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Hoover Historical Center – Preserving The Hoover Legacy


Hoover Historical Center GardensAdmission is FREE, donations graciously accepted to tour the family home of William H. “Boss” Hoover, founder of The Hoover Company. Experience the story of this fascinating history: small leather business in New Berlin (now North Canton), Ohio, turned its focus from horse collars to a new electrical appliance, the electric suction sweeper. The effects rippled beyond Stark County and revolutionized housecleaning. “Hoover” became a household name around the globe.

Tours begin in primitive 1840s building that served as the original family home. Guests are briefed on family history and initial business of farming and tanning. A display of fascinating manual sweepers from late 1800s and after turn of the century show the evolution of cleaning devices (some inter-actives available).

The 1853 farmhouse holds the story of the Hoover legacy in the vacuum cleaner business and leader in floor care for generations. The first 1908 Hoover vacuum (Model O)  is showcased along with another Model O, available for visitors to turn the switch and hear the hum of this first successful portable electric vacuum cleaner. Amid elegant Victorian decor, furnishings, and ladies fashions are featured throughout with vintage Hoover vacuums, advertising, and memorabilia. History of Hoover Company’s support of WWII, including war materials produced. History on evacuees from England brought to North Canton by Hoover, presents an interesting facet of this Company and North Canton community’s history.

In 2013  we celebrate 35 years of “Preserving the Hoover Legacy” with a special showing of Hoover family photographs and keepsakes which include New Berlin High School graduation programs from 1892-1903; 1892 New Berlin High School Diploma; circa 1890 Signature Crazy Quilt; family frakturs and 1907 wedding gown (and more).  The Center is located inside Hoover Park on original Hoover family farmland and now north campus of Walsh University, proprietor of the Hoover family homestead.

Tours are conducted hourly, 1,2,3,4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, March – November.  Groups of 8 or more require reservations which are available and encouraged weekday mornings.  A Gift Shoppe offers souvenirs. Award-winning herb gardens tended by members of The Herb Society at the Hoover Historical Center complement the grounds located at 1875 East Maple Street in North Canton. Visit www.walsh.edu/hoover-historical-center, phone 330-499-0287, or email ahaines@walsh.edu for more information.