Goodrich, Michigan

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.26 square miles (5.85 km²), of which 2.19 square miles (5.67 km²) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km²) is water.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,860 people, 648 households, and 484 families residing in the village. The population density was 849.3 inhabitants per square mile (327.9/km²). There were 692 housing units at an average density of 316.0 per square mile (122.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 98.1% White, 0.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 648 households of which 45.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.3% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.33.

The median age in the village was 36.9 years. 32.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,353 people, 494 households, and 385 families residing in the village. The population density was 576.3 per square mile (222.3/km²). There were 526 housing units at an average density of 224.0 per square mile (86.4/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 98.52% White, 0.22% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 494 households out of which 44.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the village, the population was spread out with 29.6% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $65,089, and the median income for a family was $74,063. Males had a median income of $55,000 versus $31,641 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,089. About 1.6% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

History

Mr. and Mrs. Levi H. Goodrich traveled via steam ship from Buffalo to Detroit to settle after they had sold their home in the summer of 1835. They journeyed from Detroit towards modern-day Pontiac, where they met land explorers who told them of the land's beauty. When they reached the vicinity of Davison's Mill (now Atlas), they found rich, fertile soil, an excess of timber, and readily available water. They returned to Detroit and purchased one thousand acres (4 km²) at $1.25 per acre. They returned to their old home in Clarence, New York and prepared to return to their purchased property. It was decided that Moses and Levi, the eldest and third of the six brothers, would travel back via Canada. They completed their journey in 16 days, and built a cabin before the family arrived on May 20, 1836. The first wood-frame house was built for Enos Goodrich in 1838.

The first tavern, The Goodrich House, was built in 1846 by a Mr. Matthew Davidson. This was a popular spot for trading and salesman. In over one hundred years, there were several owners, the most notable being Ben Yerkey, The Cicote Brothers (famous for their baseball career) and Emery Rockafellow. After the Death of Rockefellow, the tavern was bought by S. M. Hegel. The house fell victim to a fire in 2009 and was subsequently torn down.

Politics

In January 2011, the Village Council selected Municipal Consulting Services as a 'cost-savings" consultant, but later withdrew. Plante and Moran was selected to replace them. A second recall petition was filed in January by Norm Bass to unseat Council President Patricia Wartella. In February 2011, the Council voted 3-2 for Administrator Jakki Sidge to resign for not recognizing the council majority. A few days later on February 14, Sidge resigned. Rick Horton seized her computer which was later sent to a computer forensics investigator. The case is considered closed however the village refused to pay the investigator so the investigator still holds the hard drive.

In April 2011, Doug McAbee's, a Village Councilman, standing on the Council was questioned due to failure to sign his oath of office and return it to the clerk. Michigan Circuit Court Judge Geoffrey Neithercut ordered McAbee could continue on the council.

Council President Patricia Wartella was removed via a recall election with 55% voting for removal in May 2011. Richard Saroli was appointed to fill the council vacancy. His selection caused resident Cynthia Beebe-Johnson to file for a review of Richard Saroli’s appointment. In June, Judge Neithercut prohibited any village business until after the August election. That same month, the council terminated its attorneys, Jack Belzer and Allen Robb, over $14 thousand in fees over three months. Saroli retained his council seat in the August 2 election defeating two opponents.

Village Council re-hires Sidge as village administrator in a 3-2 decision in October 2011 with the position be reduced to part-time with no health insurance to save money. Later that month, Councilman Phil Jackson resigned do to health and a move to Arizona. By 2014 Sidge's hours increased to full-time, received multiple pay increases, and the council approved to pay 100% of all office employee's health coverage.

Notable People

January 14, 2011 was declared "Jordan Henrie Day" in Genesee County by Grand Blanc Township Supervisor, Micki Hoffman, after Goodrich graduate, Jordan Henrie, lead an Eagle Scout project to conduct preparations to restore Perry McGrath home.

On January 1, 2014, Kyler Elsworth, a Michigan State University senior and Goodrich graduate, was the most valuable defensive player of the 100th Rose Bowl. The walk-on player started his first game as a last minute substitute for the starting linebacker.