This is second instalment of my column on the history of gas stations in Canada. First, I examined the arrival of the gas station to Canada back in 1907, and now we turn our focus to the iconic gas stations in the Newmarket area. If you would like to contribute one of your memories to this list, please…
Tag: Oral History
How Gas Stations Have Changed Through Time
This is the first of a two-part examination of the history of gas stations, beginning with their arrival in Canada and our town. In part two, I will look at back through history at our iconic Newmarket gas stations. I am sure you will remember your local gas station from your youth and have noticed just…
Canada Played Pivotal Role In UN’s Creation
A participant on one of my recent heritage walks incorrectly made the point that Canada has played no role in either the United Nations mandate or various world events that continue to arise, which has prompted this column on Canada’s crucial role in the establishment of the UN, its charter, human rights charter and participation in…
Newmarket Shoppers Flocked To New Plazas And Malls
The arrival of the shopping mall changed our history in Newmarket and across Canada, as consumers shifted away from family-run local stores to mega malls. Let’s take a brief look at the emergence of the mall shopping experience. Experts tell us there have been three main stages in the development of shopping centres in North America: the…
Decade-Long Local Poll Reveals Thoughts About Holidays
Every year I have conducted polls for my own amusement on a subject that may not appear to be associated with local history, but the results do indicate the generation of birth, and your ongoing social and economic background. The interesting thing is one’s views on the subject seem to vary as we age. The question…
Memories Of Special Christmas Gifts Never Fade
A popular Christmas tradition with its roots in antiquity is the exchanging of gifts. Even though trends and tastes in gifts may change, the gesture of acquiring, preparing, and bestowing something of value to friends and family is a time-honoured tradition in celebration of the festive period and has been for thousands of years. Today,…
Your Photos, Videos Help Keep Our History Alive
One of the essential elements of historical preservation is the photographs taken of people, places and things. This has been joined in the last few years by the taking of videos. The hobby of photography and videography can be very rewarding in the present, but few people consider that these photos or videos will provide a tangible…
The Issue Of Homelessness Has Evolved Over The Years
Often a topic for my column will come about from a conversation or comment I receive during one of my local heritage walks or presentations, which has prompted me to explore the issue of homelessness from a historical perspective. Someone insisted that homelessness in Canada was a modern phenomenon and that we did not have the problem…
Longtime Newmarket High Teacher Shaped Many Students
One of the longest-serving teachers at Newmarket High School was William Stoddart Elliott. Elliott was born in Copper Cliff, raised in Parry Sound and eventually made his home on Elmer Avenue in the Beaches area of Toronto. One would generally call him “sir” when speaking to him but “Wild Bill” when speaking among one’s classmates. Elliott…
Best Friends Play Vital Role In One’s History
I recently explored the importance of our ‘childhood neighbourhood’ and how, historically, we are all shaped by the neighbourhood we called home as a child. This column examines what I consider the second half of this exploration, the part best friends play in our personal histories. Just as I did when I examined childhood neighbourhoods, I shall share my personal…
