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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
| name = Sharon, Pennsylvania | name = Sharon, Pennsylvania
| settlement_type = ] | settlement_type = ]
| image_skyline = File:Science Building and Forker Laboratory, Penn State Shenango Campus.jpg | image_skyline = File:Downtown Sharon, Pennsylvania, 2021.jpg
| imagesize = | imagesize =
| image_alt = | image_alt =
| image_caption = ] on the ] in Sharon | image_caption = Downtown Sharon
| image_flag = | image_flag =
| flag_size = | flag_size =
| flag_alt = | flag_alt =
| flag_border = | flag_border =
| image_seal = | image_seal =
| seal_size = | seal_size =
| seal_alt = | seal_alt =
| seal_type = Symbol | seal_type = Symbol
| nickname = | nickname =
| image_map = File:Mercer County Pennsylvania Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sharon Highlighted.svg | image_map = File:Mercer County Pennsylvania Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sharon Highlighted.svg
| map_caption = Location of Sharon in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. | map_caption = Location of Sharon in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
| image_map1 = | coordinates = {{coord|41|13|48|N|80|29|56|W|display=inline,title}}
| map_caption1 = | subdivision_type = Country
| pushpin_map = United States | subdivision_name = United States
| pushpin_map_alt = | subdivision_type1 = State
⚫ | subdivision_name1 = ]
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Sharon within the United States
| subdivision_type2 = County
| coordinates = {{coord|41|13|48|N|80|29|56|W|display=inline,title}}
⚫ | subdivision_name2 = ]
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = United States | established_title = Established
| subdivision_type1 = State | established_date = 1795
| established_title1 = Incorporated (borough)
⚫ | subdivision_name1 = Pennsylvania
| subdivision_type2 = County | established_date1 = October 6, 1841
| established_title2 = Incorporated (city)
⚫ | subdivision_name2 = ]
| established_title = Established | established_date2 = December 17, 1917
| established_date = 1795 | government_type = Home Rule
| established_title1 = Incorporated (borough) | leader_party =
| established_date1 = October 6, 1841 | leader_title = Mayor
| established_title2 = Incorporated (city) | leader_name =
| established_date2 = December 17, 1917 | unit_pref = Imperial
⚫ <!-- Metric -->| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_42.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
| government_type = Home Rule
| leader_party = | area_total_sq_mi = 3.77
| leader_title = Mayor | area_land_sq_mi = 3.77
| leader_name = | area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
| unit_pref = Imperial | area_water_percent = 0
| area_total_km2 = 9.77
⚫ <!-- Metric -->| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_42.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi = 3.77 | area_land_km2 = 9.77
| area_land_sq_mi = 3.77 | area_water_km2 = 0.00
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.00 | elevation_footnotes =
| area_water_percent = 0 | elevation_m =
| area_total_km2 = 9.77 | elevation_ft = 1000
| area_land_km2 = 9.77 | elevation_max_m =
| area_water_km2 = 0.00 | elevation_max_ft =
| official_name = | elevation_min_m =
| elevation_footnotes = | elevation_min_ft =
| elevation_m = | population_total = 13147
| elevation_ft = 1000 | population_as_of = 2020
⚫ | population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |title=QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census |publisher=Census}}</ref>
| elevation_max_m =
| population_density_sq_mi = 3487.27
| elevation_max_ft =
| population_density_km2 = 1345.65
| elevation_min_m =
| elevation_min_ft = | timezone1 = ]
| population_total = 13147 | utc_offset1 = -4
| population_as_of = 2020 | timezone1_DST = ]
| utc_offset1_DST = -5
⚫ |population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |title=QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census |publisher=Census}}</ref>
| population_density_sq_mi = 3487.27 | postal_code_type = Zip Code
| population_density_km2 = 1345.65 | postal_code = 16146
| timezone1 = ] | area_code = ], ]
| utc_offset1 = -4 | website =
| timezone1_DST = ] | blank_name = ]
| utc_offset1_DST = -5 | blank_info = 42-69720
| postal_code_type = Zip code
| postal_code = 16146
| area_code = ], ]
| website =
| blank_name = ]
| blank_info = 42-69720
}} }}
'''Sharon''' is a city in western ], United States. The city, located along the banks of the ] on the state border with ], is about {{convert|15|mi|km}} northeast of ], about {{convert|65|mi|km}} southeast of ] and about {{convert|60|mi|km}} northwest of ]. The population was 13,147 at the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census |publisher=Census}}</ref> It is part of the ].
'''Sharon''' is a city in ], ], in the ], {{convert|75|mi|km}} northwest of ]. It is part of the ].


==History== ==History==
]]]
The Sharon area was first settled in 1795. It was incorporated as a ] on October 6, 1841, and incorporated as a city on December 17, 1918. The city operated under the Pennsylvania third-class city code until 2008, at which point it adopted a home rule charter under which the elected position of mayor was replaced with a hired city manager and financial officer. The Sharon area was first settled in 1795. It was incorporated as a ] on October 6, 1841, and incorporated as a city on December 17, 1918. The city operated under the Pennsylvania third-class city code until 2008, at which point it adopted a home rule charter under which the elected position of mayor was replaced with a hired city manager and financial officer.


The founding families of Sharon first settled on a flat plain bordering the ], between two hills on the southwestern edge of what is today Sharon's downtown business district. According to local legend, the community received its name from a Bible-reading settler who likened the location to the ] in ]. The founding families of Sharon first settled on a flat plain bordering the ], between two hills on the southwestern edge of what is today Sharon's downtown business district. According to local legend, the community received its name from a Bible-reading settler who likened the location to the ] in ].


Initially a center of coal mining, Sharon's economy transitioned to iron and steelmaking and other heavy industry after the arrival of the ] in the 1840s. Following extensive national ] of the 1970s and '80s, the city's economy diversified and is now based primarily on light industry, education, health care, and social services. Initially a center of coal mining, Sharon's economy transitioned to iron and steelmaking and other heavy industry after the arrival of the ] in the 1840s. Following extensive national ] of the 1970s and 1980s, the city's economy diversified and is now based primarily on light industry, education, health care, and social services.


Prior to Prohibition in 1919, Sharon was once home to a large commercial beer brewery, Union Brewing Co., which was forced to close its doors like many U.S. breweries of the era. Prior to Prohibition in 1919, Sharon was home to a large commercial beer brewery, Union Brewing Co., which was forced to close its doors like many U.S. breweries of the era. During World War II the Westinghouse Electric Corporation at Sharon produced 10,000 torpedoes for the US Navy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1945-10-07 |title=10,000 of the Torpedoes Made |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/10/07/archives/10000-of-the-torpedoes-made.html |access-date=2023-08-03 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


In 2004, local politicians proposed the creation of the city of Shenango Valley, a new municipality consisting of Sharon as well as ], ], ], and ] with the issue being put on the ballot in the form of a referendum.<ref name="2004 merger">{{cite web |last1=Gwin |first1=Harold |title=Here are some answers to questions on consolidation in Shenango Valley |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190702142509/https://www.vindy.com/news/2004/oct/30/here-are-some-answers-to-questions-on/ |website=] |access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref> Then ], ] voiced support for the measure and would be joined by ], Secretary of the ], and ], Secretary of the ] with the trio touring the region to urge for voters to pass the motion.<ref name="2004 merger" /> The city would largely be an expansion of Hermitage, whose city government would be retained including the office of mayor and its nine-member city council.<ref name="2004 merger" /> The merger would have kept the various independent school districts intact.<ref name="2004 merger" /> The effort would ultimately be defeated, and via the ordinance, the issue of merger could not be brought up again until 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shenango Valley City Proposed 2004 Creation |url=https://www.localgeohistory.pro/en/pa/event/shenango-valley-city-proposed-2004-creation/ |website=localgeohistory.pro |access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref>
The ] was added to the ] in 1977.<ref>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>


⚫ ==Geography==
⚫ Sharon is the home of the original ], which opened in 1974,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sharon: The Original|url=https://thelube.com/locations/pennsylvania/the-original-sharon/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=Quaker Steak & Lube®|language=en-US}}</ref> and formerly ].
⚫ Sharon is located at {{coord|41|13|48|N|80|29|56|W|type:city}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> in southwestern ]. The city borders the city of ] to the north and east, the city of ] to the south, and on the west the ]s of ] and ].

⚫ == Geography ==
⚫ Sharon is located at {{coord|41|13|48|N|80|29|56|W|type:city}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> in southwest Mercer County. The city borders the city of ] to the north and east, the city of ] to the south, and on the west the ]s of ] and ].


According to the ], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.8|sqmi|km2}}, all land. The ] runs through the city and provides drinking water to Sharon and several surrounding communities. According to the ], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.8|sqmi|km2}}, all land. The ] flows through the city and provides drinking water to Sharon and several surrounding communities.


==Demography== ==Demographics==
{{US Census population {{US Census population
|1850= 541 |1850= 541
Line 113: Line 106:
|2010= 14038 |2010= 14038
|2020= 13147 |2020= 13147
⚫ |footnote=Sources:<ref>{{cite web|title=Number of Inhabitants: Pennsylvania|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/17216604v1p40ch02.pdf|work=18th Census of the United States|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pennsylvania: Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-40.pdf|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012|url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611010502/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|archive-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census |publisher=Census}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Census |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census.gov}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |first1=Census |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census.gov}}</ref>
⚫ |footnote=Sources:<ref>{{cite web|title=Number of Inhabitants: Pennsylvania|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/17216604v1p40ch02.pdf|work=18th Census of the United States|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pennsylvania: Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-40.pdf|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012|url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611010502/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html|archive-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sharoncitypennsylvania,US/PST045219 |website=Census |publisher=Census}}</ref>
}} }}


As of the ]<ref name="GR2"/> of 2000, there were 16,328 people, 6,791 households, and 4,189 families residing in the city. The ] was 4,342.6 people per square mile (1,676.7/km{{sup|2}}). There were 7,388 housing units at an average density of 1,964.9 per square mile (758.6/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 86.44% ], 10.85% ], 0.21% ], 0.18% ], 0.02% ], 0.23% from ], and 2.08% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 0.88% of the population. As of the ]<ref name="GR2"/> of 2000, there were 16,328 people, 6,791 households, and 4,189 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|4,342.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 7,388 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,964.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 86.44% ], 10.85% ], 0.21% ], 0.18% ], 0.02% ], 0.23% from ], and 2.08% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 0.88% of the population.


From the Census Ancestry Question, Sharon has the following ethnic make-up: German 21%, Irish 14%, Italian 11%, Black or African American 11%, English 8%, Polish 5%, Slovak 5%, Welsh 3%, Scots-Irish 2%, Hungarian 2%, Dutch 2%, French (except Basque) 2%, Croatian 1%, Scottish 1%, Russian 1%, Swedish 1%, Arab 1%, Slavic 1%, American Indian tribes, specified 1%. Sharon's Jewish community is served by the ] ]. From the Census Ancestry Question, Sharon has the following ethnic make-up: German 21%, Irish 14%, Italian 11%, Black or African American 11%, English 8%, Polish 5%, Slovak 5%, Welsh 3%, Scots-Irish 2%, Hungarian 2%, Dutch 2%, French (except Basque) 2%, Croatian 1%, Scottish 1%, Russian 1%, Swedish 1%, Arab 1%, Slavic 1%, American Indian tribes, specified 1%. Sharon's Jewish community is served by the ] ].
Line 126: Line 118:


The median income for a household in the city was $26,945, and the median income for a family was $34,581. Males had a median income of $30,072 versus $20,988 for females. The ] for the city was $15,913. About 14.0% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the ], including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over. The median income for a household in the city was $26,945, and the median income for a family was $34,581. Males had a median income of $30,072 versus $20,988 for females. The ] for the city was $15,913. About 14.0% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the ], including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==
The ] is a historic mansion that was built in 1891 for the Buhl family, which owned the Sharon Iron Works. The ] ] residence has {{frac|2|1|2}} storeys. Noted ] architect ] (1846–1935) designed it in the ] style.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp| title = National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania| publisher = CRGIS: Cultural Geographic Information System| format = Searchable database| access-date = 2012-03-21| archive-date = 2007-07-21| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070721014609/https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp| url-status = dead}} ''Note:'' This includes {{cite web| url = {{NRHP-PA|H000606_01H.pdf}}| title = National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Frank H. Buhl Mansion| accessdate = 2012-03-21| author = Michael J. O'Malley| format = PDF| date = n.d.}}</ref> It was added to the ] in 1977.<ref>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>

] is a ] along the Shenango River. It is one of 16 flood control projects in the ] district of the ]. It is a popular site for camping, fishing and outdoor recreation.

Sharon has hosted annual ] festivals since 2013, a free public art installation designed by ] which consists of 80 burning braziers along the Shenango River in downtown Sharon. On average, WaterFire Sharon events host 40,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://waterfireinternational.com/worldwide/#sharon |title=WorldWide Installations |publisher=WaterFire International |access-date=July 28, 2024 }}</ref>

⚫ Sharon is the home of the original ], which opened in 1974,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sharon: The Original|url=https://thelube.com/locations/pennsylvania/the-original-sharon/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=Quaker Steak & Lube®|language=en-US}}</ref> and formerly ].


==Education== ==Education==
{{align|right|] on the ] in Sharon]]}}
The ] maintains three K-6 elementary schools: Case Avenue, C.M. Musser, and West Hill. It has one combined middle/high school, the 7-12 Sharon Middle/High School. The school colors are black and orange, and the school mascot is the Tiger.
Children in Sharon are served by the ]. The district colors are black and orange, and the school mascot is the Tiger. The following schools currently serve Sharon:
*Case Avenue Elementary School – grades K-6
*C.M. Musser Elementary School – grades K-6
*West Hill Elementary School – grades K-6
*Sharon Middle School – grades 7-8
*Sharon High School – grades 9-12

St. Joseph's School served as the parochial school for Sharon until 2011 when it closed as part of a merger between Notre Dame School and ] to form the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools. Parochial school students in Sharon now attend St. John Paul II Elementary School, Kennedy Catholic Middle School and Kennedy Catholic High School in nearby Hermitage.


Sharon is home to the ] campus of ], which offers several two-year and four-year degrees. It also hosts Laurel Technical Institute, a for-profit trade school, and the Sharon Regional Health System School of Nursing. Sharon is home to the ] campus of ], which offers several two-year and four-year degrees. It also hosts Laurel Technical Institute, a for-profit trade school, and the Sharon Regional Health System School of Nursing.


== Tourism == ==Media==
⚫ Because of Sharon's location on the Pennsylvania/Ohio border, it is served by ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]), all broadcast from nearby ].
* ]

* ]
⚫ Sharon is served by ] such as ] (]), ], ] (]), and by ] such as ], ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).
* ]


==Notable people== ==Notable people==
Line 144: Line 153:
* ] – ] coach, Pittsburgh Steelers, Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary coach * ] – ] coach, Pittsburgh Steelers, Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary coach
* ] – judge * ] – judge
* ] – steel businessman and philanthropist
* ] – founder, lead vocalist, ], president ] * ] – founder, lead vocalist, ], president ]
* ] – former National Football League ] * ] – former National Football League ]
Line 149: Line 159:
* ] – Drummer for ] and his older brother ], Grammy Award-winning LA studio drummer known for the Simpsons, Family Guy and many others. * ] – Drummer for ] and his older brother ], Grammy Award-winning LA studio drummer known for the Simpsons, Family Guy and many others.
* ] – artist, Pennsylvania Impressionism School * ] – artist, Pennsylvania Impressionism School
* ] – ], ] (2010–present) * ] – ], ] (2010–present)
* ] – ] for the ] (1905) * ] – ] for the ] (1905)
* ] – stand-up comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker * ] – stand-up comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker
Line 168: Line 178:
* ] - founder and president, ] * ] - founder and president, ]
* ] – actor * ] – actor
* ] – ] of the ]<ref>, October 21, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.</ref>
* ] – former ] in the National Football League and ] * ] – former ] in the National Football League and ]
* ] – author, rock musician and member of the group ] * ] – author, rock musician and member of the group ]
Line 176: Line 187:
* ] – poet, translator, editor of ''The New Formalist'' * ] – poet, translator, editor of ''The New Formalist''
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}

==Broadcast media==

=== Television ===
⚫ Because of Sharon's location on the Pennsylvania/Ohio border, it is served by ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]), all broadcast from nearby ].

===Radio===
⚫ Sharon is served by ] such as ] (]), ], ] (]), and by ] such as ], ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).


==See also== ==See also==

Latest revision as of 20:12, 4 November 2024

City in Pennsylvania, United States
Sharon, Pennsylvania
City
Downtown SharonDowntown Sharon
Location of Sharon in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.Location of Sharon in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Coordinates: 41°13′48″N 80°29′56″W / 41.23000°N 80.49889°W / 41.23000; -80.49889
CountryUnited States
StatePennsylvania
CountyMercer
Established1795
Incorporated (borough)October 6, 1841
Incorporated (city)December 17, 1917
Government
 • TypeHome Rule
Area
 • Total3.77 sq mi (9.77 km)
 • Land3.77 sq mi (9.77 km)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km)  0%
Elevation1,000 ft (300 m)
Population
 • Total13,147
 • Density3,487.27/sq mi (1,345.65/km)
Time zoneUTC-4 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (EDT)
Zip Code16146
Area code(s)724, 878
FIPS code42-69720
Websitewww.cityofsharon.net

Sharon is a city in western Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. The city, located along the banks of the Shenango River on the state border with Ohio, is about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Youngstown, about 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Cleveland and about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Pittsburgh. The population was 13,147 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hermitage micropolitan area.

History

Frank H. Buhl Mansion

The Sharon area was first settled in 1795. It was incorporated as a borough on October 6, 1841, and incorporated as a city on December 17, 1918. The city operated under the Pennsylvania third-class city code until 2008, at which point it adopted a home rule charter under which the elected position of mayor was replaced with a hired city manager and financial officer.

The founding families of Sharon first settled on a flat plain bordering the Shenango River, between two hills on the southwestern edge of what is today Sharon's downtown business district. According to local legend, the community received its name from a Bible-reading settler who likened the location to the Plain of Sharon in Israel.

Initially a center of coal mining, Sharon's economy transitioned to iron and steelmaking and other heavy industry after the arrival of the Erie Extension Canal in the 1840s. Following extensive national deindustrialization of the 1970s and 1980s, the city's economy diversified and is now based primarily on light industry, education, health care, and social services.

Prior to Prohibition in 1919, Sharon was home to a large commercial beer brewery, Union Brewing Co., which was forced to close its doors like many U.S. breweries of the era. During World War II the Westinghouse Electric Corporation at Sharon produced 10,000 torpedoes for the US Navy.

In 2004, local politicians proposed the creation of the city of Shenango Valley, a new municipality consisting of Sharon as well as Hermitage, Sharpsville, Farrell, and Wheatland with the issue being put on the ballot in the form of a referendum. Then Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell voiced support for the measure and would be joined by Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, and Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development with the trio touring the region to urge for voters to pass the motion. The city would largely be an expansion of Hermitage, whose city government would be retained including the office of mayor and its nine-member city council. The merger would have kept the various independent school districts intact. The effort would ultimately be defeated, and via the ordinance, the issue of merger could not be brought up again until 2009.

Geography

Sharon is located at 41°13′48″N 80°29′56″W / 41.23000°N 80.49889°W / 41.23000; -80.49889 in southwestern Mercer County. The city borders the city of Hermitage to the north and east, the city of Farrell to the south, and on the west the census-designated places of Masury and West Hill, Ohio.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 square miles (9.8 km), all land. The Shenango River flows through the city and provides drinking water to Sharon and several surrounding communities.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850541—
186090066.4%
18704,221369.0%
18805,68434.7%
18907,45931.2%
19008,91619.5%
191015,27071.3%
192021,74742.4%
193025,90819.1%
194025,622−1.1%
195026,4543.2%
196025,267−4.5%
197022,653−10.3%
198019,057−15.9%
199017,493−8.2%
200016,328−6.7%
201014,038−14.0%
202013,147−6.3%
Sources:

As of the census of 2000, there were 16,328 people, 6,791 households, and 4,189 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,342.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,676.7/km). There were 7,388 housing units at an average density of 1,964.9 per square mile (758.7/km). The racial makeup of the city was 86.44% White, 10.85% African American, 0.21% Asian, 0.18% Native American, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 2.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.88% of the population.

From the Census Ancestry Question, Sharon has the following ethnic make-up: German 21%, Irish 14%, Italian 11%, Black or African American 11%, English 8%, Polish 5%, Slovak 5%, Welsh 3%, Scots-Irish 2%, Hungarian 2%, Dutch 2%, French (except Basque) 2%, Croatian 1%, Scottish 1%, Russian 1%, Swedish 1%, Arab 1%, Slavic 1%, American Indian tribes, specified 1%. Sharon's Jewish community is served by the Reform Jewish Temple Beth Israel.

There were 6,791 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was distributed with 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,945, and the median income for a family was $34,581. Males had a median income of $30,072 versus $20,988 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,913. About 14.0% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

The Frank H. Buhl Mansion is a historic mansion that was built in 1891 for the Buhl family, which owned the Sharon Iron Works. The ashlar sandstone residence has 2+1⁄2 storeys. Noted Youngstown architect Charles Henry Owsley (1846–1935) designed it in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Shenango River Lake is a reservoir along the Shenango River. It is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh district of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It is a popular site for camping, fishing and outdoor recreation.

Sharon has hosted annual WaterFire festivals since 2013, a free public art installation designed by Barnaby Evans which consists of 80 burning braziers along the Shenango River in downtown Sharon. On average, WaterFire Sharon events host 40,000 visitors.

Sharon is the home of the original Quaker Steak & Lube, which opened in 1974, and formerly The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Education

Science Building and Forker Laboratory on the Penn State Shenango Campus in Sharon

Children in Sharon are served by the Sharon City School District. The district colors are black and orange, and the school mascot is the Tiger. The following schools currently serve Sharon:

  • Case Avenue Elementary School – grades K-6
  • C.M. Musser Elementary School – grades K-6
  • West Hill Elementary School – grades K-6
  • Sharon Middle School – grades 7-8
  • Sharon High School – grades 9-12

St. Joseph's School served as the parochial school for Sharon until 2011 when it closed as part of a merger between Notre Dame School and Kennedy Catholic High School to form the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools. Parochial school students in Sharon now attend St. John Paul II Elementary School, Kennedy Catholic Middle School and Kennedy Catholic High School in nearby Hermitage.

Sharon is home to the Shenango campus of Pennsylvania State University, which offers several two-year and four-year degrees. It also hosts Laurel Technical Institute, a for-profit trade school, and the Sharon Regional Health System School of Nursing.

Media

Because of Sharon's location on the Pennsylvania/Ohio border, it is served by WKBN-TV (CBS), WFMJ-TV (NBC), WYTV (ABC), WYFX-LD (Fox) and WBCB (CW), all broadcast from nearby Youngstown, OH.

Sharon is served by AM radio stations such as WLOA (1470 AM) (Farrell, PA), WPIC (790 AM), WKBN (570 AM) (Youngstown, OH), and by FM radio stations such as WYFM/"Y-103" (102.9 FM), WLLF/"The River" (96.7 FM) (Mercer, PA), WYLE/"Willie 95.1" (95.1 FM) (Grove City, PA), WMXY/"Mix 98.9" (98.9 FM) (Youngstown, OH) and WWIZ/"Z-104" (West Middlesex, PA).

Notable people

See also

References

  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  2. "QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States". Census. Census.
  3. "QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States". Census. Census.
  4. "10,000 of the Torpedoes Made". The New York Times. October 7, 1945. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  5. ^ Gwin, Harold. "Here are some answers to questions on consolidation in Shenango Valley". The Vindicator. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  6. "Shenango Valley City Proposed 2004 Creation". localgeohistory.pro. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
  7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. "Number of Inhabitants: Pennsylvania" (PDF). 18th Census of the United States. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  9. "Pennsylvania: Population and Housing Unit Counts" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. "Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 11, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  12. "QuickFacts Sharon city, Pennsylvania; United States". Census. Census.
  13. "Census". Census.gov.
  14. "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania". CRGIS: Cultural Geographic Information System. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on July 21, 2007. Retrieved March 21, 2012. Note: This includes Michael J. O'Malley (n.d.). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Frank H. Buhl Mansion" (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  15. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  16. "WorldWide Installations". WaterFire International. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  17. "Sharon: The Original". Quaker Steak & Lube®. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  18. Episcopal News Service, "After 24 years of adaptive ministry, Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe faces biggest challenge yet", October 21, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.

External links

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