Hollingshead House - A Historic and Cultural Landmark
At 449 Eagle Street in Newmarket stands Hollingshead House, a building with nearly two centuries of history. Built around 1846 for Dr. Silas Hollingshead, a Quaker physician, manufacturer and politician, this house is one of the few remaining example of early vertical plank construction—a technique used by local carpenters in the 19th century. Originally located along Yonge Street in King Township, it was relocated to its current site in 2006 to preserve its historical significance.
But this house is more than just its architecture. It carries a story deeply rooted in justice and community. Dr. Hollingshead was a Quaker, a member of a faith known for its commitment to peace, equality and social justice. In the 19th century, many Quakers played a key role in the abolitionist movement, offering support to formerly enslaved people seeking freedom in Canada. Their belief in human dignity and community upliftment makes the house’s current role even more meaningful.
In 2021, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) took possession of the house, transforming it into the first Black-led community centre in northern York Region. Today, Hollingshead House is alive with purpose, serving as a hub for Black-centered programming, cultural gatherings and educational initiatives.
It is a full-circle moment—a house that once belonged to a community of justice-seekers now belonging to another, carrying forward a legacy of resistance, empowerment and unity. The house stands not just as a piece of the past, but as a space where the future is being shaped, one story at a time.
But this house is more than just its architecture. It carries a story deeply rooted in justice and community. Dr. Hollingshead was a Quaker, a member of a faith known for its commitment to peace, equality and social justice. In the 19th century, many Quakers played a key role in the abolitionist movement, offering support to formerly enslaved people seeking freedom in Canada. Their belief in human dignity and community upliftment makes the house’s current role even more meaningful.
In 2021, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) took possession of the house, transforming it into the first Black-led community centre in northern York Region. Today, Hollingshead House is alive with purpose, serving as a hub for Black-centered programming, cultural gatherings and educational initiatives.
It is a full-circle moment—a house that once belonged to a community of justice-seekers now belonging to another, carrying forward a legacy of resistance, empowerment and unity. The house stands not just as a piece of the past, but as a space where the future is being shaped, one story at a time.
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