We often hear it said, "North Canton is a great place to live and raise a family." We come by that reputation very honestly, since the early settlers were mainly German-speaking families from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and today North Canton still boasts of being a family community.

As early as 1805, the same year Canton was founded, the first families began arriving in the Plain Township area where they found feare and rolling land, fish filled streams running clear and many animals among the thick patches of forests. They first established their homesteads and while clearing the lands for their first crops they built churches and schools, some as early as 1814. Year after year new families of various backgrounds arrived much as today.

Businesses such as taverns, inns, wagon-makers, blacksmiths and those who dealt in "general goods" sprung up where the rutted wagon paths crossed. Paths that led to the early mills by the streams eastward and west, and north to Akron, and south to the village of Canton. Soon at this crossing the village was founded. The first 23 lots (in the area of City Hall) were surveyed and recorded and given the name of New Berlin. Thus on Feb. 19, 1831 the long and proud heritage of North Canton began.

By the 1870's the village was a bustling trading center In 1875 a somewhat obscure business move occured which was destined to create an international company that would dominate the lives of everyone who ever lived here. Yes, in 1875 the Hoover family, whose homestead was east of the village brought the family tanning business into the village and established a leather factory. They made horse gear of all descriptions - collars, bridles, saddles and the like. They hired ten people which was just the beginning.

On into the new century the village began to take seriously the business of its municipal responsibility. In 1906, the village of New Berlin with a population of 865 became an incorporated village with its own mayor-council system. On the heels of this new home-rule the following happened in quick succession: the streets were paved for the first time (with brick), electric street lights replaced the gas lamps that lighted the street paths, sewer and water systems were put in place, a telephone exchange was installed and the volunteer Fire Department was organized. A street car line (NOTL) ran smack through the center of the village in those days, north to Cleveland, south to Canton and beyond. The already established churches expanded their facilities and a larger school had to be built - all reflecting the growth of the community.

Soon after the turn of the century it became very apparent that automobiles would soon replace the horse and buggy. The Hoover Leather Factory would have to branch out and so they did. The family bought the patents for an electric suction sweeper apparatus that cleaned carpets. They began producing them in a corner of the factory. From 1908 through 1919 they produced leather products and expanded the production of and sales of the sweeper, finally phasing out the leather in 1919.

Just previous to that, during World War 1, another significant community event took place. It was happening all across America. Things bearing Germanic names were being changed - hospitals, schools, towns, streets, and even family names. So it was that New Berlin with a population of 926 would be known as North Canton into eternity (Jan. 30, 1918).

The years between the World Wars, which included the Depression, were filled with quiet, steady population growth and business maturity for the thriving town. The original Community Building had been given to the families of the community by "Boss" Hoover It was a center for spiritual, physical and social betterment. From it were organized the North Canton Woman's Club, North Canton Rotary Club, American Legion Post 419 and North Canton Public Library.

After World War 11, even greater community expansion took place. All land additions and municipal improvements were methodically made with an eye to the.future. The school system was enlarged by several buildings and the stadium was built. The village that had grown to a prosperous town was ready to become a city. At the same time the community voted for a Charter form of government, that is amendable by popular vote and provides for maximum home rule. On Jan. 7, 1961, North Canton was declared the status of a city with a population of 7,727.

Of course, The Hoover Company's growth around the world continued to have a positive effect on the city, along with the addition of numerous other businesses. North Canton continued to expand its facilities throughout the '60's into the '70's with the replacement of the original Community Building with a grand new structure and creation of Bitzer Park as the hub of the city. At the same time the Hoover International Office Building was erected along with City Hall and a considerable addition to the Library building.

Reflective of its family image North Cantonians continue to keep the residential areas beautiful, continue to support the good school system and lovely houses of worship, continue to provide ample park and recreational facilities and continue to encourage our cultural strength through an art gallery, local theater and thriving local history museum.

The Hoover Company is no longer a locally owned corporation but shows promise of still being a positive influence in the community as part of Maytag. As North Canton moves toward the new century there is a spirit that equals and surpasses that of the early settlers who built the foundation of pride upon which the village of New Berlin grew into the City of North Canton - a great place to live.

Compiled by The North Canton Heritage Society, Ruth Basner, Author