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:''For uses of the name "tonawanda," see Tonawanda, New York''.

'North Tonawanda' is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 33,262 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the creek that once flowed past it. Tonawanda in native American tongue means "Swift Running Water". Tonawanda creek, which flows into the Niagara River, once had large stretches of rapids (see Rapids, New York) until it was tamed with the construction of the Erie Canal. The city also calls itself "The Lumber City," due to its past primary industry.
The 'City of North Tonawanda' was incorporated in 1897. It is on the north side of the Erie Canal, adjacent to the Erie County, New York communities of the City of Tonawanda, the Town of Tonawanda, and the Town of Amherst. North Tonawanda is the birthplace of the Herschell-Spillman Company, one of the leading manufacturers of carousels in America and is the home of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. It is also the place that Randolph Wurlitzer first developed and manufactured the Wurlitzer Organ and later the Wurlitzer Jukebox. The Wurlizter building that is on Niagara Falls Blvd. is no longer manufacturing organs but is now home to many smaller businesses.

Contents

Geography

Demographics

Famous Residents

External links

Geography

North Tonawanda is located at (43.041006, -78.868920).
The Erie Canal defines the southern and the majority of the eastern borders of the city, with the rest of the eastern border made up of Sweeney Street and Old Falls Boulevard. Niagara Falls Boulevard (US Route 62) defines the northeastern border of the city. The majority of the northern border of the city is a line that runs east-west just above Forbes Terrace, mostly paralleling Ruie Road, with the rest of the northern border being a short northwesterly line that runs from Ward Road to Witmer Road. The western edge of the city is defined by the Niagara River and a line that runs just east of and parallel to Witmer Road. Also, at the southwest corner of the city is Tonawanda Island, which is separated from the mainland by the Little River (Part of the East Branch of the Niagara River) and is part of the city.
The edge of North Tonawanda is sometimes hard to find, because the south part of Wheatfield, New York uses the 14120 zip code. (14120 is North Tonawanda's zip code.)

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 33,262 people, 13,671 households, and 8,981 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,271.5/km² (3,293.2/mi²). There were 14,425 housing units at an average density of 551.4/km² (1,428.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.86% White, 0.29% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.
The city boasts a large Polish-American community along with German-American, Italian-American and Austro-Hungarian communities. It was historically known as a sundown town
There were 13,671 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,154, and the median income for a family was $50,219. Males had a median income of $36,551 versus $25,129 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,264. 7.2% of the population and 5.4% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.1% are under the age of 18 and 6.1% are 65 or older.

Famous Residents

★ Jim Hurtubise, NASCAR and USAC driver

★ Robert Mangold, minimalist painter

★ Stan Rojek, major league baseball player

★ Rep Henry P Smith III, US Representative
Henry Willms A.K.A. "Hank the Mailman", Cultural Icon

External links

★ City of North Tonawanda webpage

★ North Tonawanda City Court