When we talk about the major employers for the town of Newmarket and area, we usually identify Davis Leather, the Cane Woodworks, and the Office Specialty but there was another company that employed a huge number of the area’s workforce, the De Havilland Aviation Company in Downsview. Over the next two weeks I shall be…
Tag: History Hound
Memories Of Newmarket School Days Mostly Sweet
As I prepare for the 100th anniversary of my alma mater, Stuart Scott School on June 10, I have noticed that more and more I am reflecting on my school days, my memories of life as an 11 and 12-year-old. I hope that some of my memories spark in you the same longing for a…
Different Public Holidays Celebrated Across Canada
When I began researching my column about Victoria Day, I discovered a whole treasure trove of information on public holidays in Canada, some of it new to me. Did you know that we have different categories of holidays in this country? I never really realized the complexity inherent in our system of public holidays! Perhaps I should start…
Here’s How We Celebrated Victoria Day Over The Centuries
This weekend we are enjoying the Victoria Day long weekend but I wonder how many of you know the story of why we celebrate the day. Not everyone in Canada celebrates it as Victoria Day. Victoria Day, known in French as Fête de la Reine (Celebration of the Queen) is a federal Canadian public holiday celebrated on the last…
Arrival of Toronto Subway Sped Newmarket’s Growth
The building of the Toronto subway system played a significant role in the economic and social development of Newmarket and area. While the Toronto subway is part of a larger public transportation network that includes streetcars, buses and light rapid transit, I shall confine my examination to the subway. In a second article, I shall look at the subway…
Main Street Has Had Its Ups, Downs Over The Centuries
The History Hound Richard MacLeod takes on the topic of the revitalization of Main, which has given rise to heated disagreements, differing opinions and solutions, many of which still rage on! I have been following the various articles and debates concerning Main Street detailing what is or isn’t working. In this article, I hope to…
Newmarket Once Had Three Friends Meeting Houses
This is the second column in my two-part series exploring the history of local churches at the corner of Church and Botsford streets in downtown Newmarket. The Friends Church would replace the Congregational Church, the first church to occupy the building. I have previously told the story of the Quaker Meeting House on Yonge Street, south of Eagle Street, on…
Congregational Church Had Large Place In The Life Of The Village
You may have noticed an old church on the northeast corner of Church and Botsford streets, where a daycare is currently located, and wondered about its origins. This first article will explore the history of what was once the Congregational Church, followed by a second article examining the Friends Church, which took over the building a little…
Way Before The Easter Bunny, Eggs Were Exchanged
As we celebrate Easter, I thought it appropriate that we examine the holiday, its origins, and its traditions as they relate to Canada. Many of you who follow the Christian faith may think you know everything there is to know about the event, but I am hopeful that I can perhaps reveal some additional facts. Let us…
Town Council Elections Were Once Hotly Contested
An interest of mine has been to re-examine past local elections from the perspective of hindsight and analyze the results, the issues and how that particular election effected the town, for better or worse. I have chosen to examine two municipal elections, in 1997 and 2000. Why? I am intrigued by the high number of candidates…
