Chardon, Ohio

The Geauga County courthouse on Chardon Square, as viewed from the Ferris Wheel during the Maple Festival.

Chardon is a city in Geauga County, Ohio, United States. The population was 5,156 at the 2000 census. The square area caught fire and burned down one time in the late 1800s in the devastating Chardon fire. It is the county seat of Geauga CountyTemplate:GR.

Joseph Smith, Jr. was convicted of operating an illegal bank in a trial that began on March 24, 1837 in Chardon.

Culture

Chardon is named after Peter Chardon Brooks, who donated land to build the historic Chardon Square. It is known for its annual Maple Festival which celebrates the maple syrup industry in the area, usually after Easter. Chardon has an active performance art community including work done by the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, housed in the renovated Geauga theater building, which used to house an old movie theater. In 1994, the high school's football team "The Hilltoppers" won the State Division 2 high school football championship. The middle school prizes itself on its blue-ribbon award and a currently award-winning Science Olympiad team, placing 2nd in 2006 behind Solon in the States competition and 5th in Nationals that year.

Chardon features a large number of golf courses in the area and an abundance of park space. Due largely to the area's wide variety of weather conditions, citizens in the area can enjoy a wide variety of hobbies throughout the year.

Geography and climate

Geography

Location of Chardon, Ohio

Chardon is located at 41°34′45″N 81°12′16″W (41.579182, -81.204440)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 11.9 km² (4.6 mi²). 11.9 km² (4.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.22% is water.

Climate

With an with an average annual snowfall of 106 inches (269 cm), Chardon is notable for its location in the "heart of the snowbelt" of northeast Ohio. Local media commonly appear on Chardon's square for live shots to discuss the amount of snow. In 1996, an early winter storm dropped 47 inches of lake-effect snow in the city over a period of six days. Governor George Voinovich declared a state of emergency as a result, and the Ohio National Guard was brought in to assist with the cleanup.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 5,156 people, 2,147 households, and 1,344 families residing in the village. The population density was 432.8/km² (1,120.1/mi²). There were 2,271 housing units at an average density of 190.6/km² (493.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.77% White, 0.43% African American, 0.02% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.47% of the population.

There were 2,147 households out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,074, and the median income for a family was $57,845. Males had a median income of $44,071 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,845. About 1.3% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Famous residents

• Matt Hutter, NASCAR driver

Joe Jurevicius, WR Cleveland Browns

"Wish Bone" (aka Charles Scruggs), rapper

Jeff Kooyman, Golf dud

Chardon fire

In 1868, a massive fire totally destroyed what is now known as Chardon Square. The fire originated in the Parlin and Parkin's grocery store, and spread rapidly. By the time the fire was contained, the courthouse, post office, and many stores on the square were destroyed. Damage was estimated at around $100,000. Chardon Square was quickly rebuilt following the fire. A new courthouse, which still stands today, was completed in 1869. Many other buildings that were constructed after the fire also still exist today.

External links

• City homepage Official Site
• Chardon Local Schools
• Chardon Fire Department