Newmarket has long been fascinated with the sport of hockey. There has been organized hockey in and around Newmarket since the mid 1880s, and before that, private games on ponds. We may not have produced any champions during this early period, but it is clear that the game was hotly contested and provided its supporters…
Tag: History
Newmarket Celebrates A Centennial, Ends Prohibition In 1957
This weekend, I return to a format that has proven successful to highlight an individual year from our history. I enjoy the process of picking a year and going back to chronicle what was happening in town, and in many cases, reliving cherished memories. I have chosen the year 1957 as our featured year so…
Newmarket’s Lacrosse, Softball Teams Brought Glory To The Town
Three sports have dominated the Newmarket sports scene over the years — softball, lawn bowling and lacrosse — enthralling our community over the last 180 years. In the early days of our community, cricket was one of the most popular sports dating back to around 1859. Football and quoits (something like horseshoes, as players toss rings…
Little Known Details About Newmarket’s Role In WWI
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…
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…
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…
Time And Time Again, Newmarket Was Devastated By Fire
Fire profoundly shaped the development of Newmarket. In this first of two parts, we shall look at the period from the mid-1800s to 1900. You may wish to read my previous articles on the fire department, the Stickwood Brick Factory, my history of Main Street and the waterworks for additional information. Fire has proven to be a major hazard for…
Battle Long Fought For Burgeoning Newmarket To Adapt Ward System
Let’s examine an example of that old adage that old ideas never really die but are merely re-introduced over the years. Ideas tend to find their legs as the years pass, particularly if those ideas have been put forward by governments. When we take the time to examine our history, we quite often find the…
Our Battle With COVID-19 Recalls Deadly Polio Epidemic
I have written about our experience locally with the Spanish Flu and the Great Depression to illustrate how resilient our ancestors were, managing to not only survive but prosper with far fewer resources at their disposal and with a determination that we have inherited. As we experience the COVID-19 pandemic, causing shutdowns, economic strife and general widespread fear, I…
