St. Lawrence County Historical Association

St. Lawrence County Historical Association SLCHA collects, preserves and shares the stories, history, and material culture of St. Lawrence County, NY.

Today, we honor and remember the brave individuals who gave their lives serving our country. Memorial Day, originally kn...
05/27/2024

Today, we honor and remember the brave individuals who gave their lives serving our country. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was created after the Civil War to honor soldiers who died in service by decorating graves with flowers. After WWI, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all U.S. wars. However, it wasn’t until 1971 that it became an official federal holiday. Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors all fallen service members of the U.S. military.

While SLCCHC is closed today, we are open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10am - 4pm.

We had a wonderful visit today from 3 different branches of the Church Family--descendants of brothers Willard, Merton a...
05/25/2024

We had a wonderful visit today from 3 different branches of the Church Family--descendants of brothers Willard, Merton and Dwight Church of Canton. Sisters Jennifer Lee Church and Andrea Ann Gogh came all the way from California to visit with Lamar Bliss and Jennifer Rebecca Church, and to see a cobbler's bench that was made by their common ancestor, Willard E. Church (1804-1890).

We are delighted when families can connect over historic objects in our collection. It was an honor to host you all today and to hear your family stories! Thank you for making our collections come alive!

Willard E. Church's cobbler's bench (c. 1820s-30s) lived at the Church family farm in Pyrites until 2000, when it was donated to SLCHA. It will be on display--along with a collection of historic shoemaker's tools--for the next few weeks. Please stop in to see it and to share your family's history with us!

Are you passionate about engaging communities, building meaningful relationships, and connecting others with history? We...
05/23/2024

Are you passionate about engaging communities, building meaningful relationships, and connecting others with history? We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic individual to join our dynamic team here in Canton!

The position has been revised and extended to offer even more opportunities. We are now hiring for a full-time Engagement and Advancement Coordinator.

If you or someone you know may be interested, visit slcha.org for more information. Let’s make history together!

This week’s featured object is a hair waver, also known as a hair curler circa the 1940s. Jessie Culbertson Noble, from ...
05/17/2024

This week’s featured object is a hair waver, also known as a hair curler circa the 1940s.

Jessie Culbertson Noble, from Canton, NY, used this iron hair waver in the 1940s and 50s. The device was heated over a stove or other heat source and used to add waves or pleats to a woman’s hair.

This tool was especially effective for multiple waves and was popular from the turn of the 20th century through the 1950s when the device went out of style and was replaced with more modern electrical devices.

We have exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that our rebranding is now official! Say hello to our new name and lo...
05/14/2024

We have exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that our rebranding is now official! Say hello to our new name and logo, the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture. Discover more about this exciting transformation on our website: https://slcha.org/2024/05/unveiling-a-new-brand-the-st-lawrence-county-center-for-history-and-culture/

In line with our fresh look, we've also created a brand new page, reflecting our updated identity as the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture. While we'll still be active on this page (SLCHA) for the next few weeks, starting on June 1st, 2024, our new page (SLCCHC) will become the primary location for all our news and updates. We encourage you to check it out and give us a follow to stay in the loop with all the exciting happenings, events, and stories within St. Lawrence County.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the support you've shown us throughout this journey. Together, let's continue to celebrate the rich history and culture of our community and county. Thank you!

This week’s featured object is a set of cologne bottles believed to have belonged to Clarissa Wright of Canton.Made of p...
05/10/2024

This week’s featured object is a set of cologne bottles believed to have belonged to Clarissa Wright of Canton.

Made of porcelain with matching lids, these square bottles are painted with flowers and a gold trim. Throughout the 19th century, scent bottles grew in popularity as a hygiene and beauty product for men and women alike.

It is believed that the Wright family originally used these bottles before passing them on to Thomas Weldon, a coach driver who worked for the Wright family. They transferred hands once more to the Jones family before being donated to the museum.

In line with Canton Canoe Weekend, this week's featured object is a wooden canoe model circa 1893. Crafted by J. Henry R...
05/04/2024

In line with Canton Canoe Weekend, this week's featured object is a wooden canoe model circa 1893.

Crafted by J. Henry Rushton, this wooden model represents the "Idaho," one of thirteen canoe models created for his exhibit at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Measuring a little under three feel long, this small model was the perfect size for display, perhaps contributing to Rushton receiving a certificate of merit at the Columbian Exposition for the high quality of his products.

J. Henry Rushton was a renowned boat-builder of his time and is still a legendary name today, especially in St. Lawrence County. From building an initial boat to establishing an entire company, Rushton's passion for boats and the outdoors endures to today. While not quite the right size for competitive events this weekend, this item adds a fun touch to the occasion.

Happy Canoe Weekend! (2/2)Did you know that in the late 19th and early 20th century, canoeing was an activity widely enj...
05/03/2024

Happy Canoe Weekend! (2/2)

Did you know that in the late 19th and early 20th century, canoeing was an activity widely enjoyed by women? It was during this time that sports as leisure activities grew in popularity in the U.S., with an increase in clubs and public facilities. This era implemented new ideas about "free time," with people looking to enjoy personal interests and hobbies. As those from the city looked for things to do on the weekend, canoeing was an attractive option.

As canoeing gained popularity, women's canoe clubs popped up across the U.S., providing spaces for growth, friendship, and competitive racing. Such clubs promoted women's participation in outdoor activities and created a community for female paddlers. Women embraced the sport as a way to explore the outdoors and break from traditional gender norms.

Featured below are some images of women in canoes in St. Lawrence County. First image: Unidentified woman near the shore, likely in a Rushton canoe, circa 1900. Second image: Shirley Wells of Canton in 1971 in the award-winning "antique boat of the year," "Fawn," a circa 1887 motor boat made by Bowdish & Company. The boat now resides in the collection of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. Third image: Two unidentified women and a child in a boat, early 1900s.

As always, stop by the museum to explore our exhibits and archives to learn more. We are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Happy Canoe Weekend! (1/2)In celebration of the 62nd Canton Canoe Weekend, let's explore a bit of Canton’s canoe history...
05/03/2024

Happy Canoe Weekend! (1/2)

In celebration of the 62nd Canton Canoe Weekend, let's explore a bit of Canton’s canoe history, inspired by the legacy of J. Henry Ruston, a renowned canoe builder.

Born in St. Lawrence County, near the village of Edwards, J. Henry Rushton was always passionate about the outdoors but plagued with health concerns. To improve his health, Rushton decided to spend more time outside paddling and enjoying the wilderness. However, to do so, he required a boat that was both light and durable for easy travel.

Learning from a guide and boat builder in Morley, Rushton gathered patterns and designed his first boat, securing a buyer before it was completed. After completing the initial boat, Rushton constructed and sold another, with his boat-building venture taking off and in 1876, he expanded his work to include canoes. Since then, Rushton’s canoes drew in admirers and customers alike, becoming famous in a few short years.

Rushton’s workshop started in a small horse barn on State Street and eventually located to a three-story factory on Flatiron Corner, today known as the intersection of Riverside Drive and State Street. Throughout its existence, the Rushton shop produced thousands of items renowned for their quality.

While the first quarter of the 20th century saw the end of the Rushton boat shop, many Rushton boats and canoes still exist today. In honor of Rushton and his famous works, the first Canton Canoe Weekend began in 1962, known as the Rushton Memorial Canoe Race. Over the years, the event expanded, attracting participants and viewers. Today, races include professional, amateur, and recreational levels.

Below are some featured images from our archives related to Canton Canoe Weekend. The two images are of the first annual Rushton Memorial Canoe Race on May 20, 1962. The first photo with the bridge shows the finish line of the race, the Main Street Bridge in Canton. The second photo depicts check-in and registration near Pyrites. Ten canoes entered the race, including two-man crews and single paddlers. Dwight P. Church (age 70) and his son won the race in their two-man boat.

As always, stop by the museum to learn more and explore our Rushton exhibit. We are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please join us tomorrow for what should be a fascinating presentation by Eileen Visser! Zoom link available by emailing ...
05/01/2024

Please join us tomorrow for what should be a fascinating presentation by Eileen Visser! Zoom link available by emailing [email protected].

This week’s featured object is a pair of earrings dating from the mid to late 1800s. These hair drop earrings are made o...
04/27/2024

This week’s featured object is a pair of earrings dating from the mid to late 1800s.

These hair drop earrings are made of woven brown human hair adorned with metal fittings. During the Victorian Period, hair jewelry was a popular accessory, considered both sentimental and fashionable. Wearing hair jewelry was viewed as a form of carrying one’s sentiments for those who have passed or a connection to a living friend or relative.

Originally owned by Clara Simmons, these earrings have been passed down generations in St. Lawrence County, including the Gutterson, Stone, and Anderson families.

Would you wear a pair like these?

Address

3 E Main Street
Canton, NY
13617

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13153868133

Website

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