Hoopeston, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hoopeston, Illinois
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Art in McFerren Park, 2007
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| Nickname(s):
Sweetcorn Capital of the World
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Location of Hoopeston in Vermilion County, Illinois.
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 Hoopeston, Illinois
Location in Vermilion County, Illinois
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Vermilion |
| Township | Grant |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Organized | 1874 |
| Incorporated | 1877 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.69 sq mi (9.55 km2) |
| • Land | 3.69 sq mi (9.55 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 719 ft (219 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,915 |
| • Density | 1,333.42/sq mi (514.91/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
60942
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| Area code | 217 |
| FIPS code | 17-36061 |
| GNIS ID | 2394415 |
| Website | cityofhoopeston.com |
Hoopeston is a city located in Vermilion County, Illinois, in the United States. It's often called the "Sweetcorn Capital of the World" because of its strong connection to farming, especially sweet corn. In 2020, about 4,915 people lived in Hoopeston.
Contents
Discovering Hoopeston's Past
Hoopeston was first planned out in 1871. It got its name from Thomas Hoopes. He was one of the people who gave land for two railroads to cross paths here. These railroads helped the town grow by dividing it into four main areas. One of these old railroads is still used today!
In 1890, a school called Greer College was started in Hoopeston. It was made possible by a generous gift from a man named John Greer.
Farming and Factories
For a long time, businesses in Hoopeston were all about farming. In 1875, the Illinois Canning Company started canning vegetables grown nearby. This was very successful! Later, the Hoopeston Canning Company also opened. It eventually became part of a big company called Stokely-Van Camp.
Factories in Hoopeston also made things related to farming. One factory made tin cans for the canned goods. Another plant built machines used in farming. There was even a company that made engines for farms and homes. During World War II, Hoopeston had a special camp for German soldiers who were prisoners of war. Many of them helped pick crops for the canning factories.
Sweet Corn Festival
To celebrate its farming history, especially the growing of sweet corn, Hoopeston holds a fun Sweet Corn Festival every September. It starts the Thursday before Labor Day and ends on Labor Day itself. During the festival, there's also a special event called the Miss National Sweetheart pageant.
Wind Power Today
Today, you'll see many large wind turbines around Hoopeston. These turbines are part of wind farms that create clean energy for the area.
Hoopeston's Location
Hoopeston is located where two main roads, Illinois Route 1 and Illinois Route 9, meet. It's about one mile from the northern edge of Vermilion County. The city covers an area of about 3.69 square miles, which is all land.
People of Hoopeston
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,272 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,911 | 50.2% | |
| 1900 | 3,823 | 100.1% | |
| 1910 | 4,698 | 22.9% | |
| 1920 | 5,451 | 16.0% | |
| 1930 | 5,613 | 3.0% | |
| 1940 | 5,381 | −4.1% | |
| 1950 | 5,992 | 11.4% | |
| 1960 | 6,606 | 10.2% | |
| 1970 | 6,461 | −2.2% | |
| 1980 | 6,411 | −0.8% | |
| 1990 | 5,871 | −8.4% | |
| 2000 | 5,965 | 1.6% | |
| 2010 | 5,351 | −10.3% | |
| 2020 | 4,915 | −8.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Hoopeston is part of the Danville, Illinois, Metropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to a larger group of towns and cities.
In 2010, there were 5,351 people living in Hoopeston. The city is home to people from many different backgrounds. About 24.8% of the people were under 18 years old.
Learning in Hoopeston
Hoopeston has several schools for students of all ages:
- Hoopeston Area High School
- Hoopeston Area Middle School (for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders)
- John Greer Grade School (for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders)
- Maple Grade School (for kindergarten through 2nd grade)
The sports teams at Hoopeston schools are called the "Cornjerkers." This name comes from old farm workers who used to pick corn by hand before machines were invented.
Hoopeston is also home to the Hoopeston Carnegie Public Library, where you can find many books and resources.
Miss National Sweetheart Pageant
The Miss National Sweetheart beauty pageant started in 1941. Young women who were runners-up in their state's Miss America pageants are invited to compete in Hoopeston. This event happens during the Sweet Corn Festival on Labor Day weekend. The winner receives a scholarship and a special pendant shaped like an ear of corn.
Winning this title can sometimes help contestants go on to win their state's Miss America title. Since 1970, nine Miss America winners had competed in the National Sweetheart pageant before winning the big title. However, since 2016, the Miss America organization no longer officially works with the Miss National Sweetheart Organization.
Famous People from Hoopeston
Hoopeston has been home to some notable people:
- Mary Hartwell Catherwood – an American author who lived in Hoopeston for many years.
- Frankie Gustine – a professional baseball player who played for teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Thad Matta – a well-known college basketball coach.
- Tom Merritt – an Illinois state senator and businessman.
See also
In Spanish: Hoopeston para niños
