The building of the Toronto subway system played a significant role in the economic and social development of Newmarket and area. While the Toronto subway is part of a larger public transportation network that includes streetcars, buses and light rapid transit, I shall confine my examination to the subway. In a second article, I shall look at the subway…
Tag: Oral History
Teen Town Highlight Of Social Scene In 1950s, ’60s
I have been working on this article since I first began writing this column nearly five years ago, looking back at some of the memories associated with Newmarket’s Teen Town that are still so strong after all these years. My sincere thanks need to go out to all those who have participated in quite a few…
Newmarket: Ice Cutter, Soda Jerk, Candy Girl, Milkman Among Long Gone Jobs
Whether you are a history hound or simply researching your family tree, you have probably come across occupations that are now extinct or most certainly rare. Ever wonder what those jobs entailed or where they went? Let’s have a look at what some of our ancestors did for a living. Some occupations on our list disappeared thanks…
The Cedars Estate Was Renowned For Social Gatherings
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about the historical home affectionately known as Maple Gables and now we are going to examine another property steeped in local history, The Cedars, located on what is now Victoria Street. Just as with Maple Gables, the rich history of the property is forever intertwined with that…
Southern Ontario Was Home To 2 Notorious Residential Schools
This is part two of my two-part series on the history of the residential school system,with a focus on southern Ontario. You can read part one here. In Ontario, there were roughly 15 residential schools and 13 of those were attended by Nishnawbe Aski Nation children. I have listed below the Ontario schools and posted a…
Residential Schools An Appalling Chapter In Canada’s History
This is the first of a two-part series on residential schools in Canada. In part one, we will examine the subject from a national perspective, while in part two, we will narrow our focus to southern Ontario. I hope to start the discussion by addressing some facts that you may not currently know or perhaps…
‘Discovery’ Of Remains On Former Newmarket Cemetery Site Unearthed Storm Of Controversy
Let’s return to a story I touched on recently, the Methodist cemetery known as God’s Acre on Garbitt Hill, now Prospect Street, at the former site of Alexander Muir school and now Chartwell Alexander Muir Retirement Residence. I must admit the story invokes a bit of bewilderment within me as it involves, if you can remember, the…
Remembering A Time When Newmarket’s Bus Drivers Knew Your Name
Let’s go back in time to learn the story of Newmarket’s first bus transit system and the two men who made it happen. Many of us have memories of riding the town bus as a youth before we had wheels. The story begins with two Larry Needler and Earlby Ruthven, who were the owners of…
Early Black Settlers Arrived in Newmarket Via Underground Railroad
As I often mention, my historic curiosity knows no bounds and my interests are eclectic, to say the least. This article focuses on what I have learned so far about the Black history of our area. I am sharing a few stories in the hope they will spark others to send me their stories of…
Itinerant Methodist Ministers The Root Of Newmarket’s First Meeting House For Public Worship
I’m continuing my series on Newmarket churches with a closer look at the Methodists, from which the current United Church was to spring. Shortly after the beginning of the 18th century, the Methodists made their appearance at the new settlement north of York. An early reference to Methodism in the Newmarket/Yonge Street district comes from Nathan Bangs,…
