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History The Canton we know today is reective of the Canton of yesteryear. Our values have remained, with our focus continuing to be our families, schools, and businesses - our community. We look to where we came from to help shape the Canton we know today, and to guide our growing community into the future. Civilization arrived in Canton by the 1830’s. Land had been cleared, homes had been built, farms begun, and schools and churches organized. In 1834 a six square mile area bounded by Joy Road on the north, Van Born Road to the south, Hannan to the east and Napier to the west became known as Canton. Canton was named after a city in China due in part to the enhanced trade relations the United States had with China at that time. Canton was and continues to be governed by a Board of Trustees. In 1874 the rst township hall was built on the corner of Canton Center and Cherry Hill Roads. It seated 400 people and was built at a cost of $700.

Yes. We have an Ikea. Welcome

Welcome to Beautiful Canton, Michigan

Canton is located in the heart of southeastern Michigan. Situated conveniently between Detroit and Ann Arbor, Canton is a community that has it all. It is just minutes from Metro Airport, and within the 36 square miles that make up Canton, you will nd a responsive local government, a wide variety of housing options, restaurants for every taste, outstanding shopping opportunities, acres of parks, and a world-class library. Add to that a state-of-the-art community center, a premiere performance venue and a nationally-accredited Leisure Services and Police Department, and you come up with a community that enjoys an outstanding quality of life.

History (cont’d) Beginning with the rst settlers in Canton, self-sustaining farming was the main source of income. The farm provided the necessary food and products for a family’s livelihood, while the extra could be sold or bartered for goods, services or cash. The typical farm family owned six or eight milk cows, hogs for marketing, hens for eggs and meat and a few sheep. Ice cut from nearby rivers in the winter kept food and milk preserved in the summer. The abundant maple trees provided maple sugar each spring.

Dairy farming was also important in Canton due to its central location. At rst farmers took their milk to local creameries located in the villages of Sheldon Corners and Cherry Hill. From these creameries, Canton’s milk was distributed to larger nearby communities, including Detroit. Today one large dairy herd still exists in Canton, run by descendants of another early family, the Gills.

For more information or to join the Canton Historical Society please visit their website at www.cantonhistoricalsociety.org or call 734/397-0088.

Arts Canton has a rich history that we are committed to preserving and are privileged to honor. In Canton, we look to where we came from to help shape the community we know today, and to guide our growing community into the future.

Leisure Services is proud to partner with the Canton Historical Society, as we continue to From 1925 to 1970 Canton was touted as the incorporate their commitment to preserve our ”Sweet Corn Capitol of Michigan.” Farmers heritage in to our programs and services. The within a days horse and wagon drive to Detroit Historical Society hosts many of Canton’s took advantage of the opportunity and raised favorite locations, including their Museum the protable sweet corn to be sold at the located on Canton Center Road, as well as the Farmers Market. Today, thousands of bags of Bartlett-Travis House and The Cherry Hill sweet corn still travel to Detroit and points in School. between raised by the descendants of the early farmers, the Hauks, the Schultzs the Palmers The museum is open March through Decemand the Colmans. ber on Tuesdays 1pm - 4pm, Thursdays 6-8pm, and Saturdays 10am-4pm.

Leisure Leisure Services programs are led by the Recreation Division. Programming is developed for people of all ages, including preschool, youth and teens, adults and seniors. Specic areas include Aquatics, Athletics, the Canton Sports Center, the B.L.O.C.K. Teen Center, the Senior Adults Program, Youth Development (Teens), Health/ Wellness and Special Events. The activities and programs provide opportunities for families and friends to build relationships, create a sense of belonging in the community, and positively impact the local economy.

The Leisure Services Department comprises three divisions- Parks, Recreation/ Facilities and Golf plus Central Services which serves as the clearinghouse for communications, accounts payable and personnel issues. The respective divisions are responsible for the administrative functions required to lead the diverse and rapidly growing operation that allows for coordination of resources which ensures effective and efcient delivery of services. Canton Township prides itself on providing an excellent system of parks which offer a variety of activities for residents, plus a place for families to gather for picnics and other outdoor activities. Park pavilions and the gazebo in Heritage Park are available for rental by community groups and individuals. And, that’s not all ... Special events, climbing wall, inatable’s, dance, preschool programs, enrichment classes, after school activities, teen programs, programs for people with special needs .. and much, much more .. come and DISCOVER Canton.