"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."

Description : The response to our book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here, has been overwhelming. It was never expected that our print run of 1,000 copies would be so well received. While there are still copies available, they are getting few in number. A sincere thank you to all who purchased a copy, or in many cases, more than 1 copy. Our appreciation also to those who have been in touch with us, to compliment us on the format and content of our book. This four-year project started in October of 2001, and culminated in our book launch on December 15th, 2005. Our publisher, Friesens and their representative Orland French provided assistance and guidance as we progressed along the path.

"When Jean Keffer asked me to sign her petition to keep Gwillimbury in the Town name, I did so with the following in mind...Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Gwillim was an aide-de-camp of General Wolfe. He was with Wolfe when the General died on the Plains of Abraham in 1759. His daughter Elizabeth married John Graves Simcoe; the rest is history. My own connection to the "Gwillburys" began in 1803, when my 5G-Grandfather, John Eves, a Quaker from Pennsylvania, built one of the first settler dwellings, after he was patented with Lot 108 in West Gwillimbury. He is credited with the first industry in the "Gwillimburys", when he built a sawmill on the Holland River soon after. I even found reference to North Gwillimbury in the 1881 census where my Great-Great grandparents Thomas Lamb and Rachel Eves briefly lived. When I wrote on the Millenium Clock Monument, with assistance from George Jackson, I tried to balance the story of the Town and Township, so that one can see the relationship that existed, where we were intertwined socially, economically and emotionally. My wife Julie and I both spent our formative years in West Gwillimbury, and our two sons are the 9th generation in Ontario as descended from those original settlers on Lot 108. The name Bradford West Gwillimbury may be long and unwieldy, but historically and emotionally it is ours alone."

" 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.

Cairn reads: "Sir William Osler, Baronet, was born here on July 12, 1849 - A Great Physician - Erected by the Medical Historical Club of Toronto"

Cairn reads: "Sir William Osler, Baronet, was born here on July 12, 1849 - A Great Physician - Erected by the Medical Historical Club of Toronto"

"In loving memory of my grandparents Andrew Bell 1827-1912 and his wife Sarah Balmer 1823-1898, Erected by Balmer Neilly"
Plaque at the gate of St John's Presbyterian Church in Coulson's Hill

"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."