In partnership with the Newmarket Historical Society, NewmarketToday brings you a regular series of columns aimed at creating awareness about the rich history and heritage of our community. You can connect with the historical society at newmarkethistoricalsociety@
157 Main St. - Roadhouse and Rose Building
On the north-east side of Main Street sits one of the oldest buildings in Newmarket, 157 Main St., which dates back to 1852. The building you see today was built in 1866 by Joseph Millard, which was remodelled and expanded in the 1920s to provide a more mock Tudor look.
This iconic building’s history starts with Samuel Roadhouse, who was 14 in 1838 when he came to Newmarket as an apprentice with John Botsford, a cabinet maker. Those early days saw cabinet making and undertaking jointly operated as cabinet makers generally were the only craftsmen who could make good coffins. Samuel took over Botsford’s business in 1842 when he died, and by 1853 had built his own home and a woodworking factory at Queen and Main streets. Eventually, Roadhouse went on to serve as a school trustee and reeve of the village.
When Newmarket was incorporated as a town in 1880, a town crest was created. The beehive represents a “hive” of industry surrounded by nine bees – one of which represents Roadhouse's business.
Samuel died in 1890 and passed the business onto son Neriah John Roadhouse. Neriah was also very civic minded and served on town council for 12 years before serving as mayor from 1905 to 1907.
The cabinet-making side of the business was discontinued in 1920 but the firm continued to sell manufactured furniture in addition to its funeral services. At that same time, Neriah Roadhouse took his son-in-law, Lyman Rose, as a partner. With a need for a larger premises, the partners moved into the present remodelled building. Roadhouse and Rose was the first funeral home in the area to have a motorized hearse at that time.
Neriah Roadhouse passed away in 1932, leaving his wife, Mildred, and Rose to continue the business until 1953. The firm was then taken over by Lyman’s son, Donald, with two partners, Rodney Ecobichon and Wray Playter.
They stopped selling furniture in 1969 and concentrated all their efforts on the funeral business. Rod Ecobichon retired in 1974 and years later, Donald Rose retired. He sold his interest in the company to Glenn Playter, Wray’s nephew. Glenn and his wife, Jackie, ran the business together and today it is run by their son, Wes Playter.
The third story Tudor-style roof of the funeral home was extensively damaged in 1956 by a fire and was demolished. The roof and the large gable window on the second story were significant feature characteristics of the Tudor-style architecture. These features were also seen on other funeral homes across Ontario, built or remodelled typically during the 1920s and 1930s.
In 2010 a decision was made to re-create the original roof and gable window in its original style. Drawings were based on old photos and illustrations to ensure dimensions were historically accurate.
This is the building that is seen today, silently watching over the hustle and bustle as it has since 1856. Next time you are driving on Main Street, give a nod to this iconic piece of Newmarket’s history. Now you know.
Source: NHS Research Chris Morris, Terry Carter, Erin Cerenzia
