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Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

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- land
  
1.6 sq mi (4 km)

- summer (DST)
  
EDT (UTC-4)

Population
  
5,100 (2013)

- water
  
0.0 sq mi (0 km), 0%

Local time
  
Monday 10:56 AM

Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

Weather
  
3°C, Wind S at 10 km/h, 27% Humidity

Colleges and Universities
  
Clarks Summit University, Northeastern Theological Seminary

Clarks Summit is a borough in Lackawanna County northwest of Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,116 at the 2010 census. It is also the northern terminus of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I-476.

Contents

Map of Clarks Summit, PA 18411, USA

History

The first settler in the area currently known as Clarks Summit was William Clark. Clark had fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War, and as payment for his military service, he was issued 800 acres (3.2 km2) of Pennsylvania land by Congress. Because of disputes between Pennsylvania and Connecticut over the area of land that is now northern Pennsylvania, the land deed issued to Clark was deemed invalid by the Luzerne County land grant office. Clark had no choice but to pay for the land himself. In March 1799, Clark and his three sons moved into a log cabin in the Abington wilderness, located on what is currently the Clarks Green Cemetery. The first school was built in 1893 and was destroyed by fire two years later. The village of Clarks Summit and an adjacent tract of land were incorporated into the Borough of Clarks Summit on August 30, 1911.

Geography

Clarks Summit is located at 41°29′34″N 75°42′18″W (41.492878, -75.704904).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2), all of it land.

There are many geological features that add appeal to the area of Clarks Summit. Many of the locals enjoy the plethora of natural lands and features during the warmer months. Clarks Summit area has four dams (Cobbs Lake Dam, Fords Lake Dam, Interlaken Dam, and Summit Lake Dam) that all have scenic bodies of water attached for many outdoor activities such as fishing and swimming. Moreover, Cummings Pond, Gravel Pond, and Lance Pond additionally offer many outdoor opportunities for residents and their families. Along with these lakes, ponds, and dams, there are also several reservoirs that are contained in the area. The area's four reservoirs serve as local hot spots for summer swimming and rope swings for much of Clarks Summit's youth. In addition to bodies of water, the area also services many hiking and walking locations throughout the borough. The area is home to Bald Mountain, Captain White Hill, Griffin Hill, Pinnacle Rock, West Mountain, Wilbur Hill, Summit Pointe, Waverly Community walking trail and many others. Residents get to enjoy the multitude of natural land opportunities that range from beginner to more advanced experiences. Much of the area within Clarks Summit is rural which adds to the experience for nature lovers.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 5,116 people, 2,216 households, and 1,407 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,197.5 people per square mile (1,234.6/km²). There were 2,324 housing units at an average density of 1,452.5 per square mile (567.4/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 97% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 2,216 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the borough the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 58.3% from 18 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.4 years.

The median income for a household in the borough was $45,298, and the median income for a family was $65,262. Males had a median income of $48,487 versus $26,398 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,080. About 1.3% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable places

The oldest standing house is the former Snook family house, built in 1837 and located on West Grove Street.

Clarks Summit is home to Clarks Summit University, which offers high school dual enrollment classes through bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

Notable people

Clarks Summit is the hometown of:

  • Cory Spangenberg, selected by the Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres in the first round (10th overall) of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft
  • Lauren Weisberger, author of the 2003 bestseller The Devil Wears Prada
  • Adam Rippon, figure skater
  • Kathleen Kane, former prosecutor (1995–2007) and Pennsylvania Attorney General
  • Amber Jacobs, WNBA basketball player
  • Warren Stevens, actor
  • Joe Amato, drag racing professional
  • Sister city

  • Ystradgynlais, Wales, UK
  • References

    Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania Wikipedia