Conyngham is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,958 at the 2000 census.
History
The Lehigh-Susquehanna Turnpike traveled through the middle of modern-day Main Street in Conyngham and at least one of the tollgates was situated near the village. Early records indicate that in 1815, Redmond Conyngham served a term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Luzerne County, and in 1820 served a term in the State Senate.
Captain Gustavus Conyngham was a cousin of Redmond Conyngham. He was an unsung hero of the Revolution. He commanded a privateer and was the first to carry the American flag into the English Channel. Captain Conyngham frequently made trips to England to “obtain” military supplies, which were much needed by the colonials who were fighting for independence from their mother country.
In effect, Conyngham Village was named in honor of Captain Conyngham. As the story has been told, the townspeople suggested naming the village after Redmond Conyngham, but he replied that the town should be named in honor of his cousin, Gustavus. As so it was.
The Sugarloaf Massacre of September 11, 1780 was one of a series of bloody engagements fought in the frontier of northeastern Pennsylvania between Iroquois and settlers loyal to the cause of American independence. Today, this event is commemorated by a Historic Monument with a bronze plaque bearing the names of the fifteen men who lost their lives during the massacre. A mere “stone's throw” from Main Street in Conyngham, the men who made the supreme sacrifice for our country sleep for eternity beneath the field where they fell two hundred and twenty-three years ago. The “bloodstained field” by the Little Nescopeck Creek is hallowed ground.
Geography
Conyngham is located at 40°59′24″N 76°3′42″W / 40.99°N 76.06167°W / 40.99; -76.06167 (40.990051, -76.061655)[1].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 1,958 people, 793 households, and 574 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,834.8 people per square mile (706.5/km²). There were 817 housing units at an average density of 765.6/sq mi (294.8/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.40% White, 0.05% African American, 2.25% Asian, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.
There were 793 households out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the borough the population was spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $48,529, and the median income for a family was $59,083. Males had a median income of $49,732 versus $22,226 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $26,352. About 2.1% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 1.1% of those age 65 or over.
Attractions
Conyngham borough has a town park called Whispering Willows. At the park there is also a community pool owned by the Conyngham Valley Civic Organization(CVCO). The Hazleton Area Library,Conynham Branch is also located up the road. In the Conyngham area there are also numerous Farmers Markets.
Restaurants & Food
Valley Pizza & Subs and Vincenzos are known for their pizza and sub selections. The Brass Buckle is located on the main street of borough and is known for their tastefull mexican food.
References
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
External links
