Celebrating Our Dear Friend
Paul Mitcheroney We gathered at the Annual Meeting of the Canton Historical Society on a beautiful autumn day, Slashes of sunlight cut through the windows of the Histy and people gathered as they have for more that 125 years. Today was different. Today the tone was somber as a lone Celtic violinist punctuated the room with Irish aires. George Comeau spoke, and a hush fell across the room. The Society paid homage and tribute to Paul "Mitch" Mitcheroney, our recently departed President.
George spoke of the gifts Paul’s ancestors gave to our community (The Capen Family) some of which were – Guardian of the Ponkapoag Indians, started the Canton Lyceum – which became the Canton Public Library, Tavern Keepers, and members of the First Parish Church. As Postmaster, Nahum Capen introduced the outside letterbox collection system, the first such system in the US. Postal Service in 1857. From this true Canton family, we find Paul in line of descendants, and what Paul left behind as his legacy is a greater appreciation for history and heritage of Canton. Paul also left several gifts and one such item from his family history a chair, which was said to be from the Richard Gridley Estate as well as several family photo and albums.
Paul was a friendly and kind man who was at the center of his family. Canton lost a dear friend with his passing after a long illness. The Society was named as a memorial gift in memory of Paul, and the membership approved the creation of the Paul Mitcheroney Scholarship Fund. In passing the gifts forward, the Society hopes to support young women and men that are graduating from Canton High School and plan of pursuing college degrees in the areas of public service, political science or history. In a wonderful and lasting gesture, members of Paul's family will serve on the selection committee that will choose the worthy scholar each year. The first scholarship is expected to be awarded in 2024.
This annual meeting also conducted the business of reorganizing the Society. The Secretary presented a proposed ballot which nominated George T. Comeau, President, Mathew Tate, Vice President, Elena Mitcheroney, Treasurer, Carol Munson, Secretary, and James Roache, Curator. Also, Sepp Bergschneider, Peter Bright, Paul Buckley, Barbara Cash, Marie Duffy, Emily Prigot, Willard Thorn and Victoria Jenkinson were all nominated and voted as board members for the next year.
George spoke of the gifts Paul’s ancestors gave to our community (The Capen Family) some of which were – Guardian of the Ponkapoag Indians, started the Canton Lyceum – which became the Canton Public Library, Tavern Keepers, and members of the First Parish Church. As Postmaster, Nahum Capen introduced the outside letterbox collection system, the first such system in the US. Postal Service in 1857. From this true Canton family, we find Paul in line of descendants, and what Paul left behind as his legacy is a greater appreciation for history and heritage of Canton. Paul also left several gifts and one such item from his family history a chair, which was said to be from the Richard Gridley Estate as well as several family photo and albums.
Paul was a friendly and kind man who was at the center of his family. Canton lost a dear friend with his passing after a long illness. The Society was named as a memorial gift in memory of Paul, and the membership approved the creation of the Paul Mitcheroney Scholarship Fund. In passing the gifts forward, the Society hopes to support young women and men that are graduating from Canton High School and plan of pursuing college degrees in the areas of public service, political science or history. In a wonderful and lasting gesture, members of Paul's family will serve on the selection committee that will choose the worthy scholar each year. The first scholarship is expected to be awarded in 2024.
This annual meeting also conducted the business of reorganizing the Society. The Secretary presented a proposed ballot which nominated George T. Comeau, President, Mathew Tate, Vice President, Elena Mitcheroney, Treasurer, Carol Munson, Secretary, and James Roache, Curator. Also, Sepp Bergschneider, Peter Bright, Paul Buckley, Barbara Cash, Marie Duffy, Emily Prigot, Willard Thorn and Victoria Jenkinson were all nominated and voted as board members for the next year.
The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Canton Historical Society.
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