Plaque displayed at the Elizabeth Gwillim Statue, on the corner of John and Barrie Streets in Bradford, giving recognition to all those who helped to fund the project.

The entertainment at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue included harpist Diane Park Jones accompanied by the St. David's Women's Welsh Choir from Toronto. They are being conducted by Betty Cullingworth.

"Won Military Medal
The following letter gives details of Corporal Wm G. Spence's death and burial:
France Oct 8th, 1918
Mr. James Spence, Bradford, Ontario Canada
Dear Mr. Spence - it is my very painful duty to have to inform you that your son, No. 345884, Corp. W.G. Spence, was killed in action on the 28th Sept., 1918. He was killed while leading his gun crew forward taking part in the attack on enemy positions close to Bourlou Wood.
At a time like this one almost feels that words are useless, but I would like to express to you my sincere sympathy for you in your bereavement, and it is always nice to know that someone, other than oneself, has known and appreciated he who has gone. Corpl. Spence has been with this Company for quite a lone time now, and will be greatly missed by everyone. He was always well liked by the man, and as a N.C.O. [non-commissioned officer], I always found him all that could be desired.
I am glad to be able to tell you that since I commence to write you I have received notice that Corpl. Spence has been awarded the Military Medal for good work in a previous operation. I might tell you that he won this for very good work while taking part in the attack close to Arras on the 2nd Sept. 1918.
I am enclosing herewith a ring which Corpl. Spence left out of the line with one of the other men. He wished it to be sent to you.
It will doubtless be a consolation for you to know that he was buried in the British military cemetery at Quarry Wood, close to the Canal du Nord.
Again assuring you of my sincere sympathy, believe me to remain,
Yours very truly,
F.J. Burke,
Captain, O.C. "D" [Company], 38th [Canadian Infantry Battalion]."

"Someone would like to thank you, Dr. Gilbert Blackwell of Bradford. Her name is Helen Michalowski, she lives in Toronto now, and she's almost 60. Twenty-two years ago, Helen was a recent immigrant from Poland and she brought her seven-month-old daughter, Mary, to your 72 Barrie Street office. Helen said her child was dying and you spotted a malignant cyst behind the baby's ear. You grabbed your coat and left the regular patients in the office to drive Helen and Mary to Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto, where an operation saved the young life. Helen was poor in those days and she couldn't afford to pay you. You said that was OK. But she never forgot. Helen went through a broken marriage, six major operations of her own, and now she's married a second time. Mary just graduated from the University of Toronto and she is working as a public health nurse. After all these years, Helen dropped into your office last week to pay you - but you wouldn't hear of it. You told her you were just pleased she had come to thank you and to hear that Mary is now in the business of helping people through medicine. You said money could not make you as happy. In broken English, Helen thanks you, Doctor: 'I'd like from the bottom of my heart to thank Dr. Blackwell. My girl has brought me so much happiness.This is priceless, what he did for me. God bless Dr. Blackwell forever.'"

"More than 250 well-wishers and dignitaries filled the auditorium of the Bradford and District Community Centre Sunday to honor Tom Gardner, Bradford's Citizen of the Year for 1976. Mr. Gardner, who operated a hardware store in Bradford for 56 years and represented residents on the local school board for 28 years, received gifts from the Chamber of Commerce, Mac Lewis on behalf of the Bradford Lions Club, the province of Ontario, and the congratulations of his friends and neighbors. Mayor Joe Magani paid tribute to Mr. Gardner and his wife Rita for their contribution and presented Mrs. Gardner with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her patience and support. Councillor Bob Sturgeon congratulated Gardner on behalf of West Gwillimbury Township Council, and MPP Art Evans presented the guest of honor with a plaque from the province. On accepting a silver tray engraved with his name and honor from Gerry Barker, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Gardner acknowledged that his wife deserved the honor as much as him. The citizen of the year also appealed to those present to support the Newmarket and District Association for the Mentally Retarded which he has worked for devotedly. This year, he said, the association finds itself in need of funds. Brock Evans and Rev. Bob Chapman both reminisced about their acquaintances with Gardner."

" West Gwillimbury council has nominated Earl Rowe of Newton Robinson to receive one of the jubilee medals being minted by the federal government in recognition of Queen Elizabeth's 25 years on the throne. Mr. Rowe is a former MP and MPP and he was Ontario's lieutenant-governor from 1963 to 1968. Bradford council also recently nominated lawyer Charles Evans, former Warden of Simcoe County to receive a jubilee medal."

"Scores of friends, relatives and politicians, undaunted by Sunday's rainy weather, gathered to honor Gwen Kilkenny, Bradford's Citizen of the Year for 1975. During the afternoon, the
Community Centre was filled with well wishers who have known Mrs. Kilkenny and her husband Keith over the years and many of whom she had helped in her long association with the town. Chamber of Commerce President George Allison acted as the master of ceremonies for the informal program. In all, 10 speakers took the floor to express their appreciation for Mrs. Kilkenny's work with the Canadian Cancer Society, Trinity Anglican Church, and her willingness to help anyone in need. Mr. Allison presented Mrs. Kilkenny with a silver try honoring her as the Bradford's top citizen. His presentation was followed by a presentation of flowers by Mrs. Marion Folliot, a good friend of the Kilkenny family. Mrs. Folliot praised Mrs. Kilkenny for her unselfish work in Bradford."

West Gwillimbury-Bradford Centennial Park Officially Opened by Lieut. Governor Hon. W. Earl Rowe.

The West Gwillimbury and Bradford Centennial Park was officially opened on Saturday afternoon September 9, by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hon. W. Earl Rowe.

Ont the platform with Hon. and Mrs. Rowe were members of council for West Gwillimbury and Bradford and West Gwillimbury and Bradford Parks Board, the Warden and Clerk of Simcoe County, the Lions and Rotary V.I.P. Committee and the wives of a few of the officials.

His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, reviewed the development and growth of the Bradford district, speaking on this subject from his wealth of knowledge. His address was a highlight of the day and his presence and officiating at this memorable occasion in the life of the community was appreciated by everyone.

The day also marked the turning on of the new lights for the ball park, and the Lieutenant Governor performed this duty.

"Joe Magani (second from left) was honored Saturday night for his work as Bradford's mayor for 16 years. With his wife, Doris, he heard tributes from long-time friends such as Brad Walker (left) and Charles Evans (right), and received gifts that included the gavel-laden plaque from the Bradford and District Chamber of Commerce. The chamber organized the big night, held at the Black Soil restaurant."

Side-view of the Elizabeth Gwillim statue which commemorates the woman whom the region of Bradford West Gwillimbury is named after. This statue was erected by the Gwillim Group, with help from sculptor Brenda Wainman Goulet, on the corner of John and Barrie Streets in Bradford. This side view shows the statues portrayal of the meeting of the Simcoes with the Objigway Chief, Great Sail who is pictured holding Francis Simcoe.