What's Happening in Newmarket, ON…

Newmarket’s historic King George Hotel marked the end of a centuries-long tradition this March, as it held a ceremony called ‘The Last Tea’.

The event honoured the hotel’s history of providing tea and light refreshment for Ontario society’s finest. Located between Toronto and popular vacation spots such as Jackson’s Point, the hotel was a convenient afternoon stopover for travelers in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. The hotel was the main coach stop for Newmarket during this time.

With the advent of the railway, the hotel became less popular, but has remained in operation under various proprietors. Called the “grand old lady” of Newmarket, the hotel has survived while other historic buildings on the city’s Main Street were destroyed by fire. The new owners, Michael and Donna D’Angelo, intend to renovate the hotel and reimagine it as a brew house and restaurant. New or reopened establishments often use poster printing and flyer printing to advertise, so Newmarket residents should keep their eyes out for a new use of an old building.

‘The Last Tea’ was hosted by the D’Angelas and included a host of local politicians and dignitaries. The event highlighted the history of the building and gave a taste of the life of a 19th-Century aristocrat.

For now, the tea services are over, but the history of the King George continues.