Brazil, Indiana

Infobox Settlement
official_name = City of Brazil, Indiana
settlement_type = City
nickname =


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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Location in the state of Indiana


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Indiana
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Clay
government_type =
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = A. Ann Bradshaw (D)
area_note =
established_date =
area_magnitude = 1 E6
area_total_km2 = 8.7
area_land_km2 = 8.7
area_water_km2 = 0.1
population_as_of = 2000
population_note =
population_total = 8188
population_density_km2 = 946.5
timezone = EST
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
area_total_sq_mi = 3.4
area_land_sq_mi = 3.3
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0
elevation_m = 200
elevation_ft = 656
latd = 39 |latm = 31 |lats = 30 |latNS = N
longd = 87 |longm = 7 |longs = 39 |longEW = W
website = www.brazil.in.gov
postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 47834
area_code = 812
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 18-07174GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0431462GR|3
footnotes =

Brazil is a city in Clay County, Indiana, United States. The population was 8,188 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Clay CountyGR|6. The current chief executive of Brazil is Mayor Ann Bradshaw (Democrat).

History

In the 1840s, the owners of the farm which would later originate the city of Brazil decided to name their farm after the country of Brazil, because that country was often the subject of news at the time. [cite web|title=pt icon BBC Brasil, Economia e Iraque dividem votos na cidade Brazil|date=October 2004|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/portuguese/reporterbbc/story/2004/10/041011_brazilms.shtml|accessdate=2008-05-12] The city was founded in 1866 under the name of that farm. [cite web|title=Brazil Public Library, Library History|url=http://www.brazil.lib.in.us/history.asp|accessdate=2008-05-12]

The Chafariz dos Contos (Fountain of the Contos) was given by the country of Brazil as a gift to the city, as a symbol of friendship, and was assembled in Forest Park in 1956. It is a replica of the original fountain located in Ouro Preto, Brazil, built in 1745. [cite web|title=Chafariz Dos Contos Fountain|url=http://www.brazil.in.gov/Park/Chafariz%20dos%20contos%20fountain.htm|accessdate=2008-05-12]

Geography

Brazil is located at coor dms|39|31|30|N|87|7|39|W|city (39.525030, -87.127380)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.7 km²), of which, 3.3 square miles (8.7 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.89%) is water.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 8,188 people, 3,383 households, and 2,151 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,450.6 people per square mile (946.5/km²). There were 3,740 housing units at an average density of 1,119.3/sq mi (432.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.80% White, 0.64% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.

There were 3,383 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,902, and the median income for a family was $37,569. Males had a median income of $29,693 versus $20,215 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,123. About 10.7% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Brazil has a relatively low crime rate, but this is changing as the issue of methamphetamine manufacture, sale and use is increasing in southwestern Indiana. In April, 2006, a major arrest by local, county, state and Federal officials netted several suspects in Brazil in a meth distribution ring.

Brazil High School

Brazil High School, like many other Indiana schools, was designed by the Terre Haute architectural firm of Johnson, Miller, and Miller. It was built in 1916 at the corner of SR59 and Kruzan and graduated its last class in 1984, when it was consolidated with Staunton and Van Buren into Northview High School. It was razed and the site is now occupied by a YMCA, which has a memorial plaque in front engraved with a drawing of the old school.

Senior citizens

Though the above statistics would suggest otherwise, Brazil is home to an influential senior citizen population, who wield considerable political and cultural power in the life of the town. The two tallest buildings in the town proper are senior citizen housing complexes. The local McDonald's hosts a large weekly bingo game, whose participants are primarily senior citizens.But then again, it could simply be senior citizens from out of town and the surrounding area since census statistics in U.S towns and villages are usually very precise.

Traffic/street issues

The main street of Brazil is U.S. Highway 40, the historic National Road, which is referred to as National Avenue within Brazil. Due to frequent accidents on Interstate 70, five miles to the south of the town and often under construction, police often re-route traffic through Brazil, which creates traffic problems on U.S. 40 and the north-south Indiana Highway 59 (Forest Avenue, which intersects U.S. 40).

Many of Brazil's streets are in disrepair and very bumpy. The original brick roadbed is visible in many places through the asphalt. Also evident in several sections are stretches of the original brick streets in excellent condition, fine testament to their design and construction. However, many intersections have no traffic control devices (stop/yield signs).

The annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival often causes traffic problems on Indiana Highway 59.

Brazil's sewer/drainage system dates from the early 20th century. Even though large section of the sewer system were replaced in the late 20th century a moderate rainstorm will cause the storm drain system to back up and flood town streets.

Famous former residents

*Jimmy Hoffa, Union organizer
*Orville Redenbacher, popcorn tycoon
*Henry Lee Summer, 80s pop singer
*Charles B. Hall, Tuskegee Airman, first African American pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraftFact|date=September 2008
*Ralph Francis Stearley, Air Force General
*Harold "Babe" Wheeler, Hall of Fame High School Basketball Coach
*George N. Craig, Governor of Indiana; Past National Commander of American Legion
*William J. Barry, Public Affairs Specialist and photographer for the U.S. Coast Guard during Operation Noble Eagle, following the 9/11 attacks in New York City
*Michelle Deighton, contestant on Cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model
*Ivan Fuqua, winner of gold medal in 4x400 m relay at the 1932 Summer Olympics
*Johnnie Davis, musician, band leader

Nearby points of interest and sightseeing

*Clay County Courthouse - Was moved to Brazil from Bowling Green after Bowling Green's courthouse was burnt down. Some local historians say the fire was intentional.
*Community Theatre of Clay County
*The Marching Knights of Northview High School
*Chafariz Dos Contos Fountain at Forest Park
*Eddie's at the corner of Jackson St. and Walnut St. - 9 seat diner that has occupied the same location since 1935, known locally for small grilled hamburgers.

Area festivals

*Brazil Rotary’s Annual 4th of July Festival (ends on July 4)
*Clay County Popcorn Festival (First Weekend in October) [http://www.popcornfest.net PopcornFest.net]
*Christmas in the Park Celebration (Day after Thanksgiving until Dec 26th)
*Parke County Covered Bridge Festival (15 miles north of Brazil) (Starts second Friday in October, lasts two weeks) [http://coveredbridges.com CoveredBridges.com]
*Cory Apple Festival, Cory, IN. 15 Miles SW of Brazil in Clay County. (Last Full Weekend of September, Friday - Sunday) 812-864-2229 for details. coryapplefest.com

References

External links