 |
| Click on image to enlarge July 4th, 1900 |
|
|
Canaan lies in the extreme Northeast corner of Vermont. It borders Quebec, Canada and New Hampshire and consists of 18,700 acres of land. It was chartered by the state of Vermont to John Wheeler and forty-three associates on February 25, 1782. Early settlers included John Hugh, 1785, Samuel Beach, 1796, John Dunning, 1799, Nathan Beecher, 1802, and Samuel Weeks, 1804.
During the 1800’s, people began migrating to Canaan as it was strategically located on the border with Canada and New Hampshire. The boundary line between Vermont and New Hampshire was not finally established until 1934 and between Vermont and Canada until 1925. Until the lines were firmly drawn, a number of border skirmishes took place.
In 1880 Canaan’s population was 637. These early settlers lived difficult lives as articles not obtained from the wilderness, soil or lakes and rivers had to be transported from seaports great distances away. Many of these individuals lived “off the land” on family farms and relied on each other for moral support, social interactions and economic assistance.
|
Although Native Americans never settled in the area, they used it for hunting, fishing and travel. Early settlers had to be on guard at all times as many of these Native Americans were not friendly. As natural resources were plentiful many settlers relied on farming and logging to earn a living.
During the 1900’s many people immigrated to Canaan from Quebec, Canada. Today there are a number of French Canadian families living in the area and French is spoken at many social gatherings. This “French connection” enhances the cultural diversity of Canaan and benefits the local economy by promoting trade and commerce with Quebec, our neighbor to the North.
The town of Canaan consists of many subdivisions such as Beecher Falls, two miles North of the village; Wallace Pond (also knows as Lake Wallis), five miles West; South Canaan, four miles Southeast; and Canaan Hill, five miles South. These communities were settled in the late 1800's, had their own schools and post offices, which no longer exist, and contributed greatly to the growth and economy of the town.
Fletcher Park, which is located in the center of the village, was given to the town by Charles Fletcher in the late 1800's.
|
The iron fence, in the photo, was removed around 1918 due to the frequency of automobiles hitting it after failing to negotiate the turn from Route 114 onto Route 102. The fountain continues to occupy a place of prominence in the park.
Monuments in honor of soldiers from Canaan who served in the Civil War, World War I & II, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts are located in Fletcher Park. Many events are held in this park, which remains a gathering place for our residents.
|
The Alice M. Ward Memorial Library (reputed to be the oldest building in Canaan) was home of Dr. Artemus Ward from 1885 into the 1930's when it was given to the town to be used as library. It is rumored that the building was part of the underground railroad and served as a refuge for slaves during the Civil War.
Over the years, Canaan has endured a number of fires and the great hurricane of 1938, which did much damage to woodlands and blew down elm trees along Gale Street. Fires destroyed the school in 1944 and the great fire of 1936 destroyed a number of buildings, including the New Canaan House.
|
During the 1900’s until the present, the town of Canaan has undergone a number of changes. Family farms have disappeared, logging jobs have decreased and tourism is now one of the major engines that drives the local economy.
The Beecher Falls furniture factory, a division of Ethan Allen, closed its manufacturing unit in August 2009, leaving over 250 people out of work. Started in 1895, the factory at one time was the largest furniture manufacturer east of Michigan.
|
In recent years, competition from overseas has had an adverse impact on operations and only a few people are now employed in the rough mill. Although most of the factory is now closed, people in the community have a positive attitude and are confident the overall economic climate will improve in the future.
Being a border community with ports of entry in Canaan and Beecher Falls, provides a number of federal government jobs in the area. The Official Register of the United States first mentions a Customs Officer in Canaan in 1835.
|
Customs and Border Protection Inspectors (Formerly Customs and Immigration Inspectors) and Border Patrol Agents over the years have been actively involved in protecting our borders. The prohibition years presented many challenges and to this day, cases of smuggling contraband, drugs and people are fairly common.
|
In 1884 there were six schools in Canaan. They were situated in various locations including Beecher Falls, Wallace Pond, Canaan Hill and South Canaan. The school year was 18 weeks long with a total budget of just over $300.
During the 1900’s the above schools were closed and students were transported to the “new” school located in the village. This school, which was constructed in 1905, housed students in grades 1—12. A fire destroyed the school in 1944, forcing classes to be scattered about the community in various buildings until the present building was completed in 1946.
What is now the high school was constructed at a cost of $105,000. The original building housed grades 1—12 until the present elementary school was constructed in 1961. In 1977, a new gym was added to the high school. The Canaan school system has 184 students and is now one of the major employers in the area with a budget over four million dollars.
|
The land for the athletic field adjacent to the current elementary school was purchased in 1946. Since then a softball field with lights and a baseball diamond has been constructed on this property.
As a result of a grant from the federal government in 1989, the town created a recreation park behind the Alice M. Ward library across the road from the above baseball diamond. This property contains a walking trail, tennis courts, playground, basketball court, two soccer fields and two baseball fields.
The first high school basketball team was in 1915. Over the years, basketball, baseball and soccer teams from Canaan have successfully competed with other teams in Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec. Many state championships have been won and town members take great pride in the accomplishments of their student athletes.
|
Sports remain an integral part of the community as evidenced by the adult bowling and softball leagues that exist. For over forty years, Canaan has hosted a major softball tournament the first weekend in August with over 25 teams from New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec participating. This event is a fine example of the “can do”, positive attitude that exists in the town of Canaan.
For a more detailed, in-depth of the history of Canaan, please see “History of Canaan, Vermont” by Beatrice Schoff Holmes and “A Tale of Canaan People” by Perley E. Fearon. Information contained in this document was obtained from these sources.
|
Canaan Historical Society
27 Park Street (Second Floor of the Alice Ward Library)
Canaan, VT 05903
802-266-3989
|
|
