Hoover Farmhouse
William H. “Boss” Hoover

Hoover Camp: In 1921, Hoover Camp, as it was known, was the site for Hoover’s International Sales Conventions. About 200 men, arriving from Canada, England, and the United States were brought to North Canton for one week. The idea was to educate the men further while providing fellowship and fun amongst the employees. The men slept in a “tent” city” and learned about new products and marketing strategies. They also enjoyed swimming, baseball, singing, and more! The final convention was held in 1928, although Hoover continued to utilize the park for company picnics and rented it out to Hoover employees. In 2004, Hoover donated Hoover Park and the Hoover Historical Center to Walsh University, which continues to own and operate it today. 

British Children Evacuees during WWII: On August 22, 1940, 78 children ranging from age 5-16 arrived in North Canton to live for the duration of WWII. They stayed at the Hoover Camp and at the Hoover Inn for about ten days until they were assigned foster homes. Activities at Hoover Camp were coordinated by staff members of the North Canton Community Building and other volunteers from various community organizations. All gathered each day for their meals in the dining area at Hoover Camp. The children enjoyed a variety of organized activities during their stay.

Hoover employees competing in a
watermelon eating contest at Hoover Park.

Henry Hoover: He was born in Franklin County Penn., May 14, 1795. He married Miss Margaret Smith and in 1827 moved to Stark County and settled on the S.W. quarter section No. 10 Plain Township. He farmed the land and set up the first distillery in the township. He also operated a tannery which years later his grandson, William H. “Boss” Hoover would develop into The Hoover Company, an international company. By industry and economy he soon became one of the influential men in the county. He retired in 1867 and moved to New Berlin.

Daniel Hoover: He was born in Franklin County, Penn., August 3, 1823. He came to Ohio with his above parents, Henry and Margaret when he was four years old. He apprenticed himself to the tanner’s trade while also working on the family farm. He married Mary Kryder in 1847. They purchased a farm of 86 acres and built a house in 1853 where they had a successful tanning business and productive farm. They had three sons, William H., Joseph W., and Frank K. He sold his tanning business to his sons around 1873.