True Tales: Then & Now

A rich photographic history is preserved at the Canton Historical Society. With well over 4,000 catalogued images, each moment in time helps us see the fabric of the people and places of Canton.

Photos 1 & 2: The Canton Catholic Club occupied the building that was once the Massapoag House. The original building was constructed in 1789 and was sold at auction to the Catholic Church in 1909. The end for this building came as a result of a massive fire that swept through the structure in January 1918. In 1935, this site became the home of the Canton Post Office and houses a historic mural painted by Ernest Fiene depicting the Paul Revere and Son Copper Rolling Mill.

Photos 3 & 4: The Canton Historical Society sits today on land that was acquired in 1909. Prior to that date the land was occupied by the Everett Tavern, which was built in 1790. Famous for its dinners and parties, it was the social center of Canton. In 1822 the Crane Guards held their inaugural military ball at this location. It was also a country store until 1852. The building was demolished to make way for the society headquarters.

Photos 5 & 6: Constructed in 1808 and predating the Canton Viaduct, the Neponset Cotton Company was known as the Stone Factory. It was one of the oldest industrial structures in Canton and one of the earliest factories in New England. At one point it was owned by the Revere Copper Company and sold after 1824. In the late 1950s the property was purchased by Emerson & Cuming. The factory was subsequently demolished to make way for condominiums, and the tower that we see today is a token nod to the gracious factory that once stood on this site.

See more Then & Now photos in this week’s Canton Citizen. Not a subscriber? Order by May 31 and get 3 months free!

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=33259

Posted by George T. Comeau on May 5 2016. Filed under Canton History, Photo Gallery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.