USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Canton > Canton sesquicentennial, 1806-1956; a short illustrated history of Canton > Part 2
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but dropped out of sight after trying unsuccessfully to develop an attachment to make any piano a player piano.
In 1950 the building was occupied by the Wolcott Company which had notable success marketing an oven cleaner. It employed up to 15 persons before selling the patent on this product. Then it developed a new shoe polish, but sold the patent on that, too. The building is now occupied by a custom cabinetmaker.
In 1951 the 75-year-old Farmington Valley Herald moved its weekly newspaper offices and plant to a building on Burlington Avenue, and started a commercial printing business. The firm now employs 10 persons.
Also new are Swift Chemical Company on Route 44, employing several persons in the manufacture of industrial chemicals, and Thomas N. Perry Company, an industrial development concern in Can- ton Center now employing 20 persons.
To further stimulate growth of light industry in Canton, organiza- tion of the Canton Development Commission was authorized at a town meeting in 1952. This group has the responsibility of trying to over- come Canton's largely lopsided growth by attracting new industry to the town to balance its rapidly increasing population, thus putting its tax base back on a broader and more equitable basis.
CHANGES IN TOWN GOVERNMENT
BY ARTHUR W. SWEETON, JR.
Some of the Changes in Government during the last Fifty Years
With our form of government changes can be made from time to time to better cope with the problems arising from our growth in popu- lation, and in connection with our ever improving standard of living. These few lines review briefly some of the changes in our local govern- ment in the last fifty years.
The cost of town government is a striking example of change, and it is due to many factors. The coming of the auto has created the need for improved hard roads, which are expensive to construct and main- tain. Fifty years ago it was common for neighbors in rural areas to turn out and break the roads after a snowstorm. Now four $6,000 trucks, each with two men to operate, start plowing when the storm begins, and continue night and day until the storm is over. Higher wages, higher prices for equipment, as well as increased services, all add to the higher costs. In 1906 the cost of highways was $16,080, and $10,447 was spent for the town schools. In the 1955-6 budget, approxi- mately $55,000 was allocated for the normal cost of maintenance and new road construction, and $269,925 for the cost of schools.
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For many years the increased cost of local government was met by increased taxes on private property, but more of these costs are now being paid by statewide taxes returned to the town in the form of so called state aid. The 1955-6 budget items referred to above include $28,000 state aid for highways, and $67,000 state aid for schools. Can- ton also received $48,000 in tuition money from Avon.
Along with the higher budgets and the heavier taxes, there come the need for careful study of the various divisions of the town's finances, and in 1938 the Board of Finance, consisting of six members, was established. This bipartisan board of highly respected and successful citizens of the town takes a second look at the estimated needs for high- ways, schools, and other items, from the point of view of the taxpayers and the total needs for the whole town. Thus it serves as a stabilizer and helps guide the town finances on an even and sound basis.
Until 1920 there were two voting districts in the town of Canton. The first district included Collinsville, Canton village and vicinity, and the second district, Canton Center and North Canton. With hard roads and autos it became easy for all to come to one voting place with con- siderable election expense saved. In 1951 a new state law required the town to provide voting machines and the paper ballot was lost in the march of progress.
For many years the town constables were the law enforcement officers of the town. In recent years Canton has shared the services of a resident state policeman with the town of New Hartford. In 1955 through new legislation our town was able to employ the full time services of such an officer. The training, knowledge, and prestige of the State Police, operating with the constables as a team, provide law enforcement services of the highest quality at a very nominal expense.
In 1951 a small claims division was established in our trial justice court. This has been an aid to merchants and others involved in the over extension of credit on small accounts.
In this year, 1956, a new nominating procedure has been provided by the legislature. This is a form of direct primary for selecting politi- cal candidates for local and state offices. It should be an aid to good government with full control in the hands of the voters.
Our town is one of the few in this part of the state where local plan- ning and zoning has not been adopted. Three times this matter has been brought before town meeting and rejected, the majority of the voters feeling that the town would be better off without any restrictions. However as our population grows and new problems arise, it is highly probable that the question will again come before town meeting for consideration.
As a whole our town has been fairly free from great controversies over schools and other projects. We can usually talk things over and come to a common understanding on what is best for the interest of the
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town for the long run. Many changes have been gradual and beyond any local control and these have been met by energy and foresight. It is well that other changes within the jurisdiction of the local government cannot be made too easily. This is evidenced by the small number and the soundness of the changes made in the last fifty years.
CANTON CHURCHES
BY LOIS BRISTOL
Canton Center Congregational Church
The first written records of religious services being held in the vicinity of the Canton Center (Church) Parish was in 1746.
The year 1750 started out as a memorable one, for in that year the territory lying "west of the easternmost ledge of the West Mountain" was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly on the second Thursday of May as a district parish and given the name of the First Ecclesiastical Society of West Simsbury.
The first meeting house was built in 1763. There is no record of the size of the early church but it was built on the site of the present one. This building was taken down in 1814 and the present building was erected on the same site.
A hearse house used to stand northwest of the church and in the early days a pound for stray animals was located southwest of the church.
The Rev. Jeremiah Hallock, the fourth minister of the church came as a young man and served the church for over forty years. He married Miss Mercy Humphrey, a daughter of Oliver Humphrey. The house which they occuplied was on the site of the present parsonage.
When the town of Canton was formed the Ecclesiastical Society became the First Ecclesiastical Society of Canton and still had charge of church matters.
The Rev. Jarius Burt who succeeded Mr. Halloch served the church thirty-one years. He preached a great deal against the manufacture, sale and use of alcoholic beverages. There were several cider brandy distilleries and many cider mills and it took a man of strong convictions to take such a decided stand. He also believed free masonry was very wrong. This caused a great difference of opinion between him and his people. He also preached very strongly against slavery. He was even asked to either modify his opinions or resign, but he did neither.
In 1874 the church was "modernized", an arched ceiling was put in, the galleries removed and one row of stained glassed windows replaced the two rows of plain windows.
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Two day time services were held on Sunday with a "Nooning" between for families to eat their lunch. Around 1877 or 1878 the Ecclesiastical Society of Canton voted to have only one regular service each Sunday.
In 1895 the system of selling the seats in the Church was abolished and the society voted that all seats be free. The money for church ex- penses being raised by subscription.
During the early 1920's the minister wanted to do away with the Ecclesiastical Society and have the Church incorporated. There was however so much opposition it was not done. However a new set of rules and by-laws were adopted in 1925. These made some changes in Church customs. The name was changed to the Congregational Church of Canton Center.
In May 1953 the Ecclesiastical Society was done away with and the Church incorporated.
Music has always been an important part of the church service. Some of the Choir leaders served for many years. For many years the choir in the gallery facing the pulpit was led instrumentally by a bass viol, violin and flute, an unusual accompainment to church singing.
The rural community which revolves around the Congregational Church of Canton Center has again begun to grow. Many new families are becoming interested in the church. This little settlement of West Simsbury started back in 1737 still continues to exert its influence upon the town as a whole.
Canton Baptist Church
In the year 1783, a number of persons in West Simsbury now called Canton, separated themselves from the Presbyterian Church and formed a church consisting of thirty members. They called themselves Separates or Strict Congregationists. In the year 1784 the Rev. James Bacon became their first pastor.
After a short period of three years (1787) a dissention took place, and Mr. Bacon and about one half of the church members embraced the Baptist Faith and were baptized.
After Mr. Bacon left the Church remained in a low and declining state for about ten years. There were few meeting and visiting pastors occasionally.
About the year 1802, Elisha Case, 2nd was chosen deacon and Jared Mills was called to public improvement. The Church still remained small and apparently in a luke warm condition as to religious exercises.
A meeting of the Baptist Society was "holden" at the house of Uriah Case on January 1, 1807. A committee was chosen to raise money to build the present building.
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According to the record $798.22 was raised. The building was erected during the year with the different contracts being let and approved. "When said house is covered and ready for use it shall be improved for a religious meeting house for the said Baptist Society. It may occasionally be used by any denomination for religious meetings."
The highest subscriptions of one hundred dollars each were given by Jared Mills and Elisha Case, 2nd and ranged from that figure down to fifty cents. There were sixty-seven subscriptions to bring this total to $798.22. The building was erected on what is now Canton Green.
On September 1, 1838, a meeting of the Baptist Society was held to consider the expediency of repairing or rebuilding the meeting house.
At a meeting in November 1838 a committee of eleven was appointed to remove and replace the house. A piece of land was pur- chased from Pomeroy Higley at a price of two hundred fifty dollars, one hundred to be his subscription.
The committee contracted to have the building moved for sixty dollars, also a foundation for thirty dollars. It was in that manner that the old church building was moved to its present site.
The steeple holds the original bell installed in 1839. This bell being made by the Makers of the Independence Bell in Philadelphia. It has a good tone and can be heard a long distance on a clear day.
The church steeple is in three graduated sizes with fluted columns to match the large columns below.
This church with its original frame, is the oldest church in town and is a fine example of a typical New England Colonial Church.
North Canton Church
The first Church built in North Canton was known as the "Indepen- dent Meeting House". It was built for general religious services about the year 1785.
The "Independent Meeting House" stood on Case Street, across from the House place, at the corner of the old road that led down the hill towards Barkhamsted.
Because religious services were not being held there any more it was decided to sell the building at Auction in 1839. The money to be used to establish a public library.
The main parts of the building were purchased by Decius Humphrey who removed them to Canton to be used to build a silk factory. How- ever the venture failed, and a Mr. Woodruff purchased the building and removed it to Collinsville where it was used to build a house.
After the Meeting House was taken down services were held at the Old Red Schoolhouse until the present church was built in 1871.
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The land for this new church was donated by Ruggles Case and Mile Lee. The first service was held April 2, 1872.
The parsonage was purchased in 1875, it was formerly owned by Mile Lee.
The church was remodeled inside in 1955, and under the leadership of Rev. Robert Clark continues to show gain.
Because of financial matters the North Canton pastor also serves the Washington Hill and Pleasant Valley Churches.
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church of Collinsville was organized June 25, 1832 with thirty-three members, twenty males and thirteen females. They came from eleven different churches, the largest number from the Canton Center Church. The Rev. H. M. Brinesmeade, who had already made a fine impression on the people of the village, was the first pastor.
There was such a large attendance that it became necessary to pro- vide more room. The land for the new church building was bought from Correl Humphrey in 1826, and the attractive building was erected at the expense of the Collins Company.
The first edifice was dedicated December 21, 1836.
On the night of January 18, 1856, the first church building was destroyed by fire. The weather was very cold, high winds and snow was falling. The near by buildings were saved by throwing snow upon them.
The edifice was immediately replaced by the present building which was dedicated to the "Worship of Almighty God", on the evening of February 25, 1858. The people raised two thousand dollars, the Collins Company six thousand and Mr. Samuel W. Collins one thousand.
The first organization of the church was by the dual method; the First Ecclesiastical Society of Collinsville, Conn. members of which would consist of people not members of the Church and the Congrega- tional Church organization. This dual method continued up to and dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. Charles Tracy (1920-1925) who was active in having the church incorporated as the First Congregational Church of Collinsville.
In 1921 the Standing Committee recommended that the sale of seats in support of the Church and Society be discontinued. That the Church adopt the "Every Member Canvass" as a means of defraying expenses of the Church and all seats be made free to the congregation. This sys- tem has been continued.
In January 1925 at the annual meeting of the church it was voted to accept as a gift from the Collins Company a warranty deed to the Church and parsonage. The following resolution was passed, "Resolved
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that the First Congregational Church in Collinsville extend to the stockholders and directors of the Collins Company their sincere thanks for their Act in transferring the title of the Church property to the hands of the Church and will endeavor in the future as in the past to maintain a place for public worship and social activities for the community."
In the year 1871 it was voted to allow the women of the church to have a voice in the affairs of the church. Also during this year it was voted to unite with the Farmington Valley Conference instead of re- maining in the Hartford Central Conference.
The subject of temperance is expressly mentioned in the records of the first twenty years. Very strong resolutions declared, "that the use, manufacture and sale of ardent spirits as a drink is an immorality."
During the pastorate of the Rev. Gordon Bailey the Ladies Aid Society was formed. It proved to be a great help in the work of the church. When the terrible epidemic of influenza occurred the Chapel of the Church was used as an emergency hospital.
The Church is steadily growing under the active leadership of Rev. Alfred Bradford who has been pastor for ten years.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
On the 22nd day of August, 1852, the first church dedicated to St. Patrick was erected in the Farmington Valley. It served an area that today has seven Catholic Churches.
Located in the Canton section of Collinsville, it had many illustrious pastors down the years, but as the parishioners increased, and urged on by a disastrous fire in 1925, the Reverend James J. Smith, started to erect a finer and sturdier church in the year 1933.
To accommodate the new structure, the site was moved a little to the north, and in the year 1936 the present stone church was finished. It has been called the most beautiful country church in the United States.
The stone came from a quarry in Glastonbury, and the interior arches of the cloister, were hewn out from larger beams that were gathered from old structures in the neighborhood. Thus the old was blended with the new, and the years past added to the beauty of the present.
At the time of the celebration of the first Mass in Collinsville the Catholic population was twelve. Today, under the present pastor, the Reverend John J. Sullivan, there are 508 families and a Catholic popu- lation of 1812.
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church began with a small group who held their first Episcopal services in the Old Fire House, on January 29, 1854.
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In 1875, the Rev. Mr. Breed successfully organized the Church people into the organization soon to be known as Trinity Parish.
The Parish was received into the Diocese June 8, 1875 and the cor- ner stone laid, November 11, 1875.
The Church was built by gifts from the Congregation on the lot on Maple Avenue, the gift of Mr. John E. Wheelock.
In 1905 the new Rectory was built on Thayer Avenue. This was made possible by the bequest of $3,603.76 from Miss Helena R. Case.
The lot north of the Church was purchased in 1908, this included a building which was used as a parish house until 1946.
The past few years have seen a rapid growth of Trinity Episcopal Church, with the community steadily growing and many of the new families becoming members of the Parish.
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
The German Lutheran Church was founded November 19, 1884 by the Rev. Edward Hauter, field missionary organizer.
The first meeting were held in Collin's Hall, and later in Grange Hall.
The present edifice on Torrington Avenue was dedicated on Febru- ary 18, 1894.
For the first fifty years the German language was used in worship and instruction.
Instruction in German was given free to children of the Congrega- tion every Saturday. Anyone else who wished to have the same instruc- tion could do so by paying fifty cents per month.
For over a full generation now the native tongue has been replaced by English.
During 1955 the 70th year of organization was observed. At that time the church was beautifully redecorated.
The Rev. Clifford E. Butterer is the present pastor of the Congrega- tion which numbers over two hundred.
The Swedish Pilgrim Church
The Swedish Pilgrim Church was organized April 28, 1887 by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnson, who felt the need of "Christian Fellowship in their language."
Meetings were held at first in the houses of members but later in the Fireman's Hall.
The new Church was built in 1893 and the first meeting was held on March 19, 1893. The cost of the building was $4,000, and $2,700 of this money was in the hands of the treasurer before the building was finished.
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The first settled pastor was Rev. Edward Pohl who stayed four years.
At one time the church had an active membership of seventy and a Sunday School of one hundred thirty-six.
As time has gone by some of the younger members have moved away and not many have come to take their places. Of the twenty-four original members only four remain.
During the sixty-eight years of the church there have been ten min- isters. The present minister Rev. C. E. Peterson has been serving the church for fourteen years.
FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS AND EXPANSION IN EDUCATION
BY ADELBERT BOWDOIN
This history concerns itself, first of all, with a half century of Pro- gress in the Canton Public School System. The word Progress is there- fore our theme throughout this historical sketch. Research in the annual reports to the town of the Board of Education and the reports of the State Supervisors, who served over the years, furnish ample proof that no decade of this interesting era was without definite im- provements, as well as gratifying advancements. There was no long standing static conditions as the years passed. Opposition to these con- ditions became strong and finally masterful.
The school year 1905-1906 seems to be our starting point. Just pre- vious to that date town consolidation of schools was realized and the school officials had made arrangements with the State Board of Educa- tion for State supervision of schools. This era of State supervision con- tinued until 1953 when Mr. Hiemwarth Jestin then principal of the high school became our first full time Superintendent of Public Schools.
Just now we need to make clear the central position of control both past and present, of the Board of Education in the over all administra- tion of a public school system. The General Assembly of the State of Connecticut has, by special legislation granted to the Boards of Educa- tion of the several towns all powers essential for adequate administra- tion of all public schools.
Under the District system the term School Committee was com- monly used but, later under consolidation the School Board was the term of expression, and finally in the nineteen thirties the term Board of Education became official everywhere in Connecticut.
Its membership varied with the different towns but in Canton from the beginning has consisted of nine members with all major sections of the town having representation. The members of the Board elected a
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chairman and a secretary who in general have served for many years therefore increasing the efficiency of the service. All members serve without pay. The members of the Board are organized into committees who administrate its activities under the direction of the chairman. With the recent rapid growth of our school system this organization is most efficient. Those that have served on the Board for many years, as most of them have, merit unlimited praise for their heroic efforts to give the children of the town the very best that education affords.
Second only to the Board of Education was the school supervisor. He was an apointee of the State Board of Education and the agent of the local board. In brief his main tasks were to recommend teachers ; to visit schools frequently when in session ; to observe the effectiveness of the teaching ; to suggest new methods of instruction, and to evaluate all results observed in schools and classrooms. All this was reported to the Board with comments and recommendations for its consideration. So many achievements crowned the efforts of our supervision that the long period - forty-seven years - of their service to this town should rightly be called the Period of Expansion and Progress under State Supervision. We shall have many occasions to mention their services in the unfolding of this history.
Our building expansion began in 1908 when the Spring Street School had a face-lifting by the addition of a second story thereby doubling the number of classrooms and relieving a very conjested con- dition in the primary grades. The last school building of wooden frame construction was ready for occupancy in 1915, and was commonly called the Collinsville Grammar School. It contained four spacious classrooms and a fine basement. Mr. M. Stanley Neal was Chairman of the Building Committee and the complete cost was $7,500. Mrs. Louise MacMasters for many years was the efficient teacher of the eighth grade and a very resourceful principal of the Collinsville Grammar School.
1908-1909 was a good year for the high school near the Green. Mr. Seth Haley, a graduate of Bowdoin College, became principal for a period of seven years. Mr. Haley was young, well educated for teaching and equally well endowed personally for the work of a high school principal. His tenure of office was the longest of any principal from Professor Flint to 1924. His work here made a lasting impression on the students and on this area near and far. With Mr. Haley the annual trip of the senior class to Washington had its beginnings.
The several state supervisors previous to 1919 seemed to be acti- vated universally by such pressing needs as overcrowding in the schools, vocational courses in the high school, too few teachers in the high school, free textbooks for all students both grade and high schools, transportation and many other things. Some of these needs were cor- rected without too much effort after exasperating delays; but over- crowding in the lower grades should require special explanation.
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