Photograph of the remains of the Thompson's Hardware business sign. See Related Descriptions to see the business in the early 1900s.

Written on back of photograph:

"Colly at Smoke Shop"
"Fred Collie Collings Smoke Shop Holland St. W"
(Next to Queens Hotel)

"This week's historical photo was submitted by Lew Campbell of RR 2, Bradford, whose father, W.L. Campbell (behind the counter) operated the drug store on Holland Street now occupied Ritchie's Variety Store. Fred C. Cook, standing in front of the counter, worked for Mr. Campbell for several years, intending to become a druggist. But he went into the insurance business instead. Mr. Campbell owned the drug store in Bradford for 57 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1891, a silver medalist in his class."

An invoice to the Bradford Lawn Bowling Club by William L. Campbell for medicinal plants, dated December 28th, 1911. Paid March 26th, 1912.

An account bill made out to the Bradford Lawn Bowling Club by Whimster & Wilcox Goods Store, dated July 27th, 1912.

The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of Whimster & Wilcox Store, owned by J.E. Hodgson in 1906. It was located at 16 Holland Street West, and was immediately east of the Queen's Hotel. It began in Aurora by James Whimster and a Mr. Wilcox in 1886, though in 1904 it was launched in Bradford by Charles Elliot. The store featured dried goods, furnishings, clothing, and groceries.

An account bill made out to the Bradford Lawn Bowling Club by M. J. Douglas Bakery and Confectionary, dated September 15th, 1913.

An announcement of the death of Bradford businessman and owner of Sutherland’s Grocery, Alexander Sutherland on July 24th, 1931. Appeared in the July 29th, 1931 issue of the Bradford Witness.

"This week's historical photo was submitted by Lew Campbell of RR 2, Bradford, whose father, W.L. Campbell (behind the counter) operated the drug store on Holland Street now occupied Ritchie's Variety Store. Fred C. Cook, standing in front of the counter, worked for Mr. Campbell for several years, intending to become a druggist. But he went into the insurance business instead. Mr. Campbell owned the drug store in Bradford for 57 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1891, a silver medalist in his class."