Romeo, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Romeo, Michigan
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Village
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Downtown at 32 Mile Road and Main Street
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| Nickname(s):
Uptown, The Four Corners
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Location within Macomb County
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 Romeo, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Macomb |
| Townships | Bruce and Washington |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.03 sq mi (5.25 km2) |
| • Land | 2.03 sq mi (5.25 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 810 ft (250 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 3,596 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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3,606 |
| • Density | 1,779.86/sq mi (687.08/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
48065
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| Area code(s) | 586 |
| FIPS code | 26-69400 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0636145 |
Romeo is a village in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,596 at the 2010 census. The village is situated at the southeast corner of Bruce Township, with a portion extending south into Washington Township. Armada Township is adjacent to the east and Ray Township to the southeast. Romeo is located on the rural-urban fringe of the Detroit metropolitan area, and many of its residents commute to jobs closer to the city.
Romeo is known for its Peach Festival, which takes place every year during Labor Day weekend. This event dates back to 1931 and includes a car show, floral parade, craft show, and many other events.
Tillson Street in Romeo is known for its elaborate Halloween decorations. Thousands trick-or-treat Tillson Street every Halloween to see the homeowners' one-of-a-kind Halloween stages.
On February 14 of each year, the village of Romeo offers a special dual postmark with the community of Juliette, Georgia. This tradition began in 1994, as a nod to the William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. It was Mrs. Taylor who suggested the Name "Romeo" because it was "Short, musical, classical and uncommon.".
History
Originally named Indian Village, the settlement that became Romeo was first inhabited by Chippewa Indians. In the 1820s and 1830s more families began to settle in the area and establish residences and businesses. Indian village became Hoxie's Settlement, named after an individual who opened an Inn on main street. In 1839, Hoxie's Settlement became incorporated and renamed the village of Romeo. Romeo celebrated its 175th Anniversary as of March 9, 2013.
Romeo once served as a hub for the timber industry, and many wealthy timber families resided there. Dozens of stately Victorian mansions survive. Romeo is distinct in the area for having a fairly robust traditional downtown which has never seen a major fire. Because of this, there are stores and restaurants downtown that have original tin ceilings from as long ago as the Civil War. Romeo was also an early participant in the automobile industry, serving as home to the Detroit Auto Vehicle Company from 1904 until 1908.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.02 square miles (5.23 km2), all land.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 330 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,629 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,637 | 0.5% | |
| 1900 | 1,580 | −3.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,787 | 13.1% | |
| 1920 | 2,102 | 17.6% | |
| 1930 | 2,283 | 8.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,627 | 15.1% | |
| 1950 | 2,985 | 13.6% | |
| 1960 | 3,327 | 11.5% | |
| 1970 | 4,012 | 20.6% | |
| 1980 | 3,509 | −12.5% | |
| 1990 | 3,520 | 0.3% | |
| 2000 | 3,721 | 5.7% | |
| 2010 | 3,596 | −3.4% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 3,606 | 0.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,596 people, 1,501 households, and 979 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,780.2 inhabitants per square mile (687.3/km2). There were 1,659 housing units at an average density of 821.3 per square mile (317.1/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 91.9% White, 3.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.7% of the population.
There were 1,501 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.96.
The median age in the village was 40.9 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 46.4% male and 53.6% female.
Events
Romeo plays host to the annual Michigan Lavender Festival every summer, at the height of lavender season. Romeo also hosts its Michigan Peach Festival every year on the weekend of Labor Day. Started in 1931 to promote the local orchards, events include a 5K/10K run, a car show, three parades, craft show, Kidsfest and carnival rides. A yearly Peach Queen is chosen to preside over events and represent Romeo. The Michigan Peach Festival is sponsored by the Romeo Lions.
Romeo is also home to the Romeo Zombie Walk which is also a food drive for homeless/needy veterans.
Notable people
- Frank Bowerman, Major League Baseball catcher
- Harold Courlander, writer, folklorist, and anthropologist
- Edwin Henry Hackley, African American lawyer
- Jill Ritchie, actress
- Kid Rock, musician
- Ben Stephens, Major League Baseball pitcher
- Henry Stephens, lumber baron
- Tom Sharpe, drummer for Mannheim Steamroller and for Dennis DeYoung.
Images for kids
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Panoramic map of Romeo with list of landmarks, 1868
 | Myrlie Evers-Williams |
 | Aaron Henry |
 | T. R. M. Howard |
 | Jesse Jackson |
