BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON – An 1861 Crazy Quilt donated by the Southworth family will be featured at an open house on Saturday, June 15, at the Canton Historian’s building, 7 Main St.

The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and will include a book signing by Roxanne Bocyck on the history of Pyrites. 

“The Southworth family came on the Mayflower and eventually settled in the north country. Thus Canton loses another among those fine old first families, one who held fast the friendships won over a long and lovely life,” said Canton Historian Linda Casserly.

Mrs. Southworth descended from one of the pioneer families of this section. Her grandfather, Henry Mead, was among the first settlers in that South Canton Brick Chapel section from which those families also include the Wallaces, Sandersons, Heatons, Judds. Henry Southworth and his wife lived to an old age, residing on the old home farm which he had settled and which descended to his son, Orville, and is now the property of Stanley Southworth, Casserly noted.

Bocyck’s book, Catherine's Dream, is a testament to the power and possibility of nurturing one's ambitions against all odds, and overcoming fear and doubt with faith and determination.  

“This book has already been read by local people from Pyrites and feel the author has captured the truth about small town Pyrites,” Casserly stated.

Check out 7 Main St.

Casseerly was appointed Canton Historian in 1995, working out of a one-room office on the second floor of the Canton Municipal Building. On Oct. 4, 2022, the office and collection was relocated to its current space at 7 Main St.

“The collection began to grow when the Historian's Office and collection was moved to 7 Main St. with no stairs and on the corner. The collection and donations just keep growing,” said Casserly.

Today, there are five rooms - a library, a resource room, a photoroom with four archival boxes of photos. maps and newspapers back to the early 1800s.

“This place is a treasure for Canton's life  photos, yearbooks. students graduation certificates back to 1889 and Canton keeps on growing for the local community,” she said.

Casserly thanked Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley and Mayor Mike Dalton for allocating funding for the 7 Main Street space.

“Thankfully, Paul Mitchell, Renice Bisnett, 92 years old, Rachael Towne, Greg Howe and photographer Dennis Barr, and others, gave their time to make a showcase for all to see,” Casserly remarked. “So many people never forget the importance of being the St. Lawrence County Seat. We are so proud of our history.”

Casserly also applauded the work of volunteer Steven Sauter who knew more history and loved his work.

“I hope to see many visitors on Saturday,” she said.