Please note: This cache is extremely difficult to find in spring/summer months due to plant life. It is very easy to find between October and May.
Historical Context
Canaan Center used to be a thriving small village in the geographic center of Canaan Township. Some of that is still true today. It is perhaps larger population-wise than ever, but transportation has made it unnecessary to have groceries, general stores, meat markets, and mills nearby.
In 1812, a man built a small cabin where Canaan Center is now. The area was later platted as Windsor in 1819 and was inhabited mainly by immigrant farmers (Scots and Irish particularly). The area was secluded and heavily wooded. Most families used salt and limes as currency, but almost all relied on the steady flow of game from the surrounding forests. Farmland was difficult to clear for several years due to how densely wooded northern Wayne County was.
The township garage used to serve as a schoolhouse for local kids.
Canaan Center also became known for its postsecondary academy (Canaan Academy), which taught subjects such as music, Latin, Greek, calculus, logic, and life sciences.
The population of the area decreased dramatically in the 1890s and the area never restabilized. However, there were still stores and markets in Canaan Center well into the 1900s. Today it is a quiet residential community, as you can probably observe and appreciate now.
Local Area
If you find yourself at this cache, please note the following:
Gas stations with public restrooms and food options are available in Creston (~5 miles from this cache) and Burbank (~7 miles from this cache). These are the nearest restrooms, food, and shopping options to this cache. This is just in case you find yourself in a pinch while out caching. From this cache, head north up towards the square and turn onto 604, either right (meets rt 3 to get to Creston) or left (meets 83 to get to Burbank).