- Holland, Massachusetts
Infobox Settlement
official_name = Holland, Massachusetts
nickname =
motto =
imagesize =
image_caption =
image_
mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location in Hampden County in Massachusetts
mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name =United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 =Massachusetts
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Hampden
established_title = Settled
established_date = 1725
established_title2 = Incorporated
established_date2 = 1835
established_title3 =
established_date3 =
government_type =Open town meeting
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 33.9
area_total_sq_mi = 13.1
area_land_km2 = 32.1
area_land_sq_mi = 12.4
area_water_km2 = 1.8
area_water_sq_mi = 0.7
population_as_of = 2000
settlement_type = Town
population_total = 2407
population_density_km2 = 75.0
population_density_sq_mi = 194.2
elevation_m = 226
elevation_ft = 743
timezone = Eastern
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = Eastern
utc_offset_DST = -4
latd = 42 |latm = 03 |lats = 50 |latNS = N
longd = 72 |longm = 09 |longs = 28 |longEW = W
website =
postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 01521
area_code = 413
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 25-30665
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0618185
footnotes =Holland is a town in Hampden County,
Massachusetts ,United States . The population was 2,407 at the 2000 census. It is part of theSpringfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.Part of the town comprises the
census-designated place of Holland.History
Richard Neal , a Massachusetts congressman offered the following history of Holland to the House on Thursday,July 16 1998 ."Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the town of Holland, Massachusetts on the dedication of its new Town Hall and the celebration of its 215th
anniversary ."In 1730, the Town of Holland was settled by Joseph Blodgett, whose descendants still live in the town today. The Town was named after Lord Holland, an English statesman who lobbied for independence for the
American colonies . The town was incorporated onJuly 5 ,1783 , and is rich with history."Holland is located in the southeast corner of Hampden County in
Western Massachusetts . The town is four square miles in area. It contains the Quinnebaug River and the Hamilton Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in southernNew England . It is nestled amongst two hill ranges, where elevations reach up to 1,100 feet."Throughout the years, Holland has remained an example of the charm and beauty of the traditional New England village. At different times, it has sustained industries such as
farming , the manufacturing ofcloth , andbrick making. To this day, Holland is known most for its recreational opportunities. There are extensive recreational facilities at the Hamilton Reservoir, which is stocked withtrout each year by the state of Massachusetts. There is also a park and a swimming area at the very picturesque Lake Siog. This small town remains as alive and healthy today as it was 215 years ago."Unfortunately, the 200-year old town hall was destroyed in a horrendous fire in December 1995. The new Town Hall, which was dedicated on
July 11 ,1998 , stands as a testament to the courage and character of the 2,300 residents of this wonderful town. I want to acknowledge this town and its residents as they celebrate their new Town Hall as well as their 215th anniversary."Taken from: [http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=1998_record&page=E1329&position=all Congressional Record - "Extentions of Remarks" (PDFile)]
Geography
According to the
United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 13.1square mile s (33.9km² ), of which, 12.4 square miles (32.1 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (5.34%) is water. Holland is bounded on the east by Sturbridge; on the south by Union,Connecticut ; on the west by Wales; and on the north by Brimfield. Holland is equidistant between Springfield and Worcester, a distance of approximately 30 miles. Holland is also within commuting distance (approximately 35 miles) fromHartford, Connecticut , as it is located along the Interstate 84 corridor on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border.Demographics
As of the
census GR|2 of 2000, there were 2,407 people, 898 households, and 668 families residing in the town. Thepopulation density was 194.2 people per square mile (75.0/km²). There were 1,317 housing units at an average density of 106.3/sq mi (41.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.97% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.41% of the population.There were 898 households out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the town the population was spread out with 27.9% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $52,073, and the median income for a family was $57,024. Males had a median income of $40,636 versus $29,010 for females. The
per capita income for the town was $21,770. About 6.5% of families and 7.3% of the population were below thepoverty line , including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.Education
Holland Elementary School, serving grades preschool-6, has its own
school committee , part of School Union 61. The town is considering merging its elementary school with Wales'. Holland students attend Tantasqua Regional Junior High School (grades 7-8) andTantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge. Union 61 and the Tantasqua district share administrators, including the superintendent, and both include Brimfield, Brookfield, Holland, Sturbridge and Wales.References
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