Gillett, Arkansas
Gillett, Arkansas | ||
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FIPS code 05-26980 | | |
GNIS feature ID | 2403696[2] | |
Website | encyclopediaofarkansas.net/.. |
Gillett (
The largest alligator ever killed in Arkansas was harpooned near Gillett on September 19, 2010. The 13-ft, 1-in reptile weighed 680 lb.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), of which almost all 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) is land.
Education
The community is served by the DeWitt School District, including Gillett Elementary School, DeWitt Middle School, and DeWitt High School. Gillett High School served the community until its 2009 closure.[4]
On July 1, 2004, the Gillett School District, along with the Humphrey School District, consolidated into the DeWitt district.[5]
Gillett Elementary School serves prekindergarten through grade 5.
Parks and recreation
The Gillett Coon Supper, held every year, was used to finance the Gillett High American football team; it became a scholarship fundraiser when the high school closed.[4]
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 256 | — | |
1920 | 1,155 | 351.2% | |
1930 | 870 | −24.7% | |
1940 | 781 | −10.2% | |
1950 | 774 | −0.9% | |
1960 | 874 | 12.9% | |
1970 | 860 | −1.6% | |
1980 | 927 | 7.8% | |
1990 | 883 | −4.7% | |
2000 | 819 | −7.2% | |
2010 | 691 | −15.6% | |
2020 | 564 | −18.4% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[7] |
As of the
Of the 356 households, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were not families. About 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30, and the average family size was 2.82.
In the city, the age distribution was 24.8% under 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,538, and for a family was $36,719. Males had a median income of $27,308 versus $19,219 for females. The
Coon Supper
Since the 1940s, the town has held an annual "Coon Supper", a fundraiser in which attendees are served raccoon meat. The Wall Street Journal described it as a "rite of passage" for Arkansas politicians.[9] Bill Clinton was involved in a plane crash on the way to the supper in 1987.[10]
References
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Gillett, Arkansas
- ^ "Gillett City, Arkansas". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Brawner, Steve (October 9, 2012). "Gillett School To Stay Open". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
- ^ "Consolidation/Annexations of LEA's (1983-June 30, 2012) Archived September 12, 2015, at the Wayback Machine." Arkansas Department of Education. Retrieved on July 31, 2017.
- ^ a b "Arkansas Education Board Blocks Closure Of Gillett Elementary School". Southwest Times Record. October 9, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ Sider, Alison (January 8, 2016). "For Politicians on the Stump, a Rack of Raccoon Is a Must Eat - WSJ". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ Sider, Alison (January 9, 2016). "Bill Clinton Tells Story of Scary Flight to Annual Raccoon Dinner - WSJ". Wall Street Journal.
External links
- Gillett, Arkansas entry on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture