Vassar, Matthew, 1792-1868, American philanthropist, founder of Vassar College, b. England. He emigrated to the United States with his father in 1796. In 1811, after his father's successful brewery in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., had burned, the son opened another, which in time became immensely prosperous. In 1861 he founded Vassar Female College, to which he gave more than $800,000; he also contributed to local charities and churches.

Clements, Vassar, 1928-2005, American virtuoso fiddle player, b. Kinards, S.C. Self-taught, he played with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys from 1949 to 1956. Though his roots were in country and western music and he began his career playing bluegrass, Clements was accomplished in many genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and swing. Known for his innovative style and technical prowess, he played or recorded with such diverse performers as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia, Earl Scruggs, John Hartford, and Dave Holland. Clements, who made more than 25 solo albums, also played the viola, cello, bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo.

Private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. It was founded as a college for women by Matthew Vassar (1792–1868) in 1861 but did not open until 1865. It became coeducational in 1968. Vassar offers undergraduate studies in most major disciplines, and it has master's degree programs in biology, chemistry, and drama. The F.L. Loeb Art Center houses one of the oldest art collections in the U.S.

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Vassar is a city in Tuscola County (the only city in Tuscola County) in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,823 at the 2000 census. The city is located on the western edge of Vassar Township, but is politically independent.

Geography

• According to the United States Census Bureau, the City of Vassar has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.8 km²). 2.2 square miles (5.8 km²) of it is land. The Cass River flows through the city.
• It is considered to be part of the Thumb of Michigan, which in turn is a subregion of the Flint/Tri-Cities.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,823 people, 991 households, and 676 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,266.2 per square mile (488.8/km²). There were 1,062 housing units at an average density of 476.3/sq mi (183.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.42% White, 8.25% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 1.35% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.94% of the population.

There were 991 households out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city the population was spread out with 34.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,087, and the median income for a family was $44,924. Males had a median income of $32,045 versus $22,305 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,029. About 6.3% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Vassar Public Schools

  - Mascot is the Vulcan

  - Vassar High School 9-12

  - Vassar Junior High School 7 & 8

  - Central Elementary School 3-6

  - Townsend North Elementary School K-2, Young 5's, B-4-K

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References