BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Canton Historian Linda Casserly is currently immersed in an inevitable and overwhelming task.

With the help of Rachael Towne, they have spent the last three-plus weeks boxing up “Canton History” in anticipation of the move from the Canton Municipal Building to 7 Main St.

“It is overwhelming the amount of history, books, maps, photos, furniture this office has collected since 1964 after the Cathedral style and Opera Theatre building burned in minus 22 degree weather on Feb. 2, 1962,” stated Casserly.

Painting at the former historic Kaplan building has begun with hopes of making the move in October.

“I hope you take a walk down and check out the building. This move will be a Main Street attraction and open up more businesses,” Casserly remarked.

Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley announced the relocating of the Historian Office in August. The new venue will feature increased space and no stairs. A name for the new historian’s office will be determined.

“This is for the community who never had real access because of the stairs,” stated Casserly at the August meeting. “This will provide a boost to economic development and allow the community to see what their history is all about.”

The town and village will share the cost of a two-year lease with building owner Allison Burris, Oswego. The agreement calls for a monthly rent, including utilities, of $1,150 for the first year at $1,200 the second year.

The Historian’s Office has been located in the municipal building since 1994.