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Christmas Then and Now

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Christmas Tree (THEN) 1921

This may be the very first tree placed on the lawn near where Bitzer Park is now located in North Canton, in celebration of the Christmas Season. As best our "historians" can tell us, it was probably in 1921. At that time, the tree placement was part of what was then referred to as the “Community Christmas”. The building with “North Canton” across the top is what was, at that time, the North Canton Post Office, and the tree is standing in front of Dr. Steele’s office.

Thanks to the North Canton Heritage Society, we were given a black and white picture and the history as they knew it. We were later informed by Nan DeMusey that there was a painting of the picture done by Ellesworth P. Smith, a former resident of North Canton. After providing the City with a copy, we wanted to share it with the public!

The 2007 “Hometown Holiday and Equestrian Parade” has been organized by the North Canton Chamber of Commerce along with the help of the Heritage Society, Hoover Historical Center, North Canton City Schools, the North Canton Public Library, the YMCA, and local churches - First Southern Baptist Church and St. Paul's Catholic Church.

The City of North Canton, after seeking donations of trees, obtained a beautiful Blue Spruce approximately 38-1/2 feet tall from Janelle Gross, a resident of North Canton. The following is a short pictorial of some of the work and time that went into the continuance of a long tradition in the City.

On Friday, November 16, 2007 the tree was cut, and with the help of so many, the tree began it's move to the site for the 2007 Community Christmas.

Workers prepare to remove tree from its orginal home!

The cutting of the tree begins!

The tree begins its journey to the Holiday celebration destination!

What an unbelievable sight as the workers begin to place this tree!

Workers bravely go under tree to direct placement!

Our Sincere thanks and appreciation to:

Slesnick Iron and Metal for help in transporting this tree and Coon Caulking from Louisville for providing lifts to do this transport and set up; Dick Kempthorn and local Dr. Michael Thomas who helped with monetary funding to cover costs for this job; Rick Grisak, a former Supt. of Maint. from the Hoover Company along with other former Hoover employees. Thanks also to Street Dept. Operations Manager Richard Rhodes and all the City employees who worked so hard on this project.

WE ARE ALL ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE LIGHTING OF THE TREE ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 2, 2007 FOLLOWING THE EQUESTRIAN PARADE AS PART OF THE HOMETOWN HOLIDAY!

LOOK FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE (NOW) - 2007

Have a Wonderful Holiday from everyone at the City of North Canton.