Event Date : Monday, November 28, 1966
Event Type : Death

Description : After not enjoying good health for the past five years, Mrs. Ellen (Nellie) Collings of Bradford passed away at York County Hospital, Newmarket, on Monday, November 28, 1966, where she was admitted just one week previous. Born in Ottawa 73 years ago, she went to Kerrobert, Sask., as a young girl, where she resided until her marriage to Ernest R. Collings on June 10, 1914, when she moved to Bradford where she resided for the remainder of her life. Up to the time of failing health, Mrs. Collings was a member of Trinity Anglican Church and active in the church choir, quilting club, and a lifetime member of the Women's Auxiliary. She was also a life member of the Women's Institute, and a charter member of the I.O.D.E. and the Bradford Knitting Club. Predeceased by her husband in 1950, she is survived by four sons and three daughters: Mrs. Ellenor Peat of Newmarket, Mrs. Ross Griffith (Anita) of Bradford, Roy A. of Oshawa, Mrs. Gerald Rupke (Margery) of Kettleby, Irwin E., W. Bruce, and Keith R., all of Bradford, 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, Mrs. Emily Foster of Kerrobert, Sask., a sister, and two brothers, Arthur Sutton and Albert Sutton, both of British Columbia. The funeral was held on December 1, 1966, from the Lewis Funeral Home to Trinity Anglican Church. The service was conducted by her rector, Rev. W. H. Warnica. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The pallbearers were Norman Collings of Bradford, Dr. Verdon Foster, V.S., of Fergus, Bob McCague of Sarnia, Jim Church, Orville Hand and Edward Bulpit, all of Bradford.

Event Date : Wednesday, June 27, 1956
Event Type : Death

Description : Mr. Ralph Matthews' very sudden death, as the result of a heart attack, shortly after arriving for his day's business at Holland River Gardens Co. Limited on Wednesday morning, June 27, has left a vacancy in his home, in his church, among the Holland Marsh people, and among his many friends in Bradford. His cheerful disposition and friendly smile had made him a friend to all who knew him. Mr. Matthews was born in Holland, and emigrated to this country thirty-one years ago. Before leaving Holland he became engaged to Elsie Horlings and the following year she came to Chatham, Ontario, where they were married. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews established their home in Windsor and there their two daughters, Henrietta (Mrs. Sidney Van Dyke) of the Holland Marsh, and Jeanne (Mrs. Michael Havinga) of London, Ontario, were born. In August of 1946, when Bradford's first vegetable packing plant, Holland River Gardens Co. Limited, was opened, with his brother-in-law, George Horlings, then the vice-president and general manager, Ralph Matthews resigned his position as foreman in an industrial plant in Windsor to join the company here. His home was on the Holland Marsh. His church was the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church. His friendships were among the members of that congregation and few weddings from that church were complete without a reception following at which Ralph Matthews was master of ceremonies. But his friendships were not confined to his Canadian fellow countrymen. He was an enthusiastic bowler and was a member of the Bradford Men's Bowling Club, where at the annual closing social evenings he was always an asset as a leader. His friendships knew no barriers of race or creed. All good people who knew Ralph Matthews were pleased to call him friend. He is survived by his wife and his two daughters. Two sisters and two brothers reside in Holland and three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Matthews returned to their native land and visited their relatives there. Though his immediate family did not follow him to this country, his family relationships were numerous in this community by his marriage into one of the pioneer marshland families here. His funeral was from the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church with his minister, Rev. P. Lagerwey, conducting the services. Six nephews, namely, Wm. Winter, Gerald Verkaik, Harry Horlings, Richard Hyma, Louis Tamminga and George Hulsman were the pallbearers. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.

Event Date : Sunday, March 23, 1952
Event Type : Death

Description : The passing of Mrs. David Mundy following a comparatively brief illness came as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Mundy first went to Newmarket hospital for observation and care and after two weeks in that institution was moved to Western Hospital, Toronto, for treatment. She was in the latter hospital only one week before her death on Sunday, March 23. The late Mrs. Mundy, whose maiden name was May Davison, was born in St. Louis, Michigan, 62 years ago but came to Holland Landing with her parents when a young child, where she attended school. In November 1908, she married David Mundy in Bradford and had since resided in this area. In St. Paul's Church, Coulson's Hill, Mrs. Mundy was a wonderful worker. In the W.A. she served untiringly as Dorcas secretary. She had also been a member of the executive branch and a faithful branch member with Coulson's Hill W.I. Since Mr. and Mrs. Mundy retired to Bradford a few years ago she attended Trinity Anglican Church and joined Bradford W.I. and Bradford Knitting Club. Of a kind and friendly disposition, Mrs. Mundy had many friends who sincerely mourn her death and sympathize with her husband and members of her family, namely, daughter, Mrs. Jack Lenton (Mildred) of Tecumseth Township; sons, Clarence of Newmarket, Norman at home, and Walter of Bradford; her father, Charles Davison of Holland Landing; and two sisters, Mrs. George Mundy of Keswick and Mrs. Duncan Bell of Holland Landing. The funeral was held on Wednesday from the T. Kilkenny and Son Funeral Home with interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Rev. H.G. Blake conducted the services. The pallbearers were her three sons, Clarence, Norman and Walter Mundy; her son-in-law, Jack Lenton; and two nephews, Charlie Mundy and William Bell.

Photographs, newspaper articles and other items pertaining to the history of organizations and organized groups in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Resume of Henry W. Dahlin, a minister of the Bradford United Church in the 1980s. Includes information on his family, his education, his association with clubs and organizations in the area, and his experience working with other churches.