The Independent-News, Volume 115, Number 42, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 15 March 1990 — Page 3

The Growth Os America . . . The census of the United States will be 200 years old in 1990 when the 21st decennial census is taken. Through those years the census reflects a portrait of the American people. in 1787, the United States became the first nation in history to include the requirement for a census in its Constitution. The Constitution (Article 1. Section 2 (called for the first census to be taken within three years. Thus the first census of population was conducted under the direction of Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years like clockwork throughout the nation's history. The primary purpose for the count was to allocate seats in the newly created U.S. House of Representatives. The census still serves that purpose and also provides data for the allocation of billions of dollars annually in federal and state funding and, by the types of questions asked in each census, it is possible to get a feel for what issues were of real concern to the nation from decade to decade. In recent censuses, for example, there has been concern over such public issues as disability, veterans' status, living conditions of the growing elderly population, and local and regional transportation patterns. All have been reflected by questions added to the census at th^ request of many public and private officials at dozens of public hearings held by the Census Bureau before each decennial count. As Abraham Lincoln noted: "If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we could beter judge what to do. and how to do it.” Here are some significant bits of information that the census has revealed about a growing and changing nation during the last two centuries. The first census in 1790 counted 3.9 million people. The center of population was 23 miles east of Baltimore. Md., on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay near Chestertown. Virginia was the most populous state in the Union and New York City ranked Number I. which it still is. By 1810, New York moved ahead HUGE WINTER SME ON LESTER BIMIMNGS. For a limited time, we re dis counting every one of our rural buildings. Now is the perfect time to buy the building you’ve been thinking about for the past year. Our winter building sale is underway, so give us a call or stop in before time runs out. FME CAP WITH ouerre ALTERNATE BUILDING SYSTEMS P.O. Bu 92 Tyiw, IN 46572 Hwm (219) 936-5922 F«m (219) 936-4437 I RURAi aUllDt*] •MB fem OWN

of Virginia as the most populous state. It retained that role until the 1970 census when it was replaced by California. In 1820, the population had more than doubled to 9.6 million inhabitants. Between 1850 and 1860. the center of U.S. population crossed the western boundary of the original states and territories counted in the first census in Ohio. The 1870 census revealed the median age of the total population exceeded 20 years of age (20.2) for the first time. This means half the population was less than 20.2 years old and half was over this age. The earliest comparable statistic was 16.7 years of age in 1820. In 1880, the population reached 50 million and for the first time in the census, the number of nonagricultural workers exceeded the number of agricultural workers. By 1890. the center of population reached Indiana and the nation’s western frontier had disappeared. By 1920, the population had passed the 100 million mark and America had more urban residents than rural for the first time. The slowest growth rate ever between census, 7.2 percent, was recorded by the 1940 census. By 1950, the center of population reached Illinois and women outnumbered men for the first time. There were 100 females for every 99 males. The 1970 census showed the population exceeding 200 million and the median age 28 years, lowest since the Great Depression, reflecting the effect of the Baby B<x>m (1946-64). The 1980 census was the first to

THANK YOU~ 1 The family of Blanche Pontius would like to thank | friends, neighbors and relatives for your thoughts and I prayers, flowers and cards. A special thanks to the | Blissville Church women for preparing a meal, Rev. | Larry Dintier, Miller Merry Manor staff, and John- | son Funeral Home. Harold Pontius and Families

I Ski Fair Oil Co., Inc. I I CITGO ' ' 302 S. State Street 656-8121 North Liberty I Watch For Our sth Annual I I CUSTOMER I OPEN HOUSE I March 29 rtasjl 4 A 8 00 1 m> ’ 5:00 pm - aa a

show that the population of the South and West surpassed the North and Midwest. The center of population had crossed the Mississippi River, pinpointed by census geographers just west of De Soto, in Jefferson County, Mo., approximately 40 miles southwest of St. Louis; and roughly 750 miles west of the first center of population in 1790. And what of the Bicentennial 1990 census? The Census Bureau expects to count about 250 million people and 106 million housing units. The average household size is expected to be 2.6 persons, lowest on record. The 1990 Census will be essentially a "do-it-yourself” count. A census questionnaire will be delivered to each household beginning March 23. An adult is asked to answer all questions and then — depending on instructions on the census form — either mail the form back in a postage-paid envelop to a census office or hold it for a census worker to pick up. Census Day (when questionnaires are to be completed) is April I. R.E.A.L. SERVICES NUTRITION PROGRAM N.L. United Methodist Church Phone 656-3132 the day prior for reservations. Walkerton Youth Building Phone 586-7600 the day prior for reservations. MARCH 19-23 MONDAY Pineapple juice Swiss steak in gravy Scalloped potatoes Steamed carrots

MARCH 15, 1990 - THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

Whole wheat bread and margarine Chocolate pudding Milk, tea. coffee TUESDAY Apple juice Baked chicken quarter with paprika Mashed potatoes with gravy Three bean salad Soft dinner roll and margarine Blackberries Milk, tea, coffee WEDNESDAY Cranberry juice cocktail Turkey a 1a king over rice Spinach with vinegar on side Cracked wheat bread and margarine Pineapple Milk. tea. coffee THURSDAY Assorted juice Hamburger on bun with ketchup, mustard and onions Cream style corn Pickled beets Chocolate chip cookie Milk, tea, coffee FRIDAY Peach nectar Cheesy tuna and noodle casserole Layered salad with peas Cracked wheat bread and margarine Orange < Milk, tea. coffee r

ST. PATRICK'S T CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE M DINNER-DANCE Tickets Available At St. Patrick ! Church, School Or Reiervattoni May Be Made By Calling 586-2157 ” Saturday, March 17 6:30 - 11:00 p.m. ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL HALL Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Dance, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. MUSIC BY ^ENFUGHT'*

LENTEN SERIES Mr. Bill Odell, from the office of Religious Education, will lead an examination of the scriptures entitled, "Meeting Jesus Through the Gospels.” This series will focus on amking the Jesus of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John a real person in the lives of the readers. Mr. Odell, who has written catechetical tibits, has a very informal down to earth style. This is sure to be a wonderful Lenten experience. It will be Thursday nights. March 15 and 22. 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Parish convent. People of all denominations are welcome. ART GALLERY AND BOOKSTORE IN MARCH North Liberty Elementary School will have an art gallery museum open to the public the week of 26th •30th of March. Reproductions of famous art works along with students work will be displayed. There will be information about each artist and a bookstore with such things as art reproductions, stickers and folders for sale - all proceeds will go to the art depart ment. This is in celebration of Art Awareness Week.

Before eating anything, the raccoon first washes the food in the nearest available water.

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