.90 (124) | 3.87 (98) | 3.92 (100) | 43.36 (1,101) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 17.1 (43) | 17.0 (43) | 12.2 (31) | 2.3 (5.8) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 2.2 (5.6) | 15.3 (39) | 66.2 (167.65) |
| Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 13.9 (35) | 15.4 (39) | 13.5 (34) | 3.1 (7.9) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 1.5 (3.8) | 8.9 (23) | 19.3 (49) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 10.7 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 11.3 | 12.5 | 12.9 | 12.3 | 10.5 | 10.2 | 12.0 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 134.7 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 7.4 | 6.5 | 4.4 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 6.0 | 27.0 |
| Source 1: NOAA[10] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Weather Service (snow/snow days)[11] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 1,314 | — | |
| 1820 | 1,719 | 30.8% | |
| 1830 | 2,216 | 28.9% | |
| 1840 | 2,971 | 34.1% | |
| 1850 | 3,964 | 33.4% | |
| 1860 | 4,390 | 10.7% | |
| 1870 | 4,852 | 10.5% | |
| 1880 | 4,672 | −3.7% | |
| 1890 | 7,107 | 52.1% | |
| 1900 | 9,477 | 33.3% | |
| 1910 | 11,458 | 20.9% | |
| 1920 | 13,351 | 16.5% | |
| 1930 | 15,454 | 15.8% | |
| 1940 | 16,688 | 8.0% | |
| 1950 | 18,287 | 9.6% | |
| 1960 | 18,695 | 2.2% | |
| 1970 | 18,192 | −2.7% | |
| 1980 | 17,779 | −2.3% | |
| 1990 | 17,173 | −3.4% | |
| 2000 | 15,605 | −9.1% | |
| 2010 | 15,722 | 0.7% | |
| 2020 | 15,828 | 0.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] | |||
As of thecensus[13] of 2010, there were 15,722 people, 6,370 households, and 3,274 families living in the city. Thepopulation density was 1,157.7 inhabitants per square mile (447.0/km2). There were 7,065 housing units at an average density of 520.3 per square mile (200.9/km2). 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% fromother races, and 2.4% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino 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% weremarried 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.
As of thecensus[14] 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 inhabitants per square mile (443.5/km2). There were 6,819 housing units at an average density of 501.9 per square mile (193.8/km2). 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% fromother races, and 1.36% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino 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 6,218households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% weremarried 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. Theper capita income for the city was $16,430. 19.2% of the population and 15.1% of families were below the federalpoverty level. Statewide, 10.9% of the population was below the poverty level.[15] 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.
Waterville's economy has undergone significant transformation since the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The city's median household income was $47,489 in 2023, with 17% of families living below the poverty line.[16] The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of recent estimates, though the city faces economic challenges with 24.3% of residents living in poverty classified as unemployed.[17]
Waterville's largest employers include MaineGeneral Medical Center,Colby College, HealthReach Community Health Centers, Northern Light Inland Hospital,Hannaford Supermarket,Shaw's Supermarket,Walmart, Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program,Thomas College, the City of Waterville, The Woodlands Residential Care, andCentral Maine Newspapers.[18] The presence of two colleges contributes significantly to the local economy, with Colby College alone investing over $70 million in downtown development since 2015.[19]
Like many American cities, Waterville has experienced suburban sprawl and downtown decline in recent decades. New commercial development has concentrated in the northern part of the city, including aWalmart,Home Depot, and strip mall shopping center on Kennedy Memorial Drive. This growth has contributed to the renovation of the existing Elm Plaza shopping center, which has filled previous vacancies.[20]
The downtown area has faced challenges from chain store growth and retail shifts. Historic downtown businesses including Levine's, Butlers, Sterns, Dunhams, Alvina and Delias, and LaVerdieres have closed in recent decades. The Concourse shopping center, which formerly housedAmes andZayre department stores as well asBrooks Pharmacy, has struggled to find tenants. ACVS pharmacy relocated from its Main Street location to a new building on Kennedy Memorial Drive.[21]
A comprehensive downtown revitalization effort has transformed Waterville's city center since 2015. The initiative represents a partnership betweenColby College, the City of Waterville, and theMaine Department of Transportation, with more than $200 million in combined investment from the college, private investors, and small businesses.[22] The project included an $11.2 million infrastructure improvement that converted one-way streets back to two-way traffic, enhanced walkways, lighting, and landscaping, and created new public spaces.[23]
Key developments include the $26 million Lockwood Hotel, which opened in August 2022 as downtown's first new hotel in over a century. The 53-room hotel, developed by Colby College and managed by Charlestowne Hotels, features the Front & Main restaurant.[24] The $18 million Paul J. Schupf Art Center opened in December 2022 as a 32,000-square-foot facility housing visual and performing arts programs, serving as headquarters for Waterville Creates and operated in partnership with Colby College.[25]
Waterville Main Street, designated as a Main Street Maine community in 2001 and accredited annually by the National Main Street Center, coordinates ongoing revitalization efforts through economic development, design improvement, promotion, and organizational initiatives.[26]
The historic Hathaway Mill complex has undergone extensive redevelopment for mixed-use purposes. Developer Paul Boghossian initially converted portions of the formerC.F. Hathaway Company textile facility to retail, office, and residential use, with MaineGeneral Health becoming the first tenant in 2007.[27][28]
North River Co. acquired the Hathaway Creative Center in 2017 for $20.1 million and subsequently purchased additional mill buildings in 2019 for $1.5 million. The company is developing a $40 million project to convert the former Lockwood Mill at 6 Water Street into 65 affordable housing units, funded through low-income housing tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits, and $1 million inAmerican Rescue Plan Act financing. The project is expected to have significant economic impact through increased housing stock, population growth, and downtown foot traffic.[29]
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Waterville has amayor andcouncil-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 acity charter in the 1970s.[30] 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 toline-item veto budget items passed by the council.[31] In 2005, the charter was substantially revised, changing the city government to a "weak mayor"council-manager system.[31][32] Under the present system, thecity manager is the chief executive.[31] The charter revision was approved by city voters by a 4–1 margin.[31] The city is currently divided into seven geographicwards, each of which elects one member of the Waterville City Council and one member of the Waterville School Board.[30]
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).[33]
In 2018, Isgro faced arecall election after he made aTwitter post insulting a gun control activist present during theStoneman Douglas High School shooting inParkland, Florida. The recall effort was backed by former MayorKaren Heck, a Democrat who had previously endorsed Isgro. Isgro later made his Twitter feed private and said that he had deleted the post.[34][35] 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.[36][37] After an acrimonious recall campaign,[38][39] Waterville voters defeated the recall attempt, with 1,563 "no" votes (51%) to 1,472 "yes" votes (49%).[40]
Waterville is considered aDemocratic stronghold inMaine's 1st congressional district.[41][42]Barack Obama received 70% of Waterville's votes in the2008 presidential election.[43]
Voter registration
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 2014[44] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Total Voters | Percentage | |||
| Democratic | 4,562 | 41.25% | |||
| Unenrolled | 4,200 | 37.98% | |||
| Republican | 1,940 | 17.54% | |||
| Green Independent | 356 | 3.21% | |||
| Total | 11,058 | 100% | |||
Waterville Public Schools provides the city primary and secondary education. It was a part ofKennebec Valley Consolidated Schools (AOS92) from 2009 to 2018.[47]
Kennebec Valley Community College inFairfield is the local publiccommunity 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 toU.S. News.[48]
Waterville is home to one daily newspaper, theMorning Sentinel, and a weekly college newspaper,The Colby Echo.[49] The city is also home toFox affiliateWPFO andDaystar rebroadcasterWFYW-LP, both serving thePortland market, and to several radio stations, including Colby'sWMHB,countryWEBB, andMPBN on 91.3 FM.
The 2001 satirical comedy movieWet 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,[50] 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 byA. D. Miles, asks, "Hey, guys, how was Waterville?" after the group returns to camp from the city.[51]
Kotlas,Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
• Abbot Vaughn Meader (Mar 20, 1936 - Oct 29, 2004)
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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