Take another look at our community

The harshest critics of any community often are those who were born and raised there.

It can be difficult to recognize those things that we are closest to and judge them based on their own merit.

Our cover story this month (starting on Page 23) features 10 local places of historical significance to Stark County. You’ll find out the history behind the Saxton House and National First Ladies’ Library, Ohio & Erie Canal, Professional Football Hall of Fame, Chapman Hall at Mount Union College, Meyers Lake, the Stark County District Library, the Massillon Women’s Club, Massillon City Cemetery, Bezaleel Wells School and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church.

Treasures in their own right, and each also holds a piece of significant history in Stark County.

You would have to live under a rock not to realize that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a Canton landmark. But did you know the campaign to create a football shrine here began with an editorial in The Canton Repository?

Or did you know that the Ohio & Erie Canal, best known today for its towpath, was conceived by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in 1787 as a way to link Lake Erie and the Ohio River?

An appreciation for our roots not only builds a sense of pride in our community, but also propels us into a better tomorrow.

Try taking a look at Stark County through the eyes of a newcomer. There’s much to be seen.

Signature Drink Competition

The third annual Signature Drink Competition is under way. Professionals and amateurs alike are invited to enter an original drink recipe for a chance to win the About Magazine Signature Drink Award, along with $200 and a feature story in About. Entries will be tested by a panel of judges, and the winner will be revealed in a future issue of About. Aug. 11 is the deadline for submission. For complete rules and an entry form, visit www.aboutstark.com.