Ghost Stories of Newmarket
Well another excellent meeting of the Newmarket Historical Society is in the books.
On the occasion of Terry Carter’s scary presentation of Newmarket’s Ghost Stories, I wanted to dedicate this edition of the blog to all the amazing presentation that I have heard over the years and the dedicated people behind the scenes who have made the third Wednesday of the month a night that is clearly marked on my calendar.
I first attended the meetings as a teenager, entice by my Mom and my Uncle to come and learn my history, not just history but my history, like I had a stake in what happened.
A whole variety of subjects were being discussed, people who both knew and loved Newmarket History would step forward and tell their story and I would sit back and think how some day I hoped that I too would have something to say, a story to share!
Mr. Carter was one of the speakers back then and so as I sat there last night, it had all had come full circle. One thing that one could always count upon, a presentation by Terry Carter and a night talking about history makes for a great night of enjoyment.
Over the years so many people have stepped forward to help, whether up at the front telling their story, or behind the scenes making sure that everything was just right. Some are no longer with us, some have been forced to miss the meetings because of bad or failing health, but they have mysteriously been replaced by others who follow in the foot-steps of some great people.
Mrs. Sharpe, Mr. Magel, George Luesby, Miss Haines, the names go on and on in my mind. Terry is still providing us with a sense of pride in our Town’s history. Mr Buchan has assumed the mantle of president and has carried it proudly! People like Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Pilfrey have been carrying on for such a long time and making a difference few seldom recognize. And of course there is Mrs. Playter who has single handedly taken on virtually every job, assumed every responsibility and done it with her innate charm! NHS’s Christmas dinner for me is Mrs. Playter and her helpers making us feel a part of an extended family and not just a collection of strangers.
Yes, but what about the future? The strength of our group has always come from those who stepped forward and took on the challenge. I am afraid that there seems to be a lack of backup, mentors in training if you like.
I urge you all to consider stepping forward and taking the reins. This society has had a long and rich past and I would hate to see that end, not in my lifetime or the lifetimes to come.
As always I wish everyone happy hunting!
History Hound
Is that the Mrs Sharpe that taught at JLR Bell?
Yes Tere that was Elizabeth Sharpe who was instrumental in the founding of the Historical Society and worked at Pickering College with the Quaker Archives!