1

The innovations and successes of local manufacturers were essential to the prosperity of Markham's many villages and crossroad hamlets throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The area was home to well known manufacturers of carriages, wagons, farm implements and other products. Markham's most prosperous firms provided goods, services and technological innovations that responded to the needs and spending habits of the farming community. The fortunes made by many local entrepreneurs were in turn injected back into the local economy, leading to investment in infrastructure and Markham's continued growth.

2

Contract between sawmill owner Joseph Tomlinson and a number of prominent Markham residents
31 May 1847
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1983.50.1

3

James Speight (1830-1903) owned the Speight Wagon Works, which flourished in Markham for many years
Late 19th Century, Circa 1880
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1990.0.101

4

Poster advertising the Speight Wagon Works which had its factory in Markham Village
Early 20th Century, Circa 1905
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1972.59.1

5

Employees standing outside the Speight Wagon Works on Main Street, Markham Village
Late 19th Century, Circa 1895
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1987.0.859

6

Farm wagon manufactured at Speight Wagon Works on Main Street, Markham Village
20th Century, Circa 1900
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.2001.8.1

7

Speight Farm Wagon
20th Century, Circa 1900
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.2001.8.1

8

Henry Wales (1822-1905) owned an international Carriage Works that employed many Markham residents
Late 19th Century, Circa 1895
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1996.0.40

9

The family of Henry R. Wales posed on the vast front yard of 'Maple Villa' in Markham Village
Late 19th Century, Circa 1890
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1996.0.52

10

Farmers lined up to sell cream at Albert Reesor's Locust Hill Creamery
Early 20th Century, Circa 1900
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1986.0.1310

11

Albert Reesor making butter at the Locust Hill Creamery, which he owned
Early 20th Century, Circa 1900
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1986.0.1307

12

Thomas & George Morgan in front of their prosperous farm implement showroom in Markham Village
Early 20th Century, Circa 1905
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1988.0.2

13

When George Morgan (1837-1919) died in 1919 he left $20,000 of his fortune to Markham Village
Late 19th Century, Circa 1870
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1990.0.264

14

Upon his death in 1916 Thomas Morgan's estate was valued at an astonishing $125,000
Late 19th Century, Circa 1870
Markham, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Markham Museum Collection, M.1990.0.263