Brooklyn Today
In 1992 the population of Brooklyn, Wisconsin is 789, consisting of 300 households. It has grown almost 20% in the past 16 years. It is still growing.
Of the village's population, about half are under the age of 18. (And you thought you were imagining all those kids. . . . ) Children in Grades K-5 attend Brooklyn Elementary School which is in the process of remodeling and expanding to serve the growing population. Older kids attend Middle School, Junior and Senior High School in Oregon. All of Brooklyn's young people receive a quality education set forth by the high standards of the Oregon School District.
Brooklyn boasts two parks for playing, picnicking and relaxing: Smithfield Park on the east edge of the village and the Brooklyn Jaycee Park in the center of town. The American Legion Softball Diamond, next to the Jaycee Park, is the site of league softball games on most summer nights and the Brooklyn Softball Association's Tournament every September. Area residents also enjoy a little noisier competition every fall, the American Legion Tractor Pull. T he spiritual needs of the Village are met by two churches, Brooklyn United Methodist and Brooklyn Lutheran. Sunday School, choir, dinners and a food pantry are some church-sponsored activities. Joint services between the two churches are held during summer months. Mount Hope Cemetery provides a final resting place for many Village residents.
Brooklyn's senior citizens find helpful services and activities of interest at the Oregon Senior center. Genesis Apartments provides a living community for those older folks who have chosen to leave the cares of home ownership behind. Every November, just in time for holiday shopping, Brooklyn hosts its annual Art and Craft fair, a show and sale held in the Community Building and Elementary School. Held for two days, it attracts almost 4,000 to our community. And in May Brooklyn holds a village-wide yard sale. In 1992 over 40 households participated: It's a bargain-hunter's dream!
A volunteer fire department of 30 skilled firefighters is always ready to respond to emergency calls in the Brooklyn area and assist neighboring emergency agencies. In addition to its firefightine duties. the department is trained to use the Jaws of Life and 20 of its members are certified as First Responders. The Fire Department is very active in the community, sponsoring an Open House for public education, an auction, a dance and a card party every year.
Four friendly police officers patrol the village, keep it safe and answer calls. Oregon EMS responds to Brooklyn's medical emergencies quickly and professionally. 911, affiliated with Dane County, dispatches help.
Brooklyn is governed by a Board of six elected Trustees presided over by the Village President. Day-to-day operations are ably handled by the Village Clerk and two Public Works employees. Businesses and services in the Village include: three auto repair/maintenance shops, bank, bike repair, electrical/ excavating/heating, gas station/mini-mart, grocery store, implement dealer, plumbing. post office, print shop, sewing, two taverns, tire sales and service, and woodworking shop.
Brooklyn holds the best of both worlds. Surrounded by beautiful land worked by our farming neighbors, it is within easy commuting distance to Madison or Janesville for work or shopping. But it also retains the character of a small town: Neighbors are friendly and caring. You can walk at night with little fear. You can be as involved with the community or as private as you want and your wishes are respected.
It's a great place in which to grow up, raise a family, grow old.
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