Putnam Valley, New York
Encyclopedia
Putnam Valley is a town
in Putnam County
, New York
, United States
. The population was 10,686 at the 2000 census. Its location is northeast of New York City
.
The Town of Putnam Valley is in the southwest part of Putnam County. Putnam Valley calls itself the "Town of Lakes".
Putnam Valley is the birthplace of actor Tom Welling
, best known for his role as Clark Kent
in the TV series Smallville
. David Amram
resided in Putnam Valley for many decades, as did Jim Steinman
, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, broadway, screen star & Dallas' Miss Ellie, Barbara Bel Geddes
, as well as Roy Scheider
, and for a short-time SNL creator Lorne Michaels
.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump
bought land in Putnam Valley and later donated it to the State; in 2006 this parcel was renamed Donald J. Trump State Park.
The Sopranos
episode "Soprano Home Movies" in season 6 was shot on Lake Oscawana
. Malcolm X
was also filmed here, as well as the highway chase scene in Die Hard with a Vengeance.
The Town of Putnam Valley incorporated in 1839 as the "Town of Quincy", when it was separated from the Town of Philipstown
, and it took the name "Putnam Valley" in 1840 as a result of inhabitants being unfavorably impressed with John Quincy Adams
.
In 1861, a small part of the Town of Carmel
was added to Putnam Valley.
, the town has a total area of 43 square miles (111.4 km²) of which 41.4 square miles (107.2 km²) is land and 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²) (3.72%) is water.
The south town line is the border of Westchester County
.
The Taconic State Parkway
passes through eastern part of the town.
, there were 10,686 people, 3,676 households and 2,874 families residing in the town. The population density
was 258.2 per square mile (99.7/km²). There were 4,253 housing units at an average density of 102.7 per square mile (39.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.54% White, 1.60% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 1.28% from other races
, and 1.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.28% of the population.
There were 3,676 households of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples
living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.28.
Age distribution was 26.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.
The median household income
was $72,938, and the median family income was $82,576. Males had a median income of $56,976 versus $36,875 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $31,215. About 2.7% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in Putnam County
Putnam County, New York
Putnam County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, in the lower Hudson River Valley. Putnam county formed in 1812, when it detached from Dutchess County. , the population was 99,710. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. The county seat is the hamlet of Carmel...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 10,686 at the 2000 census. Its location is northeast of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
The Town of Putnam Valley is in the southwest part of Putnam County. Putnam Valley calls itself the "Town of Lakes".
Putnam Valley is the birthplace of actor Tom Welling
Tom Welling
Thomas John Patrick "Tom" Welling is an American actor, director, producer, and former model, best known for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the WB/CW series Smallville....
, best known for his role as Clark Kent
Clark Kent
Clark Kent is a fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, he debuted in Action Comics #1 and serves as the civilian and secret identity of the superhero Superman....
in the TV series Smallville
Smallville (TV series)
Smallville is an American television series developed by writers/producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar based on the DC Comics character Superman, originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The television series was initially broadcast by The WB Television Network , premiering on October...
. David Amram
David Amram
David Amram is an American composer, musician, conductor, and writer. As a classical composer and performer, his integration of jazz , ethnic and folk music has led him to work with the likes of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Willie Nelson, Langston...
resided in Putnam Valley for many decades, as did Jim Steinman
Jim Steinman
James Richard "Jim" Steinman is an American composer, lyricist, and Grammy Award-winning record producer responsible for several hit songs. He has also worked as an arranger, pianist, and singer...
, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, broadway, screen star & Dallas' Miss Ellie, Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes
Barbara Bel Geddes was an American actress, artist and children's author. She is best known for her role in the television drama series Dallas as matriarch Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Ewing. Bel Geddes also starred in the original Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the role of Maggie...
, as well as Roy Scheider
Roy Scheider
Roy Richard Scheider was an American actor. He was best known for his leading role as police chief Martin C...
, and for a short-time SNL creator Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels, CM is a Canadian-American television producer, writer, and comedian best known for creating and producing Saturday Night Live and producing the various film and TV projects that spun off from it.-Early life:...
.
Real estate mogul Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
bought land in Putnam Valley and later donated it to the State; in 2006 this parcel was renamed Donald J. Trump State Park.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
episode "Soprano Home Movies" in season 6 was shot on Lake Oscawana
Lake Oscawana
Lake Oscawana is a lake at the heart of Putnam Valley, New York State, United States.The lake has a depth that ranges from to . The lake is fed by a stream from its north end and it drains through a stream at the middle of its eastern shore...
. Malcolm X
Malcolm X (film)
Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical motion picture about the Muslim-American figure Malcolm X . It was co-written, co-produced, and directed by Spike Lee. It stars Denzel Washington as the titular character. It co-stars Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman, Jr., and Delroy Lindo...
was also filmed here, as well as the highway chase scene in Die Hard with a Vengeance.
History
In 1697, the Highland Patent was granted to Adolph Philipse. The first settlers arrived around 1740.The Town of Putnam Valley incorporated in 1839 as the "Town of Quincy", when it was separated from the Town of Philipstown
Philipstown, New York
Philipstown is a town located in the western part of Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 9,422 at the 2000 census.- History :The town was first settled around 1715....
, and it took the name "Putnam Valley" in 1840 as a result of inhabitants being unfavorably impressed with John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
.
In 1861, a small part of the Town of Carmel
Carmel, New York
Carmel is a town located in Putnam County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 36,465.There are no incorporated villages in the town, although the hamlets of Carmel and Mahopac each have populations sizable enough to be thought of as villages.The Town of Carmel...
was added to Putnam Valley.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 43 square miles (111.4 km²) of which 41.4 square miles (107.2 km²) is land and 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²) (3.72%) is water.
The south town line is the border of Westchester County
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
.
The Taconic State Parkway
Taconic State Parkway
The Taconic State Parkway , is a divided highway between Kensico Dam and Chatham, the longest parkway in the U.S. state of New York. It follows a generally northward route midway between the Hudson River and the Connecticut and Massachusetts state lines...
passes through eastern part of the town.
Demographics
At the 2000 censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, there were 10,686 people, 3,676 households and 2,874 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 258.2 per square mile (99.7/km²). There were 4,253 housing units at an average density of 102.7 per square mile (39.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.54% White, 1.60% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 1.28% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.28% of the population.
There were 3,676 households of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.28.
Age distribution was 26.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.
The median household income
Median household income
The median household income is commonly used to generate data about geographic areas and divides households into two equal segments with the first half of households earning less than the median household income and the other half earning more...
was $72,938, and the median family income was $82,576. Males had a median income of $56,976 versus $36,875 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $31,215. About 2.7% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.
Communities and locations in Putnam Valley
- Adams Corners – A hamlet in the southeast part of the town.
- Amen Hill – A hill inside the Putnam Valley Park, known for its steep slope.
- Appalachian Trail – The Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Putnam Valley.
- Bullet Hole – A hamlet by the east town line.
- California Hill State ForestCalifornia Hill State ForestCalifornia Hill State Forest is a New York State Forest in Putnam County, New York. The forest, about , was created in 2007 when the state bought land that made contiguous three existing multiple use areas at Pudding Street, Gordon Road, and California Hill....
- Christian Corners – A hamlet north of Oscawana Lake.
- Clarence Fahnestock State ParkClarence Fahnestock State ParkClarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park a 14,086 acre New York state park, in Putnam and Dutchess counties. The park has hiking trails, an environmental center, a beach on Canopus Lake, and fishing on four ponds and two lakes...
– A state parkState parkState parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
partly in the north part of the town. - Crofts Corners – A hamlet in the south half of the town.
- Dennytown Lake – Historic lake in the hamlet of Dennytown.
- Dennytown – A hamlet near the west town line.
- Gilbert Corners – A hamlet west of Oscawana Lake.
- Lake Peekskill – A hamlet near the south town line by a body of water called Lake PeekskillLake PeekskillLake Peekskill is a reservoir located in the town of Putnam Valley in Putnam County, New York. The lake, which was originally called Lower Cranberry Pond before being dammed, was developed in the 1920s by McGolrick Co., with summer cottages being sold to New York City residents. Now, however, most...
. - Oscawana Corners – A hamlet south of Oscawana Lake.
- Oscawana Lake – A lakeLakeA lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
in the center of the town. - Putnam Lake*Putnam Valley Town Park – A town park primarily in the southern part of town.
- Putnam Valley – The hamlet of Putnam Valley is near the south town line.
- Roaring Brook Lake – A hamlet around Roaring Brook Lake, east of the Taconic State Parkway.
- Roaring Brook – Historic stream running through the town and across the Taconic State Parkway. Flows into Roaring Brook Lake.
- Sunnybrook – A hamlet by the southwest shore of Oscawanna Lake.
- Three Arrows Cooperative SocietyThree Arrows Cooperative SocietyThree Arrows Cooperative Society is a cooperative summer colony located in Putnam Valley, NY. It was founded in 1936 by members of the Young People's Socialist League, from whence its name and emblem derive. The Society owns 125 acres of land which comprise 75 individual home sites as well as...
– A cooperative colony near Shrub Oak. - Tompkins Corners – A hamlet in the eastern part of the town.