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…
Tag: Interview
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…
Many Recall Hot Cross Buns From Riddell’s Bakery
I always enjoy stepping back in time and looking at local businesses that were prominent, and the personalities who ran these beloved enterprises. Many of you may remember Geer and Byers, which was located on Botsford Street from 1933 to 1955. W.J. Geer purchased the building and the taxi business from Edward Boyd, who was our own Ted Boyd’s…
French Royalists, Germans, Scots Were Early Settlers
You all seemed to enjoy my multi-part series on the forgotten villages of York County, and I thought that a closer look at the de Puisaye and Berczy settlements from the late 1700s and early 1800s may be of interest. In my previous columns, I have covered the settlements that grew along Yonge Street north of Oak…
Local War Brides Came To Love Their Adopted Country
This article is part of continuing series on the historical demographics of Newmarket and area. The previous article featured Monica Sisler and her experience as a war bride. Let’s take a closer look at the wave of war bride immigration in our area. There has been a great deal of analysis as to the causes for this wave…
Many War Brides Shared Common Roots In Newmarket
In our continuing series, I am sharing stories I received from our readers of how their ancestors ended up in this area and their early experiences upon arrival. This account comes courtesy of Ken Sisler, who tells us the story of his aunt, Monica Sisler, who, by all accounts, had an interesting life. I should mention that…
The Dutch Touch In ‘50s Newmarket
This weekend we continue our look at Newmarket’s changing demographics with a story from Herb Goodhoofd, who sent me the story of his family’s arrival in Newmarket from Holland just after the end of the war. In the coming weeks we shall publish more of the family stories that were sent to me regarding their relocation…
