Imlay City, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Imlay City, Michigan
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| City of Imlay City | |
Charles Palmer House in Imlay City
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Location within Lapeer County
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 Imlay City, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Imlay City, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Lapeer |
| Settled | 1870 |
| Incorporated | 1871 (village) 1970 (city) |
| Government | |
| • Type | City commission |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.45 sq mi (6.35 km2) |
| • Land | 2.45 sq mi (6.35 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 827 ft (252 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,703 |
| • Density | 1,511.43/sq mi (583.57/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
48444
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| Area code(s) | 810 |
| FIPS code | 26-40320 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0628928 |
Imlay City is a small city in Lapeer County, Michigan, in the United States. It is home to about 3,700 people, according to the 2020 census. The city is known for its history, its connection to a famous pickle company, and its community events.
Contents
History of Imlay City
How Imlay City Began
Imlay City was named after William H. Imlay. He was a businessman from Connecticut who started buying forest land here in 1836. The area officially became a township named after him in 1850.
Growing with the Railroad
In 1870, a railroad company called Port Huron & Lake Michigan began building train tracks through the area. Charles Palmer, their chief engineer, bought land to build a market and a hotel. A post office opened on December 12, 1870, with Edward Palmer as the first postmaster. The community quickly grew, adding stores, a grain elevator, and mills. In 1871, Imlay City officially became a village.
Modern Changes and Growth
By 1914, Imlay City even had streetcar lines, which were usually found in bigger cities. In April 1970, the community celebrated its 100th birthday. Residents voted to change Imlay City from a village to a "home rule city." This means it gained more control over its own local government. In the 1980s, the building of Interstate 69 helped Imlay City connect to other major cities like Flint and Port Huron. This led to more businesses and growth.
Economy: The Pickle City
Vlasic Pickles: A Local Success Story
Imlay City has a long history with Vlasic Pickles, a well-known brand. The company was started by Franjo Vlasic, an immigrant from Croatia, in the 1920s. It began as a creamery in Detroit, selling milk. Over time, it added other foods like hams and pickles.
From Barrels to Jars
For many years, pickles were stored in large barrels. But in 1942, Franjo's son Joseph and grandson Bob started packing pickles in glass jars. This made pickles much more popular! To meet the growing demand, Joseph Vlasic bought a pickle plant in Imlay City in 1957. Two years later, he officially founded Vlasic Foods.
Vlasic Today
Even today, Vlasic Pickles is an important part of the Imlay City community. The cucumbers used to make Vlasic pickles are still grown in Michigan, in cities like Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo.
Education in Imlay City
Public Schools
Imlay City has five public schools, all part of the Imlay City Community Schools district.
- Weston Elementary serves students from Kindergarten to 2nd grade.
- Borland Elementary is for students in 3rd through 5th grade.
- Imlay City Middle School teaches 6th through 8th graders.
- Imlay City High School is for students in 9th through 12th grade.
- Venture High School is an alternative school for students who need a different learning environment.
Private School
The Imlay City Christian School is a private school located just outside town. It was started in 1952 by local parents and teaches students from a Christian perspective.
Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library
The Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library opened on January 27, 1990. It was built using money left by Ruth E. Hughes in her will. The library is managed by a board with members from Imlay City, Imlay Township, and Attica Township.
Imlay City Historical Museum
The Imlay City Historical Museum was created in 1978. It is run by a non-profit group. The museum collects and shares the history of Imlay City and the surrounding areas. It has many interesting items, including a World War I handgun exhibit.
Outside the museum, you can see an old train caboose. The museum building itself used to be a train station for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. In 1971, the railroad wanted to tear it down. However, the Imlay City Historical Commission worked to save it. They leased the building and restored it. The museum officially opened on November 9, 1979.
Geography of Imlay City
Imlay City covers about 2.37 square miles (6.35 square kilometers) of land. It is located in an area of Michigan known as the Thumb. Two major Michigan highways, Interstate 69 and M-53 (also called Van Dyke Road), cross through Imlay City.
Population of Imlay City
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 971 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,251 | 28.8% | |
| 1900 | 1,122 | −10.3% | |
| 1910 | 1,174 | 4.6% | |
| 1920 | 1,211 | 3.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,495 | 23.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,446 | −3.3% | |
| 1950 | 1,654 | 14.4% | |
| 1960 | 1,968 | 19.0% | |
| 1970 | 1,980 | 0.6% | |
| 1980 | 2,495 | 26.0% | |
| 1990 | 2,921 | 17.1% | |
| 2000 | 3,869 | 32.5% | |
| 2010 | 3,597 | −7.0% | |
| 2020 | 3,703 | 2.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population Overview
As of the 2010 census, there were 3,597 people living in Imlay City. The city had 1,356 households. The average household had about 2.64 people. The median age in the city was 33 years old. About 30% of the residents were under 18 years old.
Media and News
Radio Stations
WHYT is a radio station based in Imlay City, broadcasting on 88.1 FM. It plays Smile FM, which is a non-commercial Christian radio station. Most other radio stations that people listen to in Imlay City come from nearby cities like Lapeer, Flint, or the Detroit area.
Newspapers
The Tri-City Times newspaper is printed right in Imlay City. Other local newspapers like the Lapeer County Press and LA View are also available. For national and international news, residents can find papers such as The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Regional newspapers like The Flint Journal, the Detroit Free Press, and The Detroit News are also widely available.
Fun Things to Do in Imlay City
Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
Imlay City is home to the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds. Every year, a big fair is held here with rides, a rodeo, and a demolition derby. There are also farm animal competitions. Other events at the fairgrounds include a car show and "Woods and Water," which is a special event for hunting and fishing fans.
Community Activities
The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, an event to raise money for cancer research, also takes place in Imlay City. The city has its own public swimming pool and several parks where you can relax and play. A part of the Polly Ann Trail, a popular path for walking and biking, also runs through Imlay City. The city also hosts a farmer's market where you can buy fresh local produce.
Notable People from Imlay City
- Bob Burman, a famous race car driver
- James Paul Churchill, a United States federal judge
- Al Dorow, a National Football League quarterback
- David Kircus, a National Football League wide receiver
- Chester Marcol, a National Football League placekicker
- Carl Pursell, a United States Congressman
- John Philip Wernette, a former President of the University of New Mexico
- Lee Weyer, a National League umpire
Images for kids
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Charles Palmer House in Imlay City
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Location within Lapeer County
See also
In Spanish: Imlay City para niños
