True to the tradition of good food and interesting conversation, NHS held its Christmas dinner last night at the Twinney Complex and it would appear to me that all the elements were present for a wonderful time.
Over the years that I have been attending these wonderful celebrations of the season, it has been a wonderful occasion to sit and catch up with those who do not get out to the monthy meetings any more and to learn from others!
I would have to say that this was one of the best dinners I have attended. The idea of having the period band was pure genius!
Congratulations should go out to all those who arranged and worked on the dinner. Jackie Playter has a long tradition of being the point person but it looks like she had very capable co-workers!
Once again I urge anyone who has a passion for the history of Newmarket and the time to meet a really great group of people, to attend one of their meetings and perhaps we will see you at the Xmas party next year!
Happy Holidays to All!
The History Hound
Newmarket Historical Society
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Thursday, 17 November 2011
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Ghost Stories of Newmarket
Well another excellent meeting of the Newmarket Historical Society is in the books.
On the occasion of Terry Carter’s scary presentation of Newmarket’s Ghost Stories, I wanted to dedicate this edition of the blog to all the amazing presentation that I have heard over the years and the dedicated people behind the scenes who have made the third Wednesday of the month a night that is clearly marked on my calendar.
I first attended the meetings as a teenager, entice by my Mom and my Uncle to come and learn my history, not just history but my history, like I had a stake in what happened.
A whole variety of subjects were being discussed, people who both knew and loved Newmarket History would step forward and tell their story and I would sit back and think how some day I hoped that I too would have something to say, a story to share!
Mr. Carter was one of the speakers back then and so as I sat there last night, it had all had come full circle. One thing that one could always count upon, a presentation by Terry Carter and a night talking about history makes for a great night of enjoyment.
Over the years so many people have stepped forward to help, whether up at the front telling their story, or behind the scenes making sure that everything was just right. Some are no longer with us, some have been forced to miss the meetings because of bad or failing health, but they have mysteriously been replaced by others who follow in the foot-steps of some great people.
Mrs. Sharpe, Mr. Magel, George Luesby, Miss Haines, the names go on and on in my mind. Terry is still providing us with a sense of pride in our Town’s history. Mr Buchan has assumed the mantle of president and has carried it proudly! People like Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Pilfrey have been carrying on for such a long time and making a difference few seldom recognize. And of course there is Mrs. Playter who has single handedly taken on virtually every job, assumed every responsibility and done it with her innate charm! NHS’s Christmas dinner for me is Mrs. Playter and her helpers making us feel a part of an extended family and not just a collection of strangers.
Yes, but what about the future? The strength of our group has always come from those who stepped forward and took on the challenge. I am afraid that there seems to be a lack of backup, mentors in training if you like.
I urge you all to consider stepping forward and taking the reins. This society has had a long and rich past and I would hate to see that end, not in my lifetime or the lifetimes to come.
As always I wish everyone happy hunting!
On the occasion of Terry Carter’s scary presentation of Newmarket’s Ghost Stories, I wanted to dedicate this edition of the blog to all the amazing presentation that I have heard over the years and the dedicated people behind the scenes who have made the third Wednesday of the month a night that is clearly marked on my calendar.
I first attended the meetings as a teenager, entice by my Mom and my Uncle to come and learn my history, not just history but my history, like I had a stake in what happened.
A whole variety of subjects were being discussed, people who both knew and loved Newmarket History would step forward and tell their story and I would sit back and think how some day I hoped that I too would have something to say, a story to share!
Mr. Carter was one of the speakers back then and so as I sat there last night, it had all had come full circle. One thing that one could always count upon, a presentation by Terry Carter and a night talking about history makes for a great night of enjoyment.
Over the years so many people have stepped forward to help, whether up at the front telling their story, or behind the scenes making sure that everything was just right. Some are no longer with us, some have been forced to miss the meetings because of bad or failing health, but they have mysteriously been replaced by others who follow in the foot-steps of some great people.
Mrs. Sharpe, Mr. Magel, George Luesby, Miss Haines, the names go on and on in my mind. Terry is still providing us with a sense of pride in our Town’s history. Mr Buchan has assumed the mantle of president and has carried it proudly! People like Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Pilfrey have been carrying on for such a long time and making a difference few seldom recognize. And of course there is Mrs. Playter who has single handedly taken on virtually every job, assumed every responsibility and done it with her innate charm! NHS’s Christmas dinner for me is Mrs. Playter and her helpers making us feel a part of an extended family and not just a collection of strangers.
Yes, but what about the future? The strength of our group has always come from those who stepped forward and took on the challenge. I am afraid that there seems to be a lack of backup, mentors in training if you like.
I urge you all to consider stepping forward and taking the reins. This society has had a long and rich past and I would hate to see that end, not in my lifetime or the lifetimes to come.
As always I wish everyone happy hunting!
History Hound
Monday, 17 October 2011
1837 Rebellion Walking Tour
In honour of Mr. Terry Carter and the Newmarket Historical Societies agenda for next year's meeting agenda, I have posted a brief 1837 Rebellion Walking Tour from my Uncle George's writings which thought may prove interesting!
Many citizens of this town do not realize how central this area was to the rebellion movement and just how much the political and social landscape of this town was shaped by this involvement!
Take a short tour of these sights and get your history juices fired up for what I am certain will be an incredible series of lectures on the subject in 2012 brought to you by the Historical Society.
Enjoy!
1837 Rebellion Walking Tour
Hewitt's Hotel: N-W corner of Main and Botsford Streets. Hewitt's Hotel, later the North American, was built by Joseph Hewitt in 1826, and demolished c. 1900. The site is presently occupied by a restaurant and a skateboard shop. It was at a meeting here on August 3, 1837 between disgruntled local residents and William Lyon Mackenzie that rebellion was first openly discussed.
Presbyterian Kirk: A new Kirk (church) stood at the N-E corner of Timothy and Church Streets in 1837. It was used as a jail for forty-six rebels following Mackenzie’s ill-fated attempt to capture Toronto. The prisoners were chained together and force-marched to Toronto through bitter winter cold. The Kirk was demolished in 1907.
Caldwell House: The home of James B. and Rosanna Caldwell, this house stood on the S-E corner of Botsford and Church Streets, on the north side of the former Kirk site. J. B. Caldwell was a chair maker and pointer who had a shop on Main Street. Though a reform sympathizer, he drew the line at armed conflict. He was allowed a parole by the authorities, and ran messages between the prisoners in the Kirk and their families. Rosanna smuggled food through her backyard and into the Kirk. Following the Rebellion, the Caldwells built Liberty Hall, on Botsford Street.
Cawthra House: John Cawthra was a reform supporter who opposed violence. When talk of armed rebellion began, he tried to warn Lieutenant-Governor Head, who reportedly replied, "They know too well which side their bread is buttered on to attempt rebellion". This remark led to a scene in a field west of Newmarket where rebels trained by firing at loaves of buttered bread stuck on poles. Cawthra House is on the N-W corner of Main and Water Streets.
The Willows: The home of William and Sarah Roe, The Willows stood on the N-E corner of Main and Water Streets. William Roe won fame as a teenager during the War of 1812 by hiding 'the government treasury from the invading Americans. He came to Newmarket as a fur trader following the war. Roe was a supporter of the Family Compact, and was rewarded for his loyalty after the rebellion by being appointed Newmarket's second postmaster, a position he held until his death in 1879.
Gorham House: On Gorham Street (named after Nelson's father Eli), East of Prospect, the Gorham House was Newmarket's first brick house. Nelson Gorham was a rebel leader who fled with Mackenzie to the United States following the rebellion, and became a member of the Provisional Government of the State of Upper Canada which Mackenzie established on Navy Island in the Niagara River. As a captain in the "Patriot" army, Nelson Gorham was responsible for enrolling new recruits. He returned to Newmarket following his pardon in 1843, and in later years became viIlage reeve.
Beman-Robinson House: Originally located on Water Street at the foot of Main, the Beman-Robinson House now stands on Eagle Street across from Church Street. Newmarket's first house, it was built c. 1804, possibly as early as 1801, by Joseph Hill. It was later owned by Elisha Beman, who married widow Esther Sayre Robinson and became stepfather to her five children. They were important members of the colonial elite. "Squire" Beman was a prominent businessman, Magistrate and Justice of the Peace, and his three step-sons were: a) Peter Robinson, founder of Holland Landing and Peterborough, businessman, fur trader, and high government official; b) Sir John Beverly Robinson, Attorney-General, Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor; c) William Beverly Robinson, fur trader, high government official, and Newmarket's first postmaster.
Eagle Street Cemetery: This little cemetery on the North side is the final resting place to some who supported the government side in the rebellion:
William and Sarah Roe / Elisha Beman / Lieutenant Arthur Carthew (who led an expedition to relieve Toronto, arriving a week after the rebellion)
May of these buildings are gone, but I am sure that if you just stand there and close your eyes, you will be able to hear the cries of injustice and rebellion echoing in your ears!
Be sure to join us in 2012 for our lecture series!
Happy Trails!
The History Hound
excerpt from the works of George W. Luesby
Many citizens of this town do not realize how central this area was to the rebellion movement and just how much the political and social landscape of this town was shaped by this involvement!
Take a short tour of these sights and get your history juices fired up for what I am certain will be an incredible series of lectures on the subject in 2012 brought to you by the Historical Society.
Enjoy!
1837 Rebellion Walking Tour
Hewitt's Hotel: N-W corner of Main and Botsford Streets. Hewitt's Hotel, later the North American, was built by Joseph Hewitt in 1826, and demolished c. 1900. The site is presently occupied by a restaurant and a skateboard shop. It was at a meeting here on August 3, 1837 between disgruntled local residents and William Lyon Mackenzie that rebellion was first openly discussed.
Presbyterian Kirk: A new Kirk (church) stood at the N-E corner of Timothy and Church Streets in 1837. It was used as a jail for forty-six rebels following Mackenzie’s ill-fated attempt to capture Toronto. The prisoners were chained together and force-marched to Toronto through bitter winter cold. The Kirk was demolished in 1907.
Caldwell House: The home of James B. and Rosanna Caldwell, this house stood on the S-E corner of Botsford and Church Streets, on the north side of the former Kirk site. J. B. Caldwell was a chair maker and pointer who had a shop on Main Street. Though a reform sympathizer, he drew the line at armed conflict. He was allowed a parole by the authorities, and ran messages between the prisoners in the Kirk and their families. Rosanna smuggled food through her backyard and into the Kirk. Following the Rebellion, the Caldwells built Liberty Hall, on Botsford Street.
Cawthra House: John Cawthra was a reform supporter who opposed violence. When talk of armed rebellion began, he tried to warn Lieutenant-Governor Head, who reportedly replied, "They know too well which side their bread is buttered on to attempt rebellion". This remark led to a scene in a field west of Newmarket where rebels trained by firing at loaves of buttered bread stuck on poles. Cawthra House is on the N-W corner of Main and Water Streets.
The Willows: The home of William and Sarah Roe, The Willows stood on the N-E corner of Main and Water Streets. William Roe won fame as a teenager during the War of 1812 by hiding 'the government treasury from the invading Americans. He came to Newmarket as a fur trader following the war. Roe was a supporter of the Family Compact, and was rewarded for his loyalty after the rebellion by being appointed Newmarket's second postmaster, a position he held until his death in 1879.
Gorham House: On Gorham Street (named after Nelson's father Eli), East of Prospect, the Gorham House was Newmarket's first brick house. Nelson Gorham was a rebel leader who fled with Mackenzie to the United States following the rebellion, and became a member of the Provisional Government of the State of Upper Canada which Mackenzie established on Navy Island in the Niagara River. As a captain in the "Patriot" army, Nelson Gorham was responsible for enrolling new recruits. He returned to Newmarket following his pardon in 1843, and in later years became viIlage reeve.
Beman-Robinson House: Originally located on Water Street at the foot of Main, the Beman-Robinson House now stands on Eagle Street across from Church Street. Newmarket's first house, it was built c. 1804, possibly as early as 1801, by Joseph Hill. It was later owned by Elisha Beman, who married widow Esther Sayre Robinson and became stepfather to her five children. They were important members of the colonial elite. "Squire" Beman was a prominent businessman, Magistrate and Justice of the Peace, and his three step-sons were: a) Peter Robinson, founder of Holland Landing and Peterborough, businessman, fur trader, and high government official; b) Sir John Beverly Robinson, Attorney-General, Chief Justice and Lieutenant-Governor; c) William Beverly Robinson, fur trader, high government official, and Newmarket's first postmaster.
Eagle Street Cemetery: This little cemetery on the North side is the final resting place to some who supported the government side in the rebellion:
William and Sarah Roe / Elisha Beman / Lieutenant Arthur Carthew (who led an expedition to relieve Toronto, arriving a week after the rebellion)
May of these buildings are gone, but I am sure that if you just stand there and close your eyes, you will be able to hear the cries of injustice and rebellion echoing in your ears!
Be sure to join us in 2012 for our lecture series!
Happy Trails!
The History Hound
excerpt from the works of George W. Luesby
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Newmarket's Military Camp
This is an excerpt from my presentation at the Legion back in April of this year.
In August, 1940 the then Newmarket Mayor Dr. S.J. Boyd, a Main St. doctor, told Ottawa the town of Newmarket was willing to provide a site for a wartime army camp. Within six weeks, the Newmarket Basic Training Centre had been built – 36 buildings including a large drill hall, barracks, cookhouses, messes, guardrooms, recreation halls, and canteens. An infirmary, churches and other buildings were added later. Thousands of soldiers were trained for overseas action at the Newmarket base and the camp payroll and supply purchases kept Main St. prosperous during the war years.
Today, the drill hall is the York Curling Club, and many of the barracks and other buildings which were converted to peacetime uses can still be seen on nearby streets.
We must remember that in the late 1930’s war clouds were beginning to cast a dark shadow over Western Europe. The German Nazi army invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939 and overran Poland on Sept.1. The fate of Britain was in jeopardy. On Sept. 3, 1939 England declared war on Germany and five days later on Sept. 8 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed that a state of war existed in support of England despite the waffling for neutrality by Prime Minister Mackenzie King.
Before the war Canada had strong ties with Britain with preferential trade and sentiments. The population was predominantly Anglo-Saxon and unemployment during the 1930’s was an inducement to enlist in the armed forces to alleviate the distress and at the same time help England in its dire need. The Department of National Defense established several recruiting depots across the country and Toronto was named Military District No.2 located in the Exhibition Coliseum and was generally known as Manning Pool where the recruits were dispensed to the various training camps set up for the relative services. There were 39 army camps established across Canada for elementary training.
When it was announced in midsummer 1940 that army training camps were to be formed the Newmarket town council were quick to realize an opportunity to offer unused land in the municipality for that specific purpose which in return would be an economic benefit and help to alleviate the depressed business and labor problems in the town. With remarkable speed and political influence Mayor Dr. S. J. Boyd, Reeve Fred Lundy, Deputy Reeve Joseph Vale and solicitor Norman L. Mathews went to Ottawa and met with W. Pate Mulock the M.P.P. and Harry Doyle the administrator of Wartime Prices & Trade Board. (Harry was born and raised in Newmarket from a well-known family before going to Ottawa).
On Aug.1, 1940 bylaw 834 was passed by council to lease town properties to the Dept. of National Defense for the duration of the war and for 6 months after the declaration of peace. This area included 16 acres of Cannaught Gardens on the north side of Srigley St. and another16 acres being the fairgrounds. An additional 20 acres was acquired from Albert and Herbert Stickwood whose farm was on the south side of Srigley St. east of the fairgrounds. Thus a total of 52 acres was allocated to the military. (Connaught Gardens was a subdivision venture of 1912, which failed and reverted to the town for unpaid taxes). Provisions for water supply, sewers, hydro and telephone services were part of the negotiations and were quickly arranged by the diligence of town council.
On Aug.15, 1940 Newmarket was selected as a site for a basic army training camp and designated No.23 in Military District 2 with an expenditure of $300,000 to train 1000 men each month with a staff of 200 officers and instructors. The training concentrated on physical exercise, squad drill, gas training and musketry. Work commenced immediately with 300 men employed to build 30 buildings in a 10 hr. day, 6-day week. Anyone with a hammer and saw applied for pay at .55c. /hr. up to $1.10 /hr. for skilled labour (the prevailing rate in town was .25 to .35 cents/hr. when work was available).
Eventually there were 45 buildings including a large drill hall, barracks for 1000 men, officers quarters, cook houses, recreation hall, infirmary, quarter-master stores, canteens, chapels etc. Recruiting and enlistments at the rate of 1000 men a month from Manning Pool arriving by train. This continued steadily for the duration of the war. When peace was declared to end hostilities the camp ceased to function and went into limbo only to prepare for closing. On Jan.27, 1946 it was announced that the camp would be closed finally at the end of March. On being vacated an auction sale on July 24/25 disposed of all furniture and equipment. The war period ended the terrible decade of the 1930’s and introduced the transition into a completely new life style at mid century, which changed humanity beyond all comprehension at the time.
The military camp area was completely redundant after the war and on Aug.3, 1946 a bylaw was passed by Town Council to repossess their leased 32 acres and acquire the residual 20 acres and all the buildings on the site from the War Assets Corporation for $34,700. Within a few days they passed another bylaw to sell part of their purchase for $25,500 to builder/contractor John W. Bowser. This was the area on the south side of Srigley St. and included all 9 barracks. Each unit had been the quarters for 136 servicemen and comprised 2 long frame huts 24’x 100’ joined by a centre section called the “ablution hut” for toilets and showers etc. to make an “H” platform. J. W. Bowser modified these “H” huts to plans by Geo. Luesby to convert them to residences. The central portion was removed and the ends of each leg in situ were adapted to make a bungalow 24’x 35’ for a total of 36 dwellings. The parade areas between the barracks were turned into streets and named Newton St., Arthur St., Lowell Ave. and Muriel Ave. which was not extended to Gorham St. until January 1951 to make it the east limit for the fairgrounds. The houses were all sold as soon as they were built in 1947 for $5.000 each.
The officers quarters were on the north side of Srigley St. and in April 1950 the property and one of the buildings were deeded by the town (bylaw 1125) to the Newmarket branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was the nucleus for extension additions of their Legion Hall.
Also north of Srigley St. on the east side of Crescent Rd. the hospital infirmary was leased in August 1946 to Sangamo Electric Co. for $10,000 - $2,000 down and $4,000 for 2 years. This was used for light manufacturing until March 1950 and then leased to a printing lithographing company. In 1970 the buildings were demolished and the land parceled to provide 11 building lots.
During the war the southeast corner of Srigley St. and Muriel St. was occupied by the Quartermasters stores, N.C.O. mess and offices. This location was chosen for a new school site and with additional property from the Stickwood brothers on the west side, the Prince Charles School was erected in 1950. The population had increased from 4000 to 5000 during the previous five years. This was the first school to be built since 1923.
The parade ground for army training was located in the central part of the old racetrack in the fairgrounds and a large drill hall was erected at east end in 1941. It was a huge building with open interior covered with deep wooden trusses 125 ft. span and one of the buildings acquired by the town from War Assets Corp. after the war. In August 1947 it was leased to Eric. K. Jackson of Montreal as the Ontario Truck Body Co. for manufacturing. When the lease expired the drill hall was occupied in 1950 by Canadian Comstock Co. as headquarters for the major hydro conversion project to change electricity services from 25 to 60 cycles. Later it was used as a curling rink until it was torn down in October 1960. A new curling rink was built on the north part of the site.
Isaac Lindenbaum who had them moved to the north side of Davis Dr purchased two single units barrack huts for $500 west of the present Dixon Medical Centre to establish a dry cleaning business. One of the huts was later converted to a dairy and then a restaurant and the other used for indoor bowling. The former Glenville dairy was destroyed by fire on Apr.7, 1990 and the bowling alley demolished in June1991 along with the demise of the old Cane factory. These were last remnants of the military camp except for the fairgrounds, which remain as a recreation park.
By mid September the first officers moved in under Lt. Col. Harkness with a provost corps of a sergeant and six men to supervise the army requirements. On Sept.26 the first group of 100 men arrived by train and paraded down Main St. on their way to the camp.
War's End
Mayor Dales made the official announcement of unconditional surrender to end the war in Europe on May 3, 1945 and "V.E.” day was celebrated by parades and public services on May 8. Again on Aug.16 "V.J.” day was celebrated for the end of hostilities with Japan.
The post war conditions added to a number of perplexing problems, which were difficult to solve. The need for new housing, industry, education public utilities and services placed a heavy burden on the municipal administration. Plans for settlement for personnel returning from the Armed Forces began in January 1945 before peace was declared. An emergent meeting at Newmarket High School stressed the need for vocational training for the veterans.
In 1912 streets east of Pleasantview Ave. had been laid out on 35 acres as a speculation venture known as Connaught Gardens. Concrete sidewalks and road allowances were made but no other services. It was eventually taken over by the Town for non-payment of taxes. The whole district remained idle until a portion of it was taken over by the Government in 1940 to establish a military base for elementary training. The campsite covered 52 acres extending 660 ft. each side of Srigley St. east of Vale Ave. and included the Fair Grounds to Pine St. There were 45 buildings erected for various military purposes including a large drill hall, barracks for 1000 men, officers’ quarters, cook houses, recreation hall, infirmary, messes, canteens etc. Recruiting and enlistments continued to supply the army with basic training at the rate of 1000 men a month for the duration of the war. At the end of hostilities the camp was closed at the end of March 1946.
In August 1946 after the camp was vacated a bylaw was passed by Town Council to repossess their 32 acres and acquire the remaining 20 acres and all the buildings from War Assets Corporation for $34,700. Within a few days they passed another bylaw to sell part of their purchase for $25,000 to John W. Bowser a builder/contractor. This was on the south side of Srigley St. and included all 9 barracks; each unit had been the quarters for 136 servicemen and consisted of two long frame sections joined at the center with a utility room thus making an "H" plan form. These were converted into bungalows by removing the center portion and adapting each leg to make dwellings each 24'x 35' for a total of 35 bounded by new streets, Muriel Ave. Lowell Ave. Arthur St. and Newton St. They were all sold for $5000 each as soon as they were built in 1947.
The Newmarket branch No. 426 of the Canadian Legion of war veterans was started in 1946. Lt. Col. K.M.R. Stiver was elected charter president with membership of approximately 250 Legionnaires. The Town deeded the officer’s mess building on the north side of Srigley St. in 1949 to serve as their headquarters. The organization was named the Milton Wesley Branch #426 Canadian Legion dedicated to Milton Wesley who was instrumental in early development of the Legion hall which has had many alterations and additions to serve as a popular social center on the east side of the town.
During the late 1940's the veterans met in makeshift facilities in the vacated old Town Clerk's building on Millard Ave. at Main St. until 1952 and then they had a "dug-out" in the unfinished basement of the Town Hall. In 1966 the vacated Free Methodist Church, which was built in 1913, was purchased as a permanent site for the Association. A Provincial Charter was granted and the building enlarged. Property for parking space was acquired by demolition of three houses on Victoria St. and another on Millard Ave.
As a tangible show of patriotism and war effort recognition a municipal auditorium was proposed by Town Council to be visible war memorial. In March 1947 plans were drawn for 2 storey auditoriums 109'x 122' to seat 700 people located on the south side of Park Ave. west of the Post Office extending to the area where the library now stands. The estimated cost was $190,000 and involved expropriation of the property. The proposal was submitted to the ratepayers for approval but the presentation was poorly conducted. A vote taken on April 7, 1947 gave only a favorable vote of 37 with only a third of eligible voters casting ballots. The promotion of major expenditure and the hastiness of Council to push it through were resisted by many citizens. Nevertheless, in February 1948 property was purchased from Geer & Byers for $30,148.00 and no further action was taken. Eventually, part of the property was sold to the Government for Post Office extension, the west part reserved for a library and the remainder for a parking lot.
As an aftermath of the ill fated referendum on the Memorial Auditorium, it was decided in Council that a planning commission should be set up to provide a rational approach to future building and land use applications.
In June 1948 it was announced from Ottawa that a regional office to administer the Veterans Land Act and Soldier Settlement was to be located in Newmarket to serve a district from Peterborough to Owen Sound. The office was initially set up in the I.O.O.F. hall, which had been used as a dance pavilion during the war patronized by the soldiers from the army camp. In 1956 it relocated to the west wing of the Post Office. Under VLA land was purchased from the west end of the Uriah Marsh farm for $6000. This area was east of York County Hospital and south of Davis Dr. The property was later parceled into 45 half-acre lots and sold at a nominal cost to veterans to build their homes with their own design and effort. It was called "Sunny Hills' subdivision and was the first post war land development. This created extensions to Queen St. and Grace St. eastward to a new street named Roxborough Road.
Next time you are exploring around Newmarket, look for the reminents of the Military Camp. They are still around!
Until next time, happy trails!
The History Hound
Taken from Newmarket Era, archives and personal files!
In August, 1940 the then Newmarket Mayor Dr. S.J. Boyd, a Main St. doctor, told Ottawa the town of Newmarket was willing to provide a site for a wartime army camp. Within six weeks, the Newmarket Basic Training Centre had been built – 36 buildings including a large drill hall, barracks, cookhouses, messes, guardrooms, recreation halls, and canteens. An infirmary, churches and other buildings were added later. Thousands of soldiers were trained for overseas action at the Newmarket base and the camp payroll and supply purchases kept Main St. prosperous during the war years.
Today, the drill hall is the York Curling Club, and many of the barracks and other buildings which were converted to peacetime uses can still be seen on nearby streets.
We must remember that in the late 1930’s war clouds were beginning to cast a dark shadow over Western Europe. The German Nazi army invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939 and overran Poland on Sept.1. The fate of Britain was in jeopardy. On Sept. 3, 1939 England declared war on Germany and five days later on Sept. 8 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed that a state of war existed in support of England despite the waffling for neutrality by Prime Minister Mackenzie King.
Before the war Canada had strong ties with Britain with preferential trade and sentiments. The population was predominantly Anglo-Saxon and unemployment during the 1930’s was an inducement to enlist in the armed forces to alleviate the distress and at the same time help England in its dire need. The Department of National Defense established several recruiting depots across the country and Toronto was named Military District No.2 located in the Exhibition Coliseum and was generally known as Manning Pool where the recruits were dispensed to the various training camps set up for the relative services. There were 39 army camps established across Canada for elementary training.
When it was announced in midsummer 1940 that army training camps were to be formed the Newmarket town council were quick to realize an opportunity to offer unused land in the municipality for that specific purpose which in return would be an economic benefit and help to alleviate the depressed business and labor problems in the town. With remarkable speed and political influence Mayor Dr. S. J. Boyd, Reeve Fred Lundy, Deputy Reeve Joseph Vale and solicitor Norman L. Mathews went to Ottawa and met with W. Pate Mulock the M.P.P. and Harry Doyle the administrator of Wartime Prices & Trade Board. (Harry was born and raised in Newmarket from a well-known family before going to Ottawa).
On Aug.1, 1940 bylaw 834 was passed by council to lease town properties to the Dept. of National Defense for the duration of the war and for 6 months after the declaration of peace. This area included 16 acres of Cannaught Gardens on the north side of Srigley St. and another16 acres being the fairgrounds. An additional 20 acres was acquired from Albert and Herbert Stickwood whose farm was on the south side of Srigley St. east of the fairgrounds. Thus a total of 52 acres was allocated to the military. (Connaught Gardens was a subdivision venture of 1912, which failed and reverted to the town for unpaid taxes). Provisions for water supply, sewers, hydro and telephone services were part of the negotiations and were quickly arranged by the diligence of town council.
On Aug.15, 1940 Newmarket was selected as a site for a basic army training camp and designated No.23 in Military District 2 with an expenditure of $300,000 to train 1000 men each month with a staff of 200 officers and instructors. The training concentrated on physical exercise, squad drill, gas training and musketry. Work commenced immediately with 300 men employed to build 30 buildings in a 10 hr. day, 6-day week. Anyone with a hammer and saw applied for pay at .55c. /hr. up to $1.10 /hr. for skilled labour (the prevailing rate in town was .25 to .35 cents/hr. when work was available).
Eventually there were 45 buildings including a large drill hall, barracks for 1000 men, officers quarters, cook houses, recreation hall, infirmary, quarter-master stores, canteens, chapels etc. Recruiting and enlistments at the rate of 1000 men a month from Manning Pool arriving by train. This continued steadily for the duration of the war. When peace was declared to end hostilities the camp ceased to function and went into limbo only to prepare for closing. On Jan.27, 1946 it was announced that the camp would be closed finally at the end of March. On being vacated an auction sale on July 24/25 disposed of all furniture and equipment. The war period ended the terrible decade of the 1930’s and introduced the transition into a completely new life style at mid century, which changed humanity beyond all comprehension at the time.
The military camp area was completely redundant after the war and on Aug.3, 1946 a bylaw was passed by Town Council to repossess their leased 32 acres and acquire the residual 20 acres and all the buildings on the site from the War Assets Corporation for $34,700. Within a few days they passed another bylaw to sell part of their purchase for $25,500 to builder/contractor John W. Bowser. This was the area on the south side of Srigley St. and included all 9 barracks. Each unit had been the quarters for 136 servicemen and comprised 2 long frame huts 24’x 100’ joined by a centre section called the “ablution hut” for toilets and showers etc. to make an “H” platform. J. W. Bowser modified these “H” huts to plans by Geo. Luesby to convert them to residences. The central portion was removed and the ends of each leg in situ were adapted to make a bungalow 24’x 35’ for a total of 36 dwellings. The parade areas between the barracks were turned into streets and named Newton St., Arthur St., Lowell Ave. and Muriel Ave. which was not extended to Gorham St. until January 1951 to make it the east limit for the fairgrounds. The houses were all sold as soon as they were built in 1947 for $5.000 each.
The officers quarters were on the north side of Srigley St. and in April 1950 the property and one of the buildings were deeded by the town (bylaw 1125) to the Newmarket branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was the nucleus for extension additions of their Legion Hall.
Also north of Srigley St. on the east side of Crescent Rd. the hospital infirmary was leased in August 1946 to Sangamo Electric Co. for $10,000 - $2,000 down and $4,000 for 2 years. This was used for light manufacturing until March 1950 and then leased to a printing lithographing company. In 1970 the buildings were demolished and the land parceled to provide 11 building lots.
During the war the southeast corner of Srigley St. and Muriel St. was occupied by the Quartermasters stores, N.C.O. mess and offices. This location was chosen for a new school site and with additional property from the Stickwood brothers on the west side, the Prince Charles School was erected in 1950. The population had increased from 4000 to 5000 during the previous five years. This was the first school to be built since 1923.
The parade ground for army training was located in the central part of the old racetrack in the fairgrounds and a large drill hall was erected at east end in 1941. It was a huge building with open interior covered with deep wooden trusses 125 ft. span and one of the buildings acquired by the town from War Assets Corp. after the war. In August 1947 it was leased to Eric. K. Jackson of Montreal as the Ontario Truck Body Co. for manufacturing. When the lease expired the drill hall was occupied in 1950 by Canadian Comstock Co. as headquarters for the major hydro conversion project to change electricity services from 25 to 60 cycles. Later it was used as a curling rink until it was torn down in October 1960. A new curling rink was built on the north part of the site.
Isaac Lindenbaum who had them moved to the north side of Davis Dr purchased two single units barrack huts for $500 west of the present Dixon Medical Centre to establish a dry cleaning business. One of the huts was later converted to a dairy and then a restaurant and the other used for indoor bowling. The former Glenville dairy was destroyed by fire on Apr.7, 1990 and the bowling alley demolished in June1991 along with the demise of the old Cane factory. These were last remnants of the military camp except for the fairgrounds, which remain as a recreation park.
By mid September the first officers moved in under Lt. Col. Harkness with a provost corps of a sergeant and six men to supervise the army requirements. On Sept.26 the first group of 100 men arrived by train and paraded down Main St. on their way to the camp.
War's End
Mayor Dales made the official announcement of unconditional surrender to end the war in Europe on May 3, 1945 and "V.E.” day was celebrated by parades and public services on May 8. Again on Aug.16 "V.J.” day was celebrated for the end of hostilities with Japan.
The post war conditions added to a number of perplexing problems, which were difficult to solve. The need for new housing, industry, education public utilities and services placed a heavy burden on the municipal administration. Plans for settlement for personnel returning from the Armed Forces began in January 1945 before peace was declared. An emergent meeting at Newmarket High School stressed the need for vocational training for the veterans.
In 1912 streets east of Pleasantview Ave. had been laid out on 35 acres as a speculation venture known as Connaught Gardens. Concrete sidewalks and road allowances were made but no other services. It was eventually taken over by the Town for non-payment of taxes. The whole district remained idle until a portion of it was taken over by the Government in 1940 to establish a military base for elementary training. The campsite covered 52 acres extending 660 ft. each side of Srigley St. east of Vale Ave. and included the Fair Grounds to Pine St. There were 45 buildings erected for various military purposes including a large drill hall, barracks for 1000 men, officers’ quarters, cook houses, recreation hall, infirmary, messes, canteens etc. Recruiting and enlistments continued to supply the army with basic training at the rate of 1000 men a month for the duration of the war. At the end of hostilities the camp was closed at the end of March 1946.
In August 1946 after the camp was vacated a bylaw was passed by Town Council to repossess their 32 acres and acquire the remaining 20 acres and all the buildings from War Assets Corporation for $34,700. Within a few days they passed another bylaw to sell part of their purchase for $25,000 to John W. Bowser a builder/contractor. This was on the south side of Srigley St. and included all 9 barracks; each unit had been the quarters for 136 servicemen and consisted of two long frame sections joined at the center with a utility room thus making an "H" plan form. These were converted into bungalows by removing the center portion and adapting each leg to make dwellings each 24'x 35' for a total of 35 bounded by new streets, Muriel Ave. Lowell Ave. Arthur St. and Newton St. They were all sold for $5000 each as soon as they were built in 1947.
The Newmarket branch No. 426 of the Canadian Legion of war veterans was started in 1946. Lt. Col. K.M.R. Stiver was elected charter president with membership of approximately 250 Legionnaires. The Town deeded the officer’s mess building on the north side of Srigley St. in 1949 to serve as their headquarters. The organization was named the Milton Wesley Branch #426 Canadian Legion dedicated to Milton Wesley who was instrumental in early development of the Legion hall which has had many alterations and additions to serve as a popular social center on the east side of the town.
During the late 1940's the veterans met in makeshift facilities in the vacated old Town Clerk's building on Millard Ave. at Main St. until 1952 and then they had a "dug-out" in the unfinished basement of the Town Hall. In 1966 the vacated Free Methodist Church, which was built in 1913, was purchased as a permanent site for the Association. A Provincial Charter was granted and the building enlarged. Property for parking space was acquired by demolition of three houses on Victoria St. and another on Millard Ave.
As a tangible show of patriotism and war effort recognition a municipal auditorium was proposed by Town Council to be visible war memorial. In March 1947 plans were drawn for 2 storey auditoriums 109'x 122' to seat 700 people located on the south side of Park Ave. west of the Post Office extending to the area where the library now stands. The estimated cost was $190,000 and involved expropriation of the property. The proposal was submitted to the ratepayers for approval but the presentation was poorly conducted. A vote taken on April 7, 1947 gave only a favorable vote of 37 with only a third of eligible voters casting ballots. The promotion of major expenditure and the hastiness of Council to push it through were resisted by many citizens. Nevertheless, in February 1948 property was purchased from Geer & Byers for $30,148.00 and no further action was taken. Eventually, part of the property was sold to the Government for Post Office extension, the west part reserved for a library and the remainder for a parking lot.
As an aftermath of the ill fated referendum on the Memorial Auditorium, it was decided in Council that a planning commission should be set up to provide a rational approach to future building and land use applications.
In June 1948 it was announced from Ottawa that a regional office to administer the Veterans Land Act and Soldier Settlement was to be located in Newmarket to serve a district from Peterborough to Owen Sound. The office was initially set up in the I.O.O.F. hall, which had been used as a dance pavilion during the war patronized by the soldiers from the army camp. In 1956 it relocated to the west wing of the Post Office. Under VLA land was purchased from the west end of the Uriah Marsh farm for $6000. This area was east of York County Hospital and south of Davis Dr. The property was later parceled into 45 half-acre lots and sold at a nominal cost to veterans to build their homes with their own design and effort. It was called "Sunny Hills' subdivision and was the first post war land development. This created extensions to Queen St. and Grace St. eastward to a new street named Roxborough Road.
Next time you are exploring around Newmarket, look for the reminents of the Military Camp. They are still around!
Until next time, happy trails!
The History Hound
Taken from Newmarket Era, archives and personal files!
The Newmarket History Hound
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be an ongoing collection of stories, remembrances and insights about the rich and fascinating history of my home town, Newmarket!
This blog is intended to be an archive of stories and facts relating to our history, with equal parts contributed by our members and those in the community who have a story to tell.
I will be relating some of the great stories I grew up hearing at family gatherings and community gatherings and it is my hope that you will all contribute your tales to this collection!
Many of you have visited our Facebook group page at www.facebook.com/#!/groups/220374013988/ or our archives page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/NHSMembers. We have grown quickly and we urge you all to visit if you have not done so yet!
Newmarket Historical Society meets every third Wednesday of the month except for the months of December, July and August. The topics of each meeting are posted in either of our Facebook locations as well as in local advertising locations. We welcome new members and remember the evenings are free!
This month, Wednesday October 19, Terry Carter will be presenting a program on Newmarket’s Ghost stories at the Elman Campbell Museum at 7:30 pm. Why not join us!
Next year is a big year for Newmarket as the province is celebrating the anniversary of the 1837 Rebellion. Newmarket was the centre of the action and Newmarket area residents played leading roles in the whole drama. We will be featuring some stories about that era in coming issues of this blog so stay tuned!
My first topic will be the Military Camp that was located here during the Second World War, a topic on which I did a presentation back in April of this year.
If you want to add to any blog or disagree with any ideas expressed, please feel free to do so!
We have some excellent local historians working in this Town currently, and many dedicated people who have worked to preserve our rich past. Why not become one of them.
My blog on the Military Camp will appear in the next few days. Come back and check it out!
Happy Trails!
The History Hound
This blog is intended to be an archive of stories and facts relating to our history, with equal parts contributed by our members and those in the community who have a story to tell.
I will be relating some of the great stories I grew up hearing at family gatherings and community gatherings and it is my hope that you will all contribute your tales to this collection!
Many of you have visited our Facebook group page at www.facebook.com/#!/groups/220374013988/ or our archives page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/NHSMembers. We have grown quickly and we urge you all to visit if you have not done so yet!
Newmarket Historical Society meets every third Wednesday of the month except for the months of December, July and August. The topics of each meeting are posted in either of our Facebook locations as well as in local advertising locations. We welcome new members and remember the evenings are free!
This month, Wednesday October 19, Terry Carter will be presenting a program on Newmarket’s Ghost stories at the Elman Campbell Museum at 7:30 pm. Why not join us!
Next year is a big year for Newmarket as the province is celebrating the anniversary of the 1837 Rebellion. Newmarket was the centre of the action and Newmarket area residents played leading roles in the whole drama. We will be featuring some stories about that era in coming issues of this blog so stay tuned!
My first topic will be the Military Camp that was located here during the Second World War, a topic on which I did a presentation back in April of this year.
If you want to add to any blog or disagree with any ideas expressed, please feel free to do so!
We have some excellent local historians working in this Town currently, and many dedicated people who have worked to preserve our rich past. Why not become one of them.
My blog on the Military Camp will appear in the next few days. Come back and check it out!
Happy Trails!
The History Hound
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