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Canty Elementary School Namesake Honored With Street Sign

By Heather Cherone | May 24, 2014 9:04am | Updated on May 27, 2014 8:40am
 Ald. Nick Sposato unveiled the honorary street sign celebrating Arthur E. Canty.
Ald. Nick Sposato unveiled the honorary street sign celebrating Arthur E. Canty.
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Ald. Nicholas Sposato

DUNNING — Arthur E. Canty, a school custodian and World War I veteran, now has a street named after him alongside his namesake school.

Ald. Nicholas Sposato (36th) and members of the Canty family gathered Thursday to celebrate Canty Elementary School's 65th anniversary with a ceremony unveiling the honorary street sign in the 3700 block of north Panama Avenue.

"I wanted to do something special to honor the man and the school that has done so much for generations of 36th Ward children," Sposato said in a statement. "Today's celebration shows the importance of Arthur E. Canty Elementary School to the 36th Ward community."

Founded in 1927 as Grace School, the school relocated to its current location at 3740 N. Panama Ave. in 1936. It was renamed in Canty's honor in 1949.

A United States Army sergeant, Canty served in France during World War I.

After returning home, Canty worked as an engineer/custodian at Henderson Elementary School and served as president of the union representing CPS engineers and custodians. Canty was also the state commander of the Illinois American Legion, a fraternal organization for military veterans. 

During World War II, Canty led several campaigns to help the war, including an effort to collect thousands of used razor blades for military vehicles.  

A resident of the South Side, Canty died in 1946 at age 55.

The celebration of the school's 65th anniversary also included a tour of the school, a performance of the school's chorus and a banquet.

Earlier this month, CPS officials announced they would build an $18 million annex at Canty to relieve severe overcrowding.