I am pleased to know that Oldershaw Builders Supply will soon celebrate the 180th anniversary of the family’s participation in the local construction industry as manufacturers, suppliers and,0 originally, contractors.  

The family originated at Nottinghamshire, England, and arrived in Chatham in the early 1840s. 

What I think to be their earliest Chatham project was the New York House Grocery which was erected for a man named Gee in the early 1840s. That building was, for many years, home to Artistic ladies’ wear and was located on the north side of King Street at the upper bend.  

The building survived until a few years ago when it was removed and replaced by a condo project 

The head of the Oldershaw clan appears to have been Isaac Oldershaw who was born at Nottinghamshire on Dec. 20, 1818. 

He died at Chatham on Jan. 16, 1900, and reposes in the family plot, Maple leaf........

© Sarnia Observer