East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
East Bridgewater is a town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 12,974.
History
East Bridgewater was first settled in 1630 as an outgrowth of the Plymouth and Duxbury plantation. It was officially incorporated on June 14th, 1823. The town was located on the northern portion of the Taunton River system, and had an economy based on agriculture, though later there was more industrial development. There was more residential development in the late 19th and early 20th century along the trolly lines in the community.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 45.3 km² (17.5 mi²). 44.7 km² (17.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.49% water. East Bridgewater is uninteresting geographically, but it does feature New England's famous ever changing weather. Some climatic variation can be seen across the town, with some neighborhoods being warmer and drier. In the winter of 2004-2005, East Bridgewater experienced very heavy snows like the rest of the area.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 12,974 people, 4,344 households, and 3,392 families residing in the town. The population density is 290.6/km² (752.6/mi²). There are 4,427 housing units at an average density of 99.1/km² (256.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 96.91% White, 0.99% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 0.75% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,344 households out of which 39.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% are married couples living together, 9.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% are non-families. 17.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.95 and the average family size is 3.35.
In the town the population is spread out with 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $60,311, and the median income for a family is $67,307. Males have a median income of $47,370 versus $30,602 for females. The per capita income for the town is $23,532. 4.1% of the population and 2.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.0% of those under the age of 18 and 6.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. An average house in East Bridgewater has 6.2 rooms and is 36 years old with a value of $172,200. 82% of the population owns its residence, 18% rents. 1% of housing space is vacant.
Elmwood is a neighborhood in East Bridgewater with its own post office and zip code, but which shares schools with and also is geogaphically a part of East Bridgewater.
Law and Government
East Bridgewater is run by selectmen and town meetings held bi-monthly in either the High-School or Middle School Auditoriums. The politics of the town will soon be changing however, and a new totalitarian government will replace the former democratic one, and town meetings are soon to become a thing of the past. The new government will consist of a supreme dictator of the town, and his appointed cabinet. The cabinet will consist of a defense minister, a trade minister, and a secretary of tithes. These changes will undoubtably provoke a reaction from the U.S government, and will most likely result in occupation by militarty personel. That is why the citizens will first be drafted and trained to defend the new government while the legality issues are sorted out.
People
East Bridgewater is the Birthplace of Actor Tom Everett Scott.
Education
Central (Elementary) School serves 799 preschoolers, kindergarteners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. Gordon W. Mitchell Middle School serves 989 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. East Bridgewater High School serves 680 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The school district serves a total of 2,468 students. The district receives about $15.8 in funding, and spends $1.75 annually. The district receives $200 per student per year. Students seeking vocational high school education, can attend Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Arts and Entertainment
There is a 6 screen movie theater. High school drama productions are available occasionally. The band Dale in the Duds has a concert on the town common every year. Along with many other activities that happen on the common.The East Bridgewater Music Program is exceptionally good, winning many awards each year.
Economy
Generally speaking, with the exception of teenagers, East Bridgewater is a bedroom community. MBTA Commuter Rail stations just outside town borders in Hanson and Bridgewater are popular with residents. The general economy of the town is in a downward spiral. Due to the refusal of residents to allow industry to move in, the town lacks revenue from commercial and industrial tax. This has resulted in the under-funding of it's schools and athletic programs. The High-School is currently in danger of being put on probation, the first step in discrediting a school.
Health and Medicine
Several dentists and physicians practice in town. Brockton Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and South Shore Hospital, in nearby Brockton and Weymouth, serve town residents. In past months the town has become home to mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encefelitis (EEE). The threat of EEE forced the school to end all spot practices at 5:00 pm every day. The town's marching band suffered additionally as they were no longer allowed to practice out-of-doors. This prohibited them from marching. Remarkably the band still managed to receive top marks in shows and win their division.
Media
The East Bridgewater Star and The Town Observer are the local newspapers. There is also a local community cable channel.
Transportation
The main arteries through town are Washington Street, Central Street, Bedford Street, and Plymouth Street. MBTA lines as mentioned above skirt both borders. Bicycling can be accomplished through the numerous, though poorly maintained sidewalks however it is strongly advised against. Walking should not be attempted as many pedestrians have met their doom attempting to traverse the town. Also as a note, small children should be discouraged from even entering the town due to the inherent danger of infant theft by the roving gangs of elderly females.
