I have often referred to the incorporation of Newmarket as a town on Jan. 1, 1881 in my various articles on Newmarket Today, but let’s look at this momentous occasion in a little more depth as it was captured at the time. Newmarket incorporated as a village in 1857. In 1878, the village had been…
Tag: Interview
Newmarket’s Early Newspaper Owners Were Men Of Influence
Come with me to 1852 Newmarket to take a look at the town’s early newspapers and publishers. The population was only 500. There were no sidewalks on Main Street north of the Christian Church and only two or three houses had been built in that area. Beyond the main street to the north and west,…
There’s Gas In Them Thar Newmarket Fields
This week, let’s look at a story that I had always considered a tall tale but one that immediately captured my imagination upon recent examination: the discovery of gas deposits and coal right here in Newmarket. Our story begins in the March 1875 edition of the Newmarket Era reporting the discovery of a gas spring…
In Review Of Decades, The ’60s Marked Massive Growth In Newmarket
In keeping with the beginning of a new year, this week I’ll highlight the progress that occurred with each decade from the incorporation of the Village of Newmarket in the 1850s up to the 1970s. It is my hope this article, coinciding with the arrival of 2020, will serve as both an overview of our…
COMMUNITY ANGEL: Newmarket ‘History Hound’ Barks Up The Right Historical Tree
You may know him as the Newmarket History Hound, a longtime Newmarket resident who shares his vast historical knowledge about the town, its people, its successes and challenges with energy and passion. Richard MacLeod, who is a go-to resource for anything about Newmarket since the town’s founding as a trading post and milling centre in…
A Christmas Card From The History Hound
With the arrival of Christmas next week, let’s explore the history of the Christmas card. The modern custom of sending Christmas cards in Canada can be traced back to the United Kingdom and a man named Sir Henry Cole way back in 1843. He was a senior civil servant who had been instrumental in establishing…
When A Loaf Of Bread Was 6 Cents, And Other Interesting Facts
As I sort through various stories for my weekly heritage articles on NewmarketToday, I frequently come across interesting little stories. I’m sharing some of those facts and antidotes that I have collected. The theme for this article, if we need one, is ‘did you know’?’ Newmarket has altered its numbering system for streets at least…
Newmarket Had Its Arenas, But Fairy Lake Favored For Skating
This article about the history of arenas in Newmarket comes by request. I’ve added it to my famous ‘book of inquiry’ as I share what I have learned and call on all of you to contribute any information you may have on the subject. I want to thank Mr. Copeland for his suggestion of the…
Little Known Details About Newmarket’s Role In WWI
NewmarketToday.ca brings you this weekly feature about our town’s history in partnership with Richard MacLeod, the History Hound, a local historian for more than 40 years. He conducts heritage lectures and walking tours of local interest, as well as leads local oral history interviews. You can contact the History Hound on Facebook or by email at thehistoryhound@rogers.com. ************************* Armistice…
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…
