Celebrating 50 Years! Cannon Through the Last Half-Century Smack dab in the middle of Union Street, steps away from the bustle of downtown Concord, sits a grand white house. It was built in 1905 in the Queen Anne style, spans nearly 10,000 square feet, and features distinct turrets and a dramatic cupola. 65 Union Street North once belonged to J.W. Cannon, founder of the Cannon Manufacturing Company—but back in 1968, it had been sitting vacant for years. At that same time, a group of local parents had come together to discuss the possibility of opening a new school. There seemed to be enough interest, so the committee set their sights on a location. Jane Liles approached J.W. Cannon’s son, Charles, about the possibility of using the house on Union Street as the site for the school. And the rest, as they say, is history. From our roots as Cabarrus Academy on Union Street to our current 65-acre campus on Poplar Tent Road, Cannon School has experienced change and growth few could have imagined back in 1969. Read on to learn about the timeline of the last fifty years. 4 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
1970
1969
Cabarrus Academy opens its doors at 65 Union Street North on September 10, 1969. There are 89 students enrolled in the school, and Herbert Buttrick is the Headmaster.
1971
The Cannon Foundation deeds the house at 65 Union Street North to the school following Charles Cannon’s death.
1972
The first Cabarrus Academy senior class graduates eleven students; welcomes second Headmaster John Hughes.
1975
1976
Kindergarten is added.
Cabarrus Academy eliminates Upper School; Walter Blanchard is named third Headmaster.
