I do not think there was ever a building in the core area that was older than the New York House and underwent as much change, some of it drastic. 

The New York House was located on the north side of King Street, exactly at the upper bend. 

It was built circa 1842 by the Oldershaw family contractors and that name, I am pleased to say, can still be found in Chatham after more than 180 years.  

The Oldershaws erected the structure for a man named Gee who wished to operate a grocery store on that ideal spot.  

It can be said that the King Street space between the Market Square and Fifth Street has always been ideal and at a premium cost.  

Why call it the New York House? 

It was just a marketing ploy. The proprietor’s thinking was that if the consumer thought his store was somehow connected to a major city, the prices and quality would then be........

© Sarnia Observer