Summerside, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
R.T. Holman Ltd.
Photographed by Jay Noble, August 28, 2026
1. R.T. Holman Ltd. Marker
Moving into wholesale in addition to retail, Holman built a large warehouse in 1864 to ensure he could supply country stores. A new four-storey warehouse and store on Water Street followed a decade later as the firm continued to grow. Free-trade with the United States up to 1866 had been very good for business. In 1893-94 he built the three- storey emporium on Water Street that sold clothing, hardware and groceries, employing 60 people. Modern methods of inventory management plus strong principles of integrity backed up by a store guarantee made for success. R.T. died in 1906 but the business passed to two sons who continued the tradition. They moved into mail-order merchandising, reaching an ever-increasing clientele. Radio station CHGS operated on the upper floor of the store, the call letters standing for "Call Holmans Guaranteed
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En 1864, Holman ajoute la vente en gros à son commerce de détail et bâtit un vaste entrepôt pour assurer l'approvisionnement des magasins du pays. L'entreprise ne cesse de grandir et un autre entrepôt de quatre étages ainsi qu'un nouveau magasin voient le jour sur la rue Water une décennie plus tard. Jusqu'en 1866, le libre-échange avec les États-Unis se révèle très favorable au commerce. Entre 1893 et 1894, l'homme d'affaires érige un grand magasin de trois étages qui emploie 60 personnes. On y retrouve des vêtements, des articles de quincaillerie et des produits alimentaires. Son succès est assuré par des méthodes modernes de gestion des stocks et des principes rigides en matière d'intégrité, jumelés à une garantie de satisfaction sur les produits. À la mort de R. T. en 1906,
Photographed by Jay Noble, August 28, 2026
2. R.T. Holman Ltd. Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 46° 23.439′ N, 63° 47.13′ W. Marker is in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. It is on Water Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 Water Street, Summerside PE C1N 4N6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Maritimes and in Atlantic Canada. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony and also the Viceroyalty of New France.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The College of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts of Canada (here, next to this marker); The Striped Skunk / La Moufette Rayée (here, next to this marker); Summerside Steamers / Les bateaux à vapeur de Summerside (here, next to this marker); The Summerside Fire of 1906 / L’Incendie de Summerside en 1906 (here, next to this marker); The Great Trail (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Commemorating The Park Island Hotel - 1872 (about 150 meters away); Bicentennial of United Empire Loyalists and Disbanded Troops (about 150 meters away); Trans Canada Trail Logo (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Summerside.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
