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Another Landmark gone

The demolition of the Central Hotel building to make room for the McCauley Block removed another of the old landmarks of the Town.
     The building was a solid brick, and was erected nearly 70 years ago by John Davison and was originally used as a grocery and shoe shop, with living rooms on the second floor.  It was afterwards changed by Mr. Davison into a hotel, and was called the Davison House.  The New Era was published for over two years in the first building north, now occupied by Watson's Jewelry Store.
     Mr. Davison was one of the prominent men of his day, and was elected to the first Council of Newmarket as a Village Municipality in place of Mr. E Jackson who resigned on account of serious illness.  The Davison House was a well-kept hostlery, and was purchased by the late Samuel Johnson about 30 years ago, when a mansard roof was added, to provide a third story, and the name was changed to the Central Hotel.
     In the great fire, which broke out in Mrs. Graham's Store, where the Imperial Bank now stands, the whole east side of Main Street was swept north to the Davison House, just about 50 years ago.  It was just after this that the Millard Block was erected by the late Joseph Millard, which was a very great improvement.  The rest of the property laid in ruins for some time.  Mr. Theodore Simpson built the bakery which is now occupied by Mr. Lyons.
     Latterly the propert now being demolished has been used as a boarding house, barber shop and laundrey.
    The first telegraph office in Newmarket in 1854 was in the building, and the ticker was opereated by Mr. John Davison.

Newmarket Era September 8, 1916