Canton Historical Society has new home in former Grange building

CANTON — The doors to the Canton Historical Society were opened this December for community members to come in and check out the society’s new home.
Anyone driving through Canton over the last several months may have noticed a lot of activity and changes on Route 108.
The Canton Historical Society recently rescued the former Grange building from demolition by moving it next door.
How did they do it?

The Canton Historical Society had been housed in the former Universalist Church since 1975. The building had major structural issues and money was lacking to address the problems. The members had long been trying to come up with a solution.

In May 2017, the historic Grange/Masonic building next door had been sold to the CN Brown Company and was scheduled to be demolished by fall 2017 in order to expand the town’s Big Apple convenience store. The society’s choice was obvious — acquire and move the grange building, which was larger and in far better condition than the church facility or eventually lose both historic structures.

The Canton Historical Society burst into action. Growing from six to 42 members in a very short time, CHS accepted the CN Brown Company’s offer to give the building to the Canton Historical Society, which would be responsible for moving it onto the society’s property by fall 2017.

The CN Brown Company also donated $5,000 toward the cost of the move. In a town-wide effort, volunteers packed the Historical Society’s collections for storage, moved out the furniture and collections, and helped dismantle the church building to make way for the move. The OTIS Federal Credit Union also came forward with a $5,000 donation, and the Canton residents voted unanimously at a special town meeting to loan the historical society money to accomplish the move. Building movers were hired to make it happen, assisted by many volunteer hours from Canton citizens.

Today the rescued building sits on a new foundation on the society’s property, and work has begun on renovations to accommodate community and region-wide events in its spectacular Great Hall, as well as to create a secure storage and exhibit area for the Canton Historical Society’s archives.

In order to make the space ready for year-round events and activities, the first major project is to replace all the windows with energy efficient versions. A GoFundMe crowd-funding initiative was initiated, and in three short weeks all 21 windows have been donated, in memory of Canton families or dedicated to individuals. In addition, the society is applying for grants intended to fund projects this spring, specifically painting the exterior of the building and adding a second bathroom upstairs. Next on the wish list is to replace the outdated heating system.

The Canton Historical Society also launched its new website, www.cantonmehistory.org, and complete information on the fundraising efforts can be found there, as well as a photo gallery documenting the building’s amazing move.

Anyone with questions about the society’s activities and future events can email cantonmehistorical@gmail.com or visit the site at 25 Turner St. Meetings generally take place the second Wednesday of each month. Guest are always welcome. Membership dues are $10 per year; children under 18 are free.

PHOTO: Canton community members, from left, Barbara Groleau, Mitzie Turnbull, Anne Chamberlin, Kathy Walker, and Ashley Walker, braved the cold on Dec. 14 to walk through the newly acquired Canton Historical Society building. (Submitted photo)