The Model Bakery prior to the 1959 fire on Holland Street W. which damaged the building.

"Owners of businesses destroyed in last Wednesday's fire are making arrangements to carry on business in temporary quarters and are planning a building program. According to present plans, a fine new business block will rise this year on the site of the stores destroyed in last Wednesday's conflagration." ...

"The Witness surely expresses the feelings of all residents of the district in extending sympathy to those who stood helpless last Wednesday afternoon and watched their flourishing businesses destroyed by fire." ...

"This week's photo, courtesy of the Bradford Fire Department, depicts the fire in February of 1959 which destroyed a large block of the downtown section, from Evans and Evans to the police department. The fire swept through several businesses, unprotected by fire walls. Firefighters from five arena departments battled almost 20 hours to quell the stubborn blaze which caused an estimated $500,000 damage. This week's photo was suggested by Ernest and Lola Peterman of Bradford who sent in a newspaper clipping of the fire."

The Evans' Men and Boys Wear store prior to the 1959 fire on Holland Street W. which damaged the building.

The Canadian Bank of Commerce prior to the 1959 fire on Holland Street West. This building was saved due to its fire wall on the left of the photograph.

The ruins of the Holland Street stores which were affected by the fire.

Article of brief history on the Great Fire of Bradford (1871). Scanned from a donation of the Bradford Today supplement to the Bradford Witness.

Newspaper article from 1886 about a fire that destroyed buildings on the town's main thoroughfare and the fire suppression efforts of firefighters and citizens.