A Brief History of Canaan Commerce

Early Days

The Town of Canaan was formed by charter in 1761. Settlers, many of whom arrived from Connecticut, developed wagon and foot paths between homes and settlements. Grain mills, built along the rivers, became centers of activity for business. Lumber mills soon provided boards for larger and more substantial houses. As the community grew, roads were laid out and built beginning with South Road in 1774. Many roads built in the late 1770's and 1780's led directly to the Eames corn mill by the outlet of Harts Pond (now called Canaan Street Lake).

New construction clustered along well traveled roads and near established businesses. Canaan Center was called Factory Village because of its broom handle factory and many mills. Inns, liveries, grocery stores, and fine homes were built along Broad Street (Canaan Street) by the late 1800's. That carefully planned street, part of the NH Turnpike system, gained early prominence by the location of the Town Meeting House completed in 1796. West Canaan experienced growth with the arrival of the railroad in 1847 and the location of its busy station stop.

Expansion in East Canaan (Canaan Village) was at first stimulated by the nearby Fourth New Hampshire Turnpike. The downtown area grew rapidly after the railroad company built its depot on land offered by Richard Hutchinson, a local farmer. The Village grew rapidly to become the major commercial center. By 1884, more than 33 small businesses were active downtown.

Fire and Change in the Village

The great fire of 1923 completely destroyed the heart of Canaan Village. Rebuilding and reinvestment took place immediately. The sturdy buildings that rose on the Corner of Main and Depot streets tell us that there were great expectations for the future of the business district. The new post office, hardware store, pharmacy, and train depot were opened with pride. Elm trees were planted along the curbstone sidewalks. A new section of Route 4 cut through the village providing the increased number of motorists with a major link to the cities of Concord and Lebanon.

Through the 1950's the downtown area was busy as residents came into town to do their weekly shopping, attend a movie, have lunch or dinner at the Canaan Inn or Diner, or enjoy a drink at one of the cafes. The new Boston & Maine Railroad Station was a hub of activity for loggers, farmers, and manufacturers. Passenger trains stopped at the depot day and night.

Business Today

A variety of small and home-based businesses continue to thrive in our rural community. These range from seasonal snow plowers to artisans, consultants to manufacturing companies. West Canaan and Canaan Center have maintained their identities and locally owned stores offer a convenience for the families living there.

Canaan Village provides retail businesses, a bank, post office, restaurants, elementary school, senior center, and medical facilities. The library, recreation field, and the town offices bring residents to town for pleasure and business. Meeting halls for social groups and three churches serve area residents. The Downtown hosts the Lions Club Concert, the Canaan Farmers' Market, and Old Home Days and continues to be the hub of Town activity. Its architecture and character are unique to Canaan and reflect the culture and history of the entire town.

Learn more about the history of Canaan by visiting the Historic Museum on Canaan Street during its open hours in the summer. The library has Wallace's history of Canaan and other publications for study. The Historical Society is another good resource and welcomes new members.

Transportation Enhancement Project

Canaan received Transportation Enhancement Program funding to improve the safety and beauty of Downtown Canaan. Engineering and Design work began in the summer of 2004 and construction was complete by the end of 2005. The program required a 20% match by the Town which voters approved overwhelmingly in March of 2002.