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Two interested Vermonters, Pitts Bailey and Christopher Wilson, bought the Long Rapids territory a few years later. They took over the remaining construction and subsequent operation of the sawmill. In one corner of the mill, Thomas Fenton conducted woolcarding, the process of turning wool into a yarn-like string. He also produced clothing, blankets or other woolen products at the mill. Eventually, a grist mill, blacksmith shop, four stores, a carpenter's shop, a tub factory, a hotel and a mechanic's shop were opened. The population of the settlement rose to about 300. Before Long Rapids' first bridge was built in 1820, the settlers crossed the river in a flat bottom boat, permanently left at the shore for use by the entire community. In 1839, the first post office was established at Long Rapids, by one of the community's early proprietors and first permanent settler, W.H. Harrison. Six weeks later, Harrison's request was granted to change the name for the post office and community to Morley, a surname in his family. Harrison also laid the plans for the first stone schoolhouse in the hamlet. On this day -- December 27th in
1808 -- a post office was opened in another community in the town.
The Canton village post office was opened under the name "New
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