Nearly 100 years ago, Harry Harper Ink gifted Canton one of its most enduring treasures: the Canton Palace Theatre. Built as a million-dollar vaudeville and movie house, the theatre reflected Ink’s passion for the community and his deep commitment to improving the lives of its people. Ink, a local entrepreneur and industrialist, founded the Tonsiline company, which produced a popular cough syrup famously marketed in giraffe-shaped bottles. Today, two giraffe plaques above the theatre’s proscenium arch serve as the only visible tribute to his remarkable generosity.
Harry Harper Ink’s vision was clear: the theatre was not about him but about creating something extraordinary for the community. His selflessness planted the seeds of a cultural institution that would grow to enrich the lives of generations.
As we approach the Palace Theatre’s 100th anniversary, this spirit of selflessness and commitment to the public good continues to guide us. With a bold $16.3 million capital campaign, we aim to ensure the theatre remains a beacon of culture, accessibility, and economic growth for generations to come.
“The Palace is Not Dead”
The Canton Palace Theatre’s story could have ended in the late 1970s when it faced imminent demolition. Instead, it became a testament to the power of community action and youthful enthusiasm. The theatre’s salvation began with the Canton Jaycees, a dynamic group of young professionals who joined forces with the Canton Preservation Society to rescue the beloved landmark.
Gary Mull, a key member of the Jaycees, recalls the urgency of the moment. "Jaycees and the Preservation Society gathered a coalition of interested parties, created the 501(c)(3), and raised money for it to be renovated," Mull explains. This coalition gave rise to the Canton Palace Theatre Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the theatre’s revival.
The restoration began with a symbolic gesture: renovating the iconic marquee. "People asked, why would that be the first thing you renovate? And we did that because we wanted to demonstrate outwardly and publicly that the Palace is not dead," Mull says. The marquee’s dazzling lights reignited interest in the Palace and served as a rallying point for the community.
However, the journey was far from easy. Years of neglect had left the building in dire condition, with the roof being a particularly critical challenge. Yet the coalition persevered, and just three years after the project began, the Palace reopened on a limited basis, rekindling its magic even as renovations continued.
For Mull, who served 15 years on the Palace Theatre Association’s Board of Directors, the effort was deeply personal. "I remember thinking, one day, we'll come to an event here and no one will know who we are, but they will get to enjoy all the work we're doing now," he reflects. The Jaycees continued the tradition of Harry Harper Ink and saw their efforts not as monuments to themselves but as gifts to the community, ensuring future generations could benefit from a shared legacy.
Preserving a Legacy, Building the Future
The Canton Palace Theatre has stood the test of time, evolving with the needs of its audience. However, to keep this beloved venue competitive and inclusive, significant updates are essential. These changes aren’t just about preserving history; they’re about unlocking the theatre’s full potential as an economic and cultural engine for downtown Canton.
Today, we are only $8 million away from reaching our ambitious goal. Meeting this milestone will allow us to:
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Expand the stage and install a permanent loading dock to accommodate top-tier performers who have long bypassed Canton due to space constraints.
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Add a secondary lobby to enhance the guest experience with expanded concessions and gathering spaces.
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Increase premium seating to attract larger audiences and elevate the theatre’s profile among regional venues.
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Improve accessibility by adding an elevator to the balcony and creating more ADA-compliant restrooms.
These enhancements will enable the Canton Palace Theatre to host a broader spectrum of events, draw larger audiences, and extend rental opportunities to other organizations—all while boosting the economic vitality of Stark County.
A Theatre for the Community, Inspired by the Community
Harry Harper Ink’s original gift was a statement of faith in Canton’s future. This campaign reflects that same belief. By supporting this project, you’re investing in more than bricks and mortar—you’re investing in the vibrancy and resilience of downtown Canton.
The theatre’s impact on the local economy cannot be overstated. A revitalized Canton Palace Theatre will bring more visitors downtown, supporting restaurants, hotels, and shops. It will create jobs, attract new talent, and solidify Canton as a cultural hub in Northeast Ohio. Just as the Jaycee’s efforts breathed new life into the Palace decades ago, this campaign ensures that the theatre continues to fulfill its role as a cornerstone of the community and ensures that this space remains accessible and welcoming to everyone in our community.
Celebrating 100 Years of History
This centennial year is a moment of reflection and celebration. The Canton Palace Theatre is one of the last surviving venues of its kind, home to the mighty Kilgen Pipe Organ—a rare treasure in itself. Imagine the joy of hearing its beautiful melodies fill the theatre as a tribute to this community’s shared success.
As we look ahead, this campaign honors Ink’s legacy by ensuring that the Palace continues to inspire, entertain, and unite for another 100 years. His vision—a theatre created for the people of Canton—guides us still.
Join Us in Raising the Curtain
Together, we can transform the Canton Palace Theatre into a space that reflects the best of what our community has to offer. Your support can make this vision a reality, ensuring that future generations experience the magic of live performance in a space that is accessible, inclusive, and grander than ever.
Help us raise the curtain all the way. With your investment, we can reach our $16.3 million goal and celebrate the theatre’s centennial with a project that will resonate for decades to come. Let’s build on Harry Harper Ink’s legacy and the Canton Jaycees’ spirit of resilience to leave a lasting mark on Canton’s future.
For more information or to contribute, please visit CantonPalace100.com.
"People asked, why would that be the first thing you renovate? And we did that because we wanted to demonstrate outwardly and publicly that the Palace is not dead,"
"I remember thinking, one day, we'll come to an event here and no one will know who we are, but they will get to enjoy all the work we're doing."