2025 Canton Bicentennial Time Capsule Dedication Event

By - Kevin Stephenson, Canton Bicentennial 2025 Media Director

The finale of Canton’s Bicentennial year takes place Saturday, November 15th. It will be the year 2125 time capsule dedication event at the Evangelical Free Church of Canton at 1300 East Chestnut Street, and runs from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. There is no admission charge.

More than 60 items have been submitted to be included in the time capsule that will be stored at Parlin-Ingersoll Library and opened at the Canton Tricentennial in 2125. Items have been provided by individuals, organizations, government agencies, churches, and others. Among the items are documents, newspapers, memorabilia, books, and more. All items have some sort of local connection expected to be of interest to those who open the time capsule a century from now.

Before the time capsule is dedicated near the end of the program, there will be music and performances by the Spoon River College Community Chorus, the Canton Community Band, and Canton pianist Gwen Alexander. Canton actors will bring to life several prominent people from Canton’s history...founder Isaac Swan, philanthropist W.P. Ingersoll’s caregiver Ann Hollingsworth, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus singing ringmaster Harold Ronk, Graham Hospital founders The Graham Sisters, and WBYS owner Charlie Wright.

In addition to the performances, a bicentennial gift will be presented to the City of Canton by the Bicentennial Committee. And there will be closing remarks by Mayor Kent McDowell and Bicentennial Chairman Mike Walters.

More information about the time capsule dedication event can be found at cantonillinois.org by clicking on the bicentennial tab, and by calling the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce at 309-647-2677.