Whereas, following the American Revolutionary War and the Treaty of Paris of 1783, Britain ceded claims to territories west of the Appalachian Mountains to the new confederation of States;

Whereas, in 1803, Ohio became the 17th State and the first State carved out of the Northwest Territory;

Whereas, in 1805, the area that would become North Canton was first settled by primarily German settlers;

Whereas, by 1830, this small settlement had grown into a thriving community, and an effort led by town’s blacksmith, John Hower, resulted in the recording of the first Village Plat on February 19, 1831;

Whereas, from this plat of just 23 lots, the Village of New Berlin was born;

Whereas the Village of New Berlin was incorporated on November 21, 1905, and founded its local government 120 years ago on January 1, 1906;

Whereas William Hoover, owner of the future Hoover Vacuum Company, a global entity that created major economic growth for North Canton, served as the Village’s first Mayor following its incorporation;

Whereas the Hoover Vacuum Company was one of the largest employers in the region and resulted in North Canton’s nickname for years being The Vacuum Cleaner Capital of the World;

Whereas, following World War I, the Village of New Berlin changed its name to North Canton on January 31, 1918, to support the county’s ongoing efforts to distance themselves from Germany during World War I;

Whereas, during World War II, North Canton played a crucial role in supporting production for the United States war effort, producing helmet liners, bomb fuses, and airplane parts;

Whereas, effective January 1, 1962, North Canton was officially incorporated as a city;

Whereas in North Canton there is a strong commitment to higher education through the City’s connection to its hometown institution, Walsh University, which has proudly called North Canton its home since its establishment in 1960;

Whereas today North Canton remains a thriving city home to excellent school systems, dedicated safety services, vibrant events and parks and recreation amenities, a bustling local economy, and a strong sense of community pride, collaboration, and connection among its residents, businesses, and organizations; and

Whereas, in celebrating 120 years of service to their community, North Canton’s local government showcases its dedication to upholding excellent services and quality of life for all those who live, work, study, and play there, and underscores their commitment to ensuring a welcoming and prosperous North Canton for generations to come: Now, therefore, be it