Description : Pub. Library Officially Opened by Director of Library Services

An inspiring address by Mr. Angus Mowat, Provincial Director of Library Services for Ontario, was the highlight of the official opening of Bradford Public Library last evening.

Mr. Mowat complimented the Library Board, Council and librarian upon the very attractive library which they have created from a room which looked impossible and from materials almost equally in disrepair. The Bradford Public Library is the successful product of local effort and of local leadership, Mr. Mowat stated, adding that this effort has created a charming little library.

During his address Mr. Mowat's reference to the library was as a book service for the people, and he reminded that when books desired are not available in the small home library they can usually be borrowed from the county library. A provincial library for this purpose is a hope for the future.

In reference to Provincial library grants Mr. Mowat informed that in 1945 such grants total $50,000 and this year they total $865,000. Bradford's grant this year will cover 65% of the municipality's expense for the library.

At the close of his address, on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Education, Mr. Mowat declared Bradford Public Library officially opened.

The guests at the meeting were welcomed by Reeve Arthur Evans.

Chairman of the Library Board, Mr. Cecil Brittain, briefly reviewed the conditions leading to the establishing of the library and the services rendered by members of Board, naming particularly the work of the secretary-treasurer, Mr. Dan Blake, and the building committee members, Messrs. Glenn Boyd and F.C. Cook; The Council, particularly the chairman of the town hall committee, Mr. H. Taylor; the librarian, Miss B. Webb; and Mr. Mowat.

Mr. Brittain urged that residents avail themselves of the opportunity to make use of the library which is free to all residing within the municipality of Bradford. To those outside this municipality the charge is one dollar for a library card.

Mr. Mowat was introduced by Mr. Glenn Boyd, who referred to Mr. Mowat's service in two wars as well as his valuable help as director of public libraries. Mr. F.C. Cook, the other member of the building committee, expressed the appreciation for Mr. Mowat's address as well as his wonderful assistance in preparing the library. The history of Ontario Libraries and of Mr. Angus Mowat are one, Mr. Cook declared.

Rev. F.G. MacTavish and Rev. W.S. Johnson added congratulatory words.

Following the singing of the National Anthem refreshments were served by the ladies of Bradford Women's Institute.

"The space in the town hall given for the public library has been transformed from a dirty, dark corner into a bright, attractively decorated and well planned library room which is expected to be ready for opening by June 1. ..."

The building was built before 1891. It replaced the Western Hotel which burned down in 1890. It consisted of three stories and a basement, with the front spanning about 100 feet. It held 25 bedrooms, a sitting parlor downstairs, a ladies parlour upstairs, and a dining room. In 1900 it became the Armstrong Hotel. The inside was upgraded in 1905 when it was purchased by W. Whyle. In 1907, the stables could hold 75 horses, and the rates were $1-1.50 per day. In 1931 Henry Lang ran the hotel and in the 1950's and 1960's the McEvoy family owned it.

The article accompanying this photograph gives a brief history of the Queen's Hotel, rebuilt after Bradford's great fire of 1871 as Western Hotel. The Western Hotel burned down in 1890, and the structure in the photograph was built soon after. It was owned by William Whyle in 1906.

Business card advertisement for the Queen's Hotel from 1910. Includes etiquette for motor cars on back.

Letter regarding payment of a subscription in support of the Hydro-Electric Railway Association of Ontario, dated March 25, 1918.

Letter to Bradford Grand Trunk Railway agent about a motor driven pump, dated October 7, 1918.

The Railway station was located on Bridge St.

Photograph a young woman reading books in between library bookshelves/stacks.