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Republic Stamping and Enameling Oral History Project Teakettles

Republic Stamping and Enameling Oral History Project

The William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is acquiring a unique piece of Canton history–and we need your help to tell the story!

We are creating an exhibit based on more than 1,400 images of employees at Canton’s Republic Stamping and Enameling during the 1940s and 1950s. The photos feature hundreds of men and women who worked in the plant off of Harrison Ave. S.W. making pots, pans and other enamelware.

In the first part of the 20th Century, Canton was a national leader in such manufacturing. A story by Tim Botos of The Repository identified the photographer as Charles Doyne Reese, who brought his camera to work regularly for years to capture the photos of daily life during Canton’s industrial heyday. Reese died in 1987 and his album ended up with a Brooklyn art gallery. It was purchased by a museum supporter and is being donated to our collection.

We are looking to connect with the families of workers who can tell about what life was like at Republic Stamping or might have artifacts that could be shared as part of the exhibit.

Have a story to tell? Fill in this form and a volunteer researcher will be in touch.

 

We would also like to borrow pots, pans, teakettles, etc. that were made by Republic Stamping & Enameling.  If you have any artifacts that relate to the company, please use this form so we can contact you about loaning them to us for the exhibition.

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