Newmarket History

In the first half of today’s episode, discover the unique past of one of Newmarket’s oldest buildings- Dye’s Inn. The Inn was the site of Newmarket’s first murder and might be haunted today by the same individual who was killed. Then, learn about Newmarket’s greatest contribution to the country of Canada, responsible government. Newmarket played an instrumental role in leading the charge for political change in Canada in the years after the 1837 rebellion. Without the town, it is very possible Canada would look very different today. All that and so much more history, now!

Episode six starts by taking you through the early settlement days of Newmarket. Learn about the lives of the earliest settlers to live in the town and the complicated relationship they had with each other. Then, discover the town’s Indigenous history and some of the stories about the people who came to the Newmarket area long before any white settlers arrived. Although a lot of the Newmarket Indigenous history is still unknown, what we do know will interest all Newmarket residents. 

In episode five, we learn about one of Newmarket’s most cherished stories, the tale of William Roe and the trading tree. The tree became a popular spot for Indigenous trappers from the north to trade with Roe and played a key role in naming the town of Newmarket. Then, explore why the War of 1812 is one of the most significant events in the town’s history. The war benefitted residents commercially, but also planted the seeds of rebellion in 1837. All that and so much more history, now!

In the first half of the episode, we discuss one of the most famous trios in Newmarket’s history. The Cane mayoral dynasty had lasting effects on the town and combined to lift Newmarket above many of its closest economic rivals. Then, explore the Black history of Newmarket and the contributions Black people have made to the town and country of Canada. It may surprise you how much of Newmarket’s fascinating Black history occurred right outside your front door. 

Episode three kicks off with the historic New Era Paper, which dates back to the early 1850s. Discover how the paper and its editor shaped the community of Newmarket and preserved much of the local history we know today. Then, dive into the rails of Newmarket's past. Cars have made the train obsolete in many ways, but it's very possible the town would not exist today had it not been connected to early railways. All that and so much more history, now!

The first half of this week's episode explores how Newmarket residents sparked the 1837 rebellion of Upper Canada. Learn how a group of frustrated local farmers resorted to arms to change the country of Canada forever. In the second half, it's the story of Simpsons's Department Store and its humble beginnings in Newmarket. Discover how Robert Simpson grew his store into one of the most famous department stores in Canada's history. 

We kick off episode one with the impressive life of Newmarket politician William Mulock- the inventor of the postage stamp and builder of Canada. In the second half of the show, relive the political mess that was the construction of the Newmarket canal, an extention of the Trent- Severn Waterway. Yes, you read that right, Newmarket was once almost connected to the Trent- Severn Waterway. All that and so much more history, now!