Coming Soon

Postcard's of Canton

publication date - November 2009

I think that my first postcard of a Canton landmark was of the Blue Hill Weather Observatory. And while strictly not "Canton" it was close enough for me. Over the years of traveling to various antique stores and print shops, invariably it was the box of postcards that would occupy my time. searching for a card that was from my hometown was so elusive, and yet over the years a card or two would pop up and I would buy it for a dollar or two. 

This all changed in 1996 when eBay opened up a word of connections to postcards and buying became as simple as typing in a search command. Of course, other collectors quickly discovered the virtual postcard box and competition was fierce.  Cards that would cost one or two bucks were now commanding twenty dollars. Local collectors were stealthy in both their identity and tactics. Over time the collection grew, and still the question remained - how many cards are there?

Postcards are stories, short messages to loved ones and a view of a landmark that would be considered "prominent". Many cards were sent home from workers in mills, or immigrant laborers who began to call Canton home at the turn of the last century. The views of the Neponset Woolen Mills, Paul Revere & Sons, Washington Street, local churches, historic homes and our public buildings. 

Earlier this year Arcadia Publishing agreed to produce a book that features all of the best images from Canton's history as connected by postcards produced in the early 19th century. The idea for the book came from this blog and from working closely with key local collectors and historians.  My small collection along with cards from the Canton Historical Society and the Canton Public Library - Daniel Keleher Collection were the foundation. Charles Crespi and Peter Sarra gave access to their extensive and fine collections which provides a rare glimpse into superb and rare sets.

After six months of research, scanning and writing captions what emerged was a collection of over 200 photographs that show Canton through the eyes of postcards. The stories are simple and short and place the reader in a town that is very different than that of today. The photographs are vaguely familiar yet distant. I suppose it was my hope that the book would be a local travelogue that could be taken around town and compared with views of today. As for the answer to the question of how many cards feature Canton sites... at this point I know of over 300 images many of which were privately produced and extremely rare.

The book will be available in November from local bookstores and online at Amazon.com as well as through local shops and direct from the author. This is a terrific companion volume to the Images of America: Canton, by R. Marc Kantrowitz published in 2000. 

The Congregational Church

The Congregational Church 

When you look at this picture, it will be almost impossible to place this location today. Both the building in the foreground and the church in the background are long gone. The snapshot was taken in April, 1969 and the photographer is standing on Washington Street. The corner is at the intersection of Neponset Street where the small convenience store is now. 

The church is the Congregational Church and the classic structure was dedicated in 1860. The total cost was $6895.00 and in a large part the families of the community donated generously. Built by John Ellis Seavey whose family has a long and illustrious connection with Canton. 

Of interest is the fact that the interiors, pews and pulpit along with the top of the steeple  were all constructed by one man; Hugh MacPherson. According to the stories, MacPherson was simply visiting the town of Canton when the first loads of lumber arrived to build the church. A devout Baptist, MacPherson nevertheless assisted and soon became a deacon of the very church he helped to build. Thus is the power of transformation. 

As for our friend Hugh MacPherson, I have seen a series of photographs taken at Revere & Sons Copper Yard after they moved from Canton and the watchman was named McPherson - which is spelled a bit differently but it is believed to be the same person.  The photo to the left shows McPherson with his dog. A query to Jim Roache yields great additional information. Roache found the death record for Hugh MacPherson indicating that he died on January 22, 1924 and was born in Glascow, Scotland in 1836. In fact, in 1868 there are only two MacPhersons living in Canton; Hugh and David. Hugh lived on Church Street - around the corner from the new Congregational Church. David MacPherson seems very well off being taxed for 8 horses and nine carriages, but living at home. My sense is that it is likely that David was John's brother and lived here in Canton when John came to visit in 1860. David enlisted in the 24th Mass at age 21 (1861) as a Drummer, Appointed Pricipal Musician May 1863, re-enlisted Jan. 1864 and was discharged Jan. 1866. David was also born in Glasgow, Scotland (1844) but gave his place of residence when he enlisted as South Reading. 

But I digress, and now back to our church. There are a few vestiges of the original church as reminders to Canton. The organ was donated in 1958 by Mildred Morse Allen and is still in use today at the new church on Washington Street. Also, the four sides of the clock are still in town - and the clock itself and one face is proudly keeping time atop Memorial Hall. As you walk in the Canton Historical Society, immediately on your right is another clock face from the steeple.

In 1961 the church was renamed the United Church of Christ. After 103 years the church needed to be replaced. Largely the congregation had outgrown the church and families needed more space for programs and fellowship. By 1963 a new church was opened near St. Mary's Cemetery on Washington Street and the congregation moved to their new home. The church property was sold to the Mobil Oil Corporation in 1969 for $50,000 and was soon demolished. The parking lot on Neponset behind the convenience store is all that is left of the property. As is often the case, these are ghost images from another time, but in our place that still have bits and pieces connected to our town today.  (photo credit: Kelleher Collection, Canton Public Library)

Howard Johnson's 1941

Howard Johnson's 1941

Another classic from the film vault. The Howard Johnson's in Canton was located at the foot of the Blue Hills along Royal Street. There is a Dunkin Donuts in  what was the original building which was still used as a Ho Jo's until the mid 90's.  Here is a true piece of Americana - the roadside history that was the hallmark of the mid 20th century.  In fact, the Howard Johnson's in Canton was the prototype restaurant for the chain. Originally opening n the 1930's, by 1941 this location was the test design for what would become known as the "Canton-type". 

It would appear that Canton's Howard Johnson's was the test model for the expansion in the 40's and the style and interior and customer service efficiencies were all modeled at the Canton location. By October of 1949 new Canton-type Restaurants featured updated dining room furnishings including a new and innovative type of table that could be enlarged by a sliding panel. The table had a divider between the table opposite, and many family style restaurants continue this innovative practice still today. 

By the early 1990's after the Howard Johnson Company itself had been split apart, the Canton restaurant came to be operated by Franchise Associates Incorporated. The restaurant chain was in decline and Franchise Associates used the Canton location to make one notable attempt to create a Howard Johnson's of the future: again a new prototype restaurant in Canton, Massachusetts.  Among the new design features was a modern arch over the entrance with a logo prominently displayed. Also, half of the legendary orange roof was changed to gray and the cupola was removed. It closed in 2000.

The film clip shows several happy patrons - one in fact licking his fingers as he leaves with a smile on his face. Also, watch for the starched uniforms of the employees as they come out for a publicity walk.  All great fun and ushering in the early years of roadside dinning along Route 138 in Canton.  Share your memories of Howard Johnson's in the comment section below.