Houtzdale, Pennsylvania

Houtzdale is a borough in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 797 at the 2010 census.[3] Houtzdale is often referred to as Houtzdale Borough, Houtzdale, or "the Borough" (mainly used by residents of Houtzdale).

Houtzdale, Pennsylvania
Borough
Houtzdale, Pennsylvania
Location of Houtzdale in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
Map showing Clearfield County in Pennsylvania
Houtzdale
Pennsylvania
Houtzdale
Houtzdale (the United States)
Coordinates: 40°49′34″N 78°21′06″W
CountryUnited States
StatePennsylvania
CountyClearfield
Settled1870
IncorporatedMarch 20, 1872 (Borough)
Government
 • TypeBorough Council
Area
 • Total0.38 sq mi (0.99 km2)
 • Land0.38 sq mi (0.99 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,530 ft (470 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total797
 • Estimate 
(2018)[2]
749
 • Density1,971.28/sq mi (761.37/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
16651
Area code(s)814 Exchange: 378
FIPS code42-35928

History

Houtzdale is named after Dr. Daniel Houtz, the original owner of the town site.[4] The town was built quickly in the late 19th century and is structured on a square grid plan. Focused mainly on the railroad and Coal industry, the town served as a hub for the railroad which made its way onto Ramey and Madera to the West.

Currently Houtzdale is seeing a decline in residence and a rise in vacant lots and blighted structures. However, in recent years a redevelopment and revitalization plan has been drafted by the Borough Council.

Key To The City

Houtzdale in 2019 introduced the Key to the City award for outstanding members of the Houtzdale Community and surrounding area. Although the Borough is not a city, the council thought that there needed to be some award for acts of good that are done in the borough. The award was given prior to 2019, however there was no official stance by the council to use this award often. The award was given twice in the first year, and the council looks forward to seeing it given more often. The award can be given to one person or a group of people, however only one key is presented to the recipient whether it be a group or single individual.

Recipients of The Key to the City
Name Date
Previous Awards
Houtzdale Dollar General Store (grand opening)
2019
Aaron Wonderling May 5, 2019
Members of the Houtzdale Legion Honor Guard July 25, 2019

Covid-19 Pandemic Affects and Timeline

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused pandemic, also known as the Coronavirus disease 2019, reached the central Pennsylvania area late in its progression throughout the state.

  • On March 12, 2020 Public Relations Representative Councilmember Zachary Bloom begins updating the public daily via the Boroughs Facebook page about the Covid-19 outbreak numbers.
  • On March 16, 2020 via the Boroughs Facebook page, the Council and Mayor issue a press release in anticipation of the upcoming affects of the pandemic. This includes a link to the newly established Borough webpage (houtzdalepa.com), to allow the Council to know about residents who need assistance as well as those who wish to help.[5]
  • At 8 p.m. on March 19, 2020 under order from Governor Tom Wolf all non-essential businesses for the entire state are closed.[6] This closed some businesses within the limits of the Borough, and moved medical facilities to emergency care only.
    • Council Leadership and the Mayor issue a statement about this order via the Borough Facebook page saying, "Our Borough will make it through this, and we must come together as a community to do so." [7]
  • On March 20, 2020 the first cases of the virus are reported in a neighboring county when Centre county reports 1 case.
    • Council and the Mayor issue a statement saying, "As of noon today, the state has reported that our neighbors in Centre county have a case of Covid-19. Though this news is not unexpected, it is now hitting closer to home than before. As we progress into next week, there is a possibility that our county will be added to the list of those confirming cases. Whether or not the county is added tomorrow or two weeks from now, Covid-19 is on our doorstep today." [8]
  • On March 25, 2020 the first cases of the virus are reported in Clearfield County. Council Members are un-officially reassured that the cases are not within the Borough.
  • On April 1, 2020 the Governor issues a statewide stay at home order which read, "All individuals residing in the Commonwealth are ordered to stay at home except as needed to access, support, or provide life-sustaining business, emergency, or government services..."[9]
  • On April 9, 2020 Pennsylvania Education Secretary Pedro Rivera extends the school closure order, extending it to the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The order states, "I hereby order that all school entities, which Act 13 defines as any school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, or regional charter school a child attends in order to fulfill the compulsory attendance requirements of the School Code, shall remain closed until the end of the 2019-2020 academic year."[10]
  • On April 13, 2020 due to concern over future impacts of the pandemic, and under the guidance of county officials and the Borough Council Solicitor, Mayor Izen Lingenfelter declares a state of emergency for the Borough. Acting under PA General Assembly Consolidated Statute Title 8: Boroughs and Incorporated Towns, Chapter 10A section 06[11], the Mayor once having enacted the State of Emergency can combat emergencies in a more streamlined and effective manner. Although the Borough has no standing police force, the Mayor under this section is given powers to call upon other municipal emergency services for assistance, and is allowed to request federal and state aid. The Borough Council votes unanimously to affirm and uphold this declaration.
  • On May 7, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf extends the Stay at Home order to June 4, 2020.[12]
  • On May 8, Clearfield County moves into "Yellow Phase," and non-essentials businesses are allowed to reopen with certain guidelines from the State.[13]

Though the pandemic is still affecting the area, the new "yellow phase" has allowed many businesses in the Borough that were previously closed to reopen. The Borough Council however is continuing to watch the pandemic closely to ensure the safety of Borough residents and visitors.

Government

The Borough Council consists of 7 members, who are elected in the general elections. They serve four (4) year terms with seats coming available every 2 years. There are no wards within the borough so each member serves the people in an at large position.

The Council is currently headed by President Jessie Lamison and Vice-President James Love. Other members include Micheal Tomko, James Twoey, Lanny Shaffer, Merle Hayward, and Zachary Bloom.

Current Council Members
Name Elected or Appointed Council Member Since Number of Terms Start Year of Current Term Seat up for Election
Zachary Bloom Elected 2016 2 2018 2021 to start 2022
James Twoey Elected 2014 2 2018 2021 to start 2022
James Love Elected 2007 4 2020 2023 to start 2024
Merle Heywood Elected 2012 3 2020 2023 to start 2024
Jesse Lamison Elected 2012 3 2020 2023 to start 2024
Lanny Shaffer Elected 2014 2 2018 2021 to start 2022
Mike Tomko Elected 2014 2 2018 2021 to start 2022

Mayors

The town also has an elected mayor. This position is mainly ceremonial at the current time due to lacking responsibilities. The position is a four (4) year term. The position is currently held by Izen Lingenfelter who was elected in 2019 for a term starting January 2020.

Prior to an unknown date, it is believed that the title of "Chief Burgess" was used instead of "Mayor." From the minutes and ordinances of the Borough, it seems as though the position and duties of the Chief Burgess were similar if not identical to today's position and duties of the Mayor.

Mayoral Election of 2017

In the primary election of 2017, incumbent Camille "Bud" George was voted onto the November General Election ballot. On September 1st of that year, Mr. George passed away at the age of 89. The proximity of his passing to the General Election meant that the Council had little to no time to remove his name from the ballot. It was due to this that on November 7, his name appeared as an option. When all the votes were counted, Camille George had a narrow winning margin, thus a problem arose. There were however two write-in campaigns which had taken place. Robert Hanna and John Bumbarger had both placed there hat in the ring by standing at the polling place on election day. Between these two individuals, Robert Hanna had the most votes. In the event that a mayoral seat is not filled, the Pennsylvania Borough Code allows for the Borough Council to appoint someone to the position. Since Robert Hanna had come in second only to Camille George, it was decided by Council that he should take the seat. Council Member Zachary Bloom was quoted as saying, "We saw a lot of people pay tribute to the memory of Mr. George. We also saw the people choose the new mayor, in our opinion, by voting like they did for Mr. Hanna." The council appointed Robert Hanna by unanimous vote in 2018.

Chief Burgesses
Name From To
P. J. McCullogh ≈1872 Unknown*
**
C. P. Saupp Unknown 1899
S. T. Gleason 1900 Unknown
Chas W. Martin Unknown Mid 1906
John J. Gorman Mid 1906 Mid 1908
***

*There is a gap in the record here due to a lack of completed historical research to accurately pinpoint who was the Chief Burgess in the years between 1872 and 1899.

**The word "Unknown" has been placed where a lack of completed historical research leaves no start or end date.

***This table is still being edited to reflect the list of chief burgesses

Mayors
Name Elected or Appointed From To Number of Terms
*
Colleen Lutchko Elected 2012
Camille "Bud" George Elected 2013 2017 1
Robert Hanna Appointed 2018 2019 1**
Izen Lingenfelter Elected 2020 - 1

*This table is still being edited to reflect the list of mayors

**Appointed seats can only serve for a maximum of two years, meaning the seat went up for election again in November 2019 Election

Geography

Houtzdale is located in southeastern Clearfield County at 40°49′34″N 78°21′6″W (40.825984, -78.351663).[14] It is bordered to the north by the borough of Brisbin. Pennsylvania Route 53 passes through Houtzdale, leading east 5 miles (8 km) to Osceola Mills and west 9 miles (14 km) to Glen Hope. Pennsylvania Route 153 leads north from Houtzdale 17 miles (27 km) to Clearfield, the county seat, and south via PA 453 18 miles (29 km) to Tyrone.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Houtzdale has a total area of 0.38 square miles (0.99 km2), all of it land.[3]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18802,060—
18902,2318.3%
19001,482−33.6%
19101,434−3.2%
19201,5044.9%
19301,351−10.2%
19401,4305.8%
19501,306−8.7%
19601,239−5.1%
19701,193−3.7%
19801,2222.4%
19901,204−1.5%
2000941−21.8%
2010797−15.3%
Est. 2018749[2]−6.0%
Sources:[15][16][17]

As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 941 people, 380 households, and 275 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,682.2 people per square mile (1,038.1/km²). There were 432 housing units at an average density of 1,231.4 per square mile (476.6/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 99.57% White, 0.21% Native American, and 0.21% from two or more races.

There were 380 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the borough, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $29,219, and the median income for a family was $33,309. Males had a median income of $27,039 versus $20,438 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $14,177. About 9.3% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.2% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people
  • Mayor Camille George (1927-2017), who was a member of the Pennsylvania State House from 1975 to 2012.[18]
  • Irving Kahal (1903–1942), popular song lyricist in the 1920s and 1930s.

References
  1. "2017 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved Mar 24, 2019.
  2. Bureau, U. S. Census. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. US Census Bureau. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  3. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Houtzdale borough, Pennsylvania". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on May 1, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  4. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 162.
  5. "Houtzdale Borough". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  6. Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania, Order of The Governor of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Regarding The Closure of All Businesses That Are Not Life Sustaining, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Office of the Governor. March 19, 2020.
  7. "Houtzdale Borough". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  8. "Houtzdale Borough". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  9. Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania, Order of The Governor of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania For Individuals to Stay at Home, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Office of the Governor. April 1, 2020.
  10. Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Act 13 Order, The Pennsylvania Department of Education, April 9, 2020.
  11. "Title 8". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  12. Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania, Amendment to the Order of The Governor of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania For Individuals to Stay at Home, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Office of the Governor. May 7, 2020.
  13. "Gov. Wolf Announces Reopening of 24 Counties Beginning May 8". Governor Tom Wolf. 2020-05-01. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  14. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  15. "Census of Population and Housing". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  16. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  17. "Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Resident Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  18. "Camille Bud George". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
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