The Model Bakery 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.

"While not disparaging the splendid service and fine co-operation of the firemen from neighbouring municipalities, in the battle to save Bradford from more extensive damage from fire last Wednesday, the brunt of the long hours of the fight, and the strain of responsibility, fell upon the home brigade, and their magnificent effort and success merits the gratitude of every Bradford property owner." ...

"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." ...

Article features a description of the fire which ripped through Holland Street's business block on February 11, 1959. See Related Descriptions for more information.

The house currently located at 73 Simcoe Road was built by Morton in 1995 . The original structure at this site was destroyed by fire. It had been the home of Ernest (Boo) Rogers and his wife and children (Frank, Eric, Florence, Amos, Jacqueline, and Jack) many years ago. They moved here from a farm on the 6th Concession in West Gwillimbury. A barn to the south (near the Hendersons’ large garden) was used by their horses and cows. (1, 2)

The following photos were part of a News-photo story about the fire in Bradford in 1988. The first photo's caption reads: "Possible electrical trouble is the suspected cause of Thursday's $3 million fire in Bradford. Al Nosworthy, of the Ontario Fire Marshall's office, says materials recovered from the blaze will be forwarded to the Canadian Standards Association for detailed examination. "We are satisfied it wasn't arson," Nosworthy said yesterday, adding that some wiring may have possibly shorted out. "When the flames started, they went high in the walls, above the sprinkler system and up on the roof where they were fanned by strong north-east winds." The building was about 40 years old and used to be an ice house before it was used for storage. Wooden chips were used as insulation in parts of the structure. Nosworthy said insurance representatives have been through the remains but said they may not be able to put an exact dollar figure on the damage. "We may never really know." "

Bradford Witness newspaper article on the fire which destroyed the Bond Head United Church in 1941. From a scrapbook made by Vira Bateman.
"Almost isolated by roads which were nearly impassable, residents of Bond Head and surrounding districts yesterday formed a bucket brigade and fought flames which, for a time threatened to destroy part of the town. The Bond Head United Church (upper left) was completely destroyed. The fire started in a near-by garage owned by William Jardine, who was badly burned in an attempt to rescue his car (lower left). Three of the volunteer firemen are shown (upper right) cooling off after the battle. They are (left to right) cooling off after the battle. They are (left to right) Archie McLean, Cookstown; Ernie Hughes, Fennell's Corners, and John Bell of Toronto. Furniture from the adjacent houses was piled in a plowed field for protection (lower right). Inset is Rev. T.J. Jewitt, minister of the church, who helped fight the blaze."

Article based on the event of Lukes' Flour Mill's recent fire on the early morning of November 19th, 1895. The mill was located on the far east end of Bradford, and was registered under the Patrons of Industry Warehouse and Shipping Company.