Canton, NC Explored in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Aug. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Canton from local author Michael Beadle. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.

Situated along the Pigeon River Valley near the Great Smoky Mountains, Canton offers a fascinating history rooted in hard work and community pride. The construction of roads, bridges and railroad lines by the late 1800s resulted in a growing population and turned the sleepy hamlet known as Ford of Pigeon into the bustling town of Canton.

Spruce and chestnut forests in the region lured Ohio industrialist Peter G. Thomson to build the Champion Fibre Company in the center of town. Today, it is known as Evergreen Packaging and the town continues to celebrate its workforce with one of the longest-running Labor Day festivals in the nation.

Canton showcases the rich industrial history of this North Carolina mountain town, while also highlighting contributions from schools, churches, community leaders, local businesses and sports teams.

Highlights of Canton:
•   The majority of the images have been donated from the Canton Historical Museum with the help of Roland Osborne and Wayne Carson and most of the images have never been published before.
•   Includes fascinating stories, like the logging history connected to Canton’s paper mill, portraits of mill employees and a rare look inside former Canton institutions such as the Champion Company Store and the Canton YMCA.
•   Shares a brief history of African American churches and schools in the area.
•   A chapter honoring Canton area veterans, civic clubs, charity work and the dedication of volunteers.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.