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43-430: In the past, Ellwood City sustained many heavy industries such as steel tube mills, steel car works, building stone and limestone quarries, foundries and machine shops, and coal mining. Ellwood City is named after businessman Isaac L. Ellwood . Ellwood City is located at 40°51′40″N 80°17′05″W  /  40.860983°N 80.284849°W  / 40.860983; -80.284849 (40.860983, -80.284849). According to

86-446: A council-manager government . Policy is developed by an elected city council and implemented by an appointed professional city manager. The DeKalb City Council is made up of a mayor, elected at-large, and seven alderpersons, elected by ward. Each serves a four-year term, with half the council elected every two years. A city clerk is also elected every four years to serve as the city's official recordkeeper. City council meetings are held

129-560: A change of -8.8% since 2000. There were 3,721 males (47.0%) and 4,200 females (53.0%). The median age was 42.0 years, compared to 40.1 for the state of Pennsylvania. The estimated median household income in 2007 was $ 35,555 (it was $ 28,926 in 2000), while in Pennsylvania it was $ 48,576. Estimated per capita income in 2007 was $ 18,674 in Ellwood City, versus $ 26,228 for the entire state. Estimated median house or condo value in 2007

172-407: A household in the borough was $ 28,926, and the median income for a family was $ 40,758. Males had a median income of $ 31,703 versus $ 21,285 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 15,784. About 8.6% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over. The population at the 2010 census was 7,921,

215-809: A non-interest bearing loan, along with 4.1 acres (17,000 m ) of land for the new school. The bid was ultimately successful and the normal school eventually became NIU. On a business trip to Texas in 1886, he purchased the 130,000 acre (530 km²) in Mitchell County from John and Dudley Snyder . In 1891, he purchased an additional 128,000 acres (518 km ) northwest of Lubbock, Texas . He acquired more area in 1902 and 1906 bringing his total holdings in Texas to 265,000 acres (1,072 km ). In all, at its height Spade Ranch and Ellwood's other Texas land holdings encompassed 395,000 acres (1,599 km ). Ellwood continued to acquire ranch land until almost

258-486: A salesman propelled sales of barbed wire in Texas. Ranchers in the west found barbed wire fencing useful and much needed. As demand rose sharply, the company expanded, reorganized and merged and a successful Ellwood began construction on his Victorian mansion , the Ellwood House . In 1881, Ellwood Manufacturing became Superior Barbed Wire Company under an expansion and reorganization plan. Seventeen years later

301-483: A total area of 17.12 square miles (44.34 km ), of which 16.95 square miles (43.90 km ) (or 99.03%) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km ) (or 0.97%) is water. On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River at DeKalb crested at 15.27 feet (4.65 m) (all-time record 15.8 feet (4.8 m)), causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river has risen above 15 feet (4.6 m) since

344-508: A wider surrounding area with on-demand transportation for people with special needs and to out-of-town medical appointments. DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) ( ICAO : KDKB , FAA LID : DKB ), serving the general aviation community, is on the east side of the city at 3232 Pleasant Street. The airport opened in April 1944 in association with a factory making Interstate TDR assault drone aircraft. The city took ownership in 1948. There

387-543: Is home to Northern Illinois University , the city's largest employer and Illinois's third-largest campus. Other large employers include Northwestern Medicine, General Electric , Monsanto (originally as DeKalb Corn ), the local school district, and a large retail district along Route 23 (shared with Sycamore ). DeKalb is also home to warehouses for several major companies, including Target, 3M, Nestlé, and Ferrara Candy Company, in part due to DeKalb's proximity to major highways such as I-88 and I-39. 3M's complex serves as

430-529: The American Revolutionary War . Founded in 1856, DeKalb became important in the development and manufacture of barbed wire , especially for agriculture and raising livestock. While agricultural-related industries remain a facet of the city, along with health and services, the city's largest employer in the 21st century is Northern Illinois University , founded in 1895. DeKalb is about 65 miles (105 km) from downtown Chicago . DeKalb

473-728: The DeKalb County Fair that summer. This prompted Ellwood along with other DeKalb area residents Jacob Haish and Joseph Glidden to work on improving the concept. Ellwood patented a type of barbed wire in February 1874, but ever the businessman, concluded that Joseph Glidden's design was superior to his. He purchased one-half interest in Glidden's invention in July 1874. Glidden's patent issued in November, and together they formed

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516-546: The United States Census Bureau , the borough has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km), of which 2.3 square miles (6.0 km) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km), or 2.09%, is water. The (roughly) 0.3 mile-diameter Pittsburgh Circle within the city was once a bicycle-racing track, as the city historically manufactured steel for bicycles. As of the census of 2000, there were 8,688 people, 3,716 households, and 2,393 families residing in

559-474: The Barb Fence Company. In a few years, Glidden sold his half of that business to others, while retaining royalties from his patent. Ellwood continued in the manufacture of barbed wire as Ellwood Manufacturing Company. In the beginning they produced two-strand, twisted barbed wire in the back of Ellwood's hardware store. The business was quickly successful. Ellwood's hiring of John Warne Gates as

602-826: The Barbs. Northern Illinois University (NIU) was founded in DeKalb as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with total enrollment around 20,000, which makes NIU the third largest campus in Illinois. The first railroad entered DeKalb on August 22, 1853. In 1864, the line became part of the Chicago and North Western Railway main line from Chicago to Omaha, which carried passengers until 1971. A depot between 6th and 7th Streets

645-403: The DeKalb area is provided by DeKalb Public Transit , a joint effort by the city in partnership with Northern Illinois University. Routes extend through the university, the city, and Sycamore with extensions west to Kishwaukee College and east to the passenger rail station at Elburn. Schedules on the main routes vary depending on whether the university is in session. The system began in 1971 as

688-625: The Huskie Bus Line under contract to the NIU Student Association. By 1982 the system served 3 million riders per year, second only in Illinois to the Chicago Transit Authority . In 2018, it merged with a smaller City of DeKalb bus system, which had been operated by the local Voluntary Action Center (VAC). Paratransit operations were added in 2021, also by transfer from VAC. VAC continues to serve

731-426: The borough. The population density was 3,716.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,435.0/km). There were 4,006 housing units at an average density of 1,713.7 units per square mile (661.7 units/km). The racial makeup of the borough was 98.22% White , 0.81% African American , 0.09% Native American , 0.23% Asian , 0.18% from other races , and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.60% of

774-480: The cause. His own capital, his time and his political influence were all used to gain DeKalb the new college. Governor John Altgeld appointed Ellwood to the Board of Trustees, who were responsible for selecting a site for the normal school . This allowed him to assert all the more political influence. In the name of securing the future school for DeKalb Ellwood reportedly donated $ 20,000 and fronted another $ 50,000 in

817-442: The city was $ 44,223, and the median income for a family was $ 67,155. Males had a median income of $ 32,306 versus $ 17,703 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 24,819. About 17.8% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 34.8% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the census of 2000, there are 39,018 people, 13,081 households, and 6,566 families residing in

860-482: The city. In May 2023, the initial key facts of the feasibility study were published, which showed that an extension to Dekalb was feasible based on commuter and daily ridership estimates. In 2024, Dekalb backed a regional feasibility study by federal officials to revive Amtrak service that ran as the Twin Cities Zephyr , the service was discontinued in the 1970s. The transcontinental Lincoln Highway

903-402: The city. The population density is 1,194.7/km² (3,093.9/mi²). There are 13,619 housing units at an average density of 417.0/km² (1,079.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 79.49% White, 9.08% African American, 0.24% Native American, 4.62% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 4.35% from other races, and 2.09% from two or more races. 9.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. DeKalb

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946-435: The city. The population density was 2,353.66 inhabitants per square mile (908.75/km ). There were 16,629 housing units at an average density of 971.43 per square mile (375.07/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 58.73% White , 18.48% African American , 0.76% Native American , 3.92% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 7.99% from other races , and 10.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.83% of

989-418: The company would merge in the creation of John Warne Gates ' American Steel and Wire monopoly, which was a predecessor of United States Steel . Ellwood played a major role in the history of Northern Illinois University . Clinton Rosette helped persuade Ellwood that the new Northern Illinois State Normal School should be in DeKalb. So convinced was Ellwood that he used all methods at his disposal to support

1032-489: The corner of Fourth and Lincoln. Interstate Highway 88 , part of the Illinois Tollway system, was completed to DeKalb around 1975 and passes just south of town, where there are two toll plazas and a service oasis that includes restaurants and a gas station. Via the tollway, DeKalb is 30 miles (48 km) west of Aurora and 65 miles (105 km) west of downtown Chicago . Scheduled local bus service throughout

1075-656: The couple would ultimately have seven children. As Ellwood rose to prominence he began acquiring farm properties in and around DeKalb, Illinois. After the Civil War ended he began to import Percheron draft horses, many from France. Eventually, this resulted in a 3,400-acre (14 km ) stock farm near DeKalb. In late 1872, Waterman, Illinois farmer Henry Rose developed a wire fence with an attached wooden strip containing projecting wire points to dissuade encroaching livestock. He patented his fence in May, 1873 and exhibited it at

1118-607: The distribution hub for three of 3M's four business units and export operations to North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. In 2011, DeKalb was the broadcast base of Up and In: The Baseball Prospectus Podcast with Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks. The town was also the filming location for the 2012 film At Any Price . In June, 2020, Meta announced it would construct an $ 800 million data center on

1161-484: The level of the river has been recorded. DeKalb has a humid continental climate ( Köppen climate classification Dfa) typical of northern Illinois, with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is somewhat uniform year-round, although it can be heavier in the spring and summer when the area is prone to strong thunderstorms. As of the 2020 census there were 40,290 people, 15,839 households, and 7,804 families residing in

1204-993: The park district in 1935 to address the need for a public swimming pool. The City of DeKalb gave the first four parks to the District: Annie's Woods, Huntley Park, Liberty Park, and Hopkins Park. In 2000 the district opened the Sports and Recreation Center, a multi-function facility that features an indoor field of over 1 acre, clear-span space with synthetic field turf. The park district provides year-round athletic and recreation programs including day camps, youth baseball and softball, adult softball leagues both indoors and outdoors, swimming lessons, golf lessons, karate, tennis, adult and youth basketball leagues, indoor soccer, fitness classes, and preschool. The DeKalb Park District park system has 44 parks totaling over 700 acres: community parks, neighborhood parks, passive parks and linear parks. Notable parks and facilities include: DeKalb has

1247-399: The population. There were 15,839 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.03% were married couples living together, 13.14% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.73% were non-families. 34.52% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.78% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

1290-434: The population. In 2022, Jan Williams would become the first woman of Asian descent to be sworn into council. There were 3,716 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. Of all households, 32.3% were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who

1333-407: The second and fourth Mondays of every month. There are 11 public schools, one private school, one university and one public library. DeKalb is served by both public and private school systems. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 operates eight elementary schools (Grades K–5), Clinton Rosette and Huntley Middle Schools (Grades 6–8), and DeKalb High School (Grades 9–12), which is the home of

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1376-542: The south side of DeKalb. DeKalb is home to the annual Corn Fest, usually held in late August. The Egyptian Theatre , built in 1929, is one of a handful of such theatres still extant in the United States. The Stage Coach Players, founded in 1947, have a theatre on 5th Street. The DeKalb Park District is responsible for DeKalb's 44 parks and recreation facilities. Members of the League of Women Voters established

1419-505: The state teachers college that became Northern Illinois University. DeKalb played a leading role in the development of commercial hybrid corn . From a base in the early county Farm Bureau , the DeKalb Agricultural Association produced large quantities of high-yield seed varieties, beginning in 1934. Until the mid-1970s, more American farmers planted DeKalb hybrid corn than any other brand. The DeKalb logo

1462-542: The time he died, in Dekalb, Illinois, on September 11, 1910. The borough of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania is named after Ellwood. DeKalb, Illinois DeKalb ( / d ɪ ˈ k æ l b / dih- KALB ) is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois , United States. The population was 40,290 at the 2020 census . The city is named after decorated Franconian -French war hero Johann de Kalb , who died during

1505-435: Was $ 91,245 (it was $ 75,700 in 2000), versus $ 155,000 for the state. The Ellwood City Area School District serves the borough. The PBS Kids TV series Arthur takes place in the fictional town of Elwood City, based on and similar to the real Ellwood City. Isaac L. Ellwood Isaac Leonard Ellwood (August 3, 1833 – September 11, 1910) was an American rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur. Ellwood

1548-399: Was 3.22 and the average family size was 2.45. The city's age distribution consisted of 17.9% under the age of 18, 31.8% from 18 to 24, 24% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males. The median income for a household in

1591-451: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94. In the borough the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males. The median income for

1634-421: Was a flying ear of corn. A series of joint ventures and mergers beginning in 1982 resulted in the DeKalb brand of agricultural products being owned by Bayer since 2017. DeKalb is in northern Illinois, about 65 miles (105 km) west of downtown Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford. The South Branch Kishwaukee River flows northward through DeKalb. According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, DeKalb has

1677-596: Was a key product in DeKalb's history. Joseph Glidden (1813–1906), a DeKalb resident since about 1850, received a patent in 1874 for inventing the conventional double-strand barbed wire that remains in common use around the world today. Glidden and Isaac L. Ellwood (1833–1910) manufactured barbed wire in DeKalb, initially as the Barb Fence Company. Successor companies included the 1881 Superior Barbed Wire Company, which merged into American Steel and Wire in 1898 and finally became United States Steel. Between 1892 and 1898 Glidden and Ellwood played substantial parts in establishing

1720-675: Was born in Salt Springville, New York . His first taste of business came as a young boy when he began selling sauerkraut . In 1851, Ellwood, like many others, headed west to the California Gold Rush . He was the brother of United States Representative Reuben Ellwood . Ellwood found some success in California and returned east in 1855, to DeKalb, Illinois , where he opened a hardware and implements store. On January 27, 1859, Ellwood married Harriet Augusta Miller;

1763-616: Was built in 1891. The Union Pacific Railroad took control of the line in 1995. Since 2006, the nearest passenger rail service is at the Metra commuter system station in Elburn , 15 miles (24 km) east of DeKalb, which is accessible by bus. In January 2023, the Dekalb City Council voted to fund a transportation study aimed at determining feasibility of extending Metra Union Pacific West Line commuter rail service from Elburn to

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1806-412: Was established through DeKalb in 1913. The first "seedling mile" of concrete pavement was built in 1914 at Malta , six miles west of DeKalb. The rest of Lincoln Highway across DeKalb County was paved in 1920. The highway is now part of Illinois Route 38 . The main north-south highway through DeKalb is Illinois Route 23 , which forms an unusual intersection of two state highways and a major railroad at

1849-523: Was originally called Huntley's Grove, and under the latter name was platted in 1853. The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb , a major general in the American Revolutionary War. The first church in DeKalb was organized in 1844. Beginning in 1846, a stage coach traveled from Chicago through DeKalb and Dixon to Galena. A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849. The first railroad reached DeKalb in 1853. Barbed wire

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