Randolph Village Police District - History & Population

West Randolph, VT - 1886

 

Randolph Village Police District - History & Population

The village of Randolph used to be known as West Randolph and was first incorporated in 1876, with a total population of about 2,829 residents, primarily residing in the village. This compares to a 2020 village population of 2,102 residents, a decline of 25% compared to 148 years ago. The village police force was established sometime in the 1890’s, when the area was entirely dirt roads and the primary mode of transportation was railroads, horses and wagons. 

Main Street, Randolph, VT circa 1900

The village was densely populated with residents and numerous, thriving businesses all located to take advantage of river water and railroad for manufacturing. The railroad was the major source of transportation for raw materials and finished products until well after the interstate was built in the 1960’s. 

Main Street, Randolph, VT - 1950's

Travel to and from various locations around Randolph was far more difficult when the village was surrounded by dirt roads and farm land. For example, state route 66 was not built until 1951; prior to that, travel between East Randolph, Randolph Center and Randolph village (formerly West Randolph) was arduous and time consuming.  Essentially, people did not travel far from home very often, and most activity was in the village, so there was no need to have local police outside of the village.

Until the 1960’s Randolph village had 5 different grocery stores, in addition to major industrial manufacturing, all in the village.  The P&C grocery store was downtown, in the current location of Rite Aid. Our current grocery store, Shaws, is located south of the village district.

 

Well into the 1970’s and 1980’s, we had more local industry in the village, including Vermont Castings, Branchwood, Ethan Allen and Merrimaids. These were significant manufacturing enterprises, with numerous employees all using the village services. Lamson’s Hardware, Scribner's, The Music Shop, Ben Franklin, The Thomas Shop, Grant’s Pharmacy, August Lion, Victoria’s and The Night Owl were all located on Main Street. Central Supplies had two locations in the village. Finally, the village had Ashley’s Bar, which helped to justify police on duty 24 hours per day. None of these businesses exist downtown today, and the village district is not nearly as busy as it was 40 years ago. We have numerous vacant buildings all over town.

As businesses have expanded and left the village the residential population over the past 40 years has actually declined slightly. The lack of business real estate taxes results in a greater cost burden for remaining area residential properties.

Traditionally, local businesses have a greater interest in maintaining local police coverage, as they have the most to lose. A business may find it difficult to attract quality employees if they do not feel safe where they work. We know the police committee has interviewed local business representatives regarding the need for a local police force, and they are in favor of it. However, they do not get to vote as a business, so they are bound by the decision of residents.

Business in Randolph would benefit from Randolph having a local police force. How much would business suffer without a local police force?

Randolph High School, Main Street (now Dubois & King offices)

Randolph Town & Village Population

Historically, Randolph Town and Village have seen essentially zero population growth over the past 40 years. A lack of growth means a lack of new tax revenue with which we could fund police, roads, water, sewer, schools  and other municipal services. 

From 1970 to 1980, the Randolph town population increased dramatically, to a total of 4,889 residents, a 20% increase in just ten years. The village population grew from 2,115 to 2,215 residents, or 4.6%. Unfortunately, population growth stopped in the 1980's. 

Town of Randolph, VT - Village District Shaded Green on Left

In the year 2000, the census reported a total of 4,853 residents in the Town of Randolph. In 2010, the town of Randolph had a total population of 4,778, while the village had declined to a total population of 1,974. Finally, in 2020, the town of Randolph had a total population of 4,773, while Randolph village had a total population of 2,102, according to the US Census.  

This shows the village population has declined since 1980, while the town population has remained flat. Some estimates predict a continued decline in population over the next ten years.