Armistice Day, Nov. 11, has arrived, and I wanted to do something related to the occasion for this weekend’s article. The two world wars changed everything locally and it deserves to be embedded in our history, deep within our hearts long after the sounding of the last post. When war was declared by England on…
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Some Name Dropping Highlights Newmarket’s Early Movers And Shakers
There are many prominent family names in Newmarket that you’ll likely recognize. One of the true delights in researching our past is the spotlighting of all those flesh and blood men and women who have permanently etched their names into our story as a community. They served as a defining force in our growth and…
The History Of Halloween, From Celebrating Saints To A Night Of Mischief
I thought it would be interesting to look at our memories of Halloween past. This article will be part history lesson and part personal remembrances and I hope that it will rekindle all those warm Halloween memories from your childhood. Finally, I hope this article generates some discussions about your ‘Best Halloween Ever’. First a little…
Newmarket High’s Literary Society Launched Decades Of Cultural Activities
Three extracurricular activities have contributed immensely to our high school experiences. For this article, I’ll be highlighting the years leading up to my time at high school, and in the future, will detail additional activities and years. Let’s look at the literary society, and music and drama clubs, and the yearbook at Newmarket High School. The…
Davis Siblings Created Legacy That Lives On In Canadian Professional Theatre
Here’s a story with which few people are acquainted, but I believe it holds particular interest. I am speaking of the birth of one of Toronto’s first premier repertoire theatre venues, the Crest Theatre. It has a local connection as it was founded in 1953 by three members of the Davis family in Newmarket, Donald…
Masons Continue To Thrive In Newmarket, 162 Years Later
Newmarket’s political and business elite were counted among the membership of this organization that has played a huge part in Newmarket’s history since the early 1800s and continues to flourish today at the Masonic Lodge on Millard Avenue in the old Temperance Building. We start our story with the arrival in 1817 of the Western…
Legend Of Newmarket’s Trading Tree
Newmarket’s Trading Tree is an excellent example of a “historical fact” that continues to have its doubters. Whether this has any effect on our current perception is hard to say but it is a great example of just why words like historical facts need to be vetted closely in today’s world. In this article, I…
Many Of Our Ancestors Rest In Lost, Hidden Cemeteries In The Newmarket Area
Since I was a child, I’ve had an interest in the lost or hidden cemeteries around town. If you have joined me on one of my heritage walking tours, particularly my ghost walk, you will recall me talking about all the burial grounds that are still there, under buildings, pavement, and quite often, in the…
Mass Resignation By Newmarket High Teachers In 1974 Set Record For Longest Strike
This weekend on Newmarket Today, I return to the subject of Newmarket High, in particular the administration and staff who play such a significant role in the success or failure of one’s high school experience. Many of the events mentioned will be remembered by those who attended the school over the years. I will examine…
‘Lovers Of Antiquity’: What Does The Future Hold For Historical Societies?
An issue that occupies my mind as I get older is exactly how we will be most effective in our efforts to preserve our local heritage for coming generations. I have found myself racing against time to share as much local heritage information with the community as I can while I am still able to…
