Editorial based on "The heroism, the generosity, the untiring labor, the unselfishness, and the sympathy in this time of disaster have been overwhelming..." from the Hurricane Hazel edition of the Bradford Witness.

Editorial from the Globe & Mail, on the experiences of those who went through Hurricane Hazel in the Toronto and Southern/Central Ontario region.

"Personal disability adding to the confusion of getting copy written for this week's newspaper, in which it is desirable that as much of the March flooding disaster be recorded as possible, a report of some of the plans as reported in the Globe and Mail are being copied. ..."

"With the Hurricanes battering Florida and the Caribbean this season - Charley, Frances, Ivan and now Jean - residents may be thinking about Ontario's own brush with a hurricane, back in 1954.
Fifty years ago, Hurricane Hazel swept into Southern Ontario, confounding the meteorologists who were predicting little more than the usual "tail end" of the storm, and days of moderate rains. Instead, residents were buffeted by hurricane force winds and heavy rains that caused severe flooding - especially in the Holland Marsh. ..."

Debris from the marshland piling up along Highway 400. Photograph from Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

Aerial view of Springdale Reformed Church in the flood after Hurricane Hazel

Part 1 - An interview with many residents’ accounts of Hurricane Hazel. Specifying different memories on Bradford’s assistance to other towns, and the recovery effort.
Part 2 - An interview specifically with Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Evans recounting their experiences with Hurricane Hazel.

"About 50 Holland Marsh farmers are suing the Townships of West Gwillimbury and King, claiming damage to crops in August because of flooding. The farmers served notice of their intentions through their lawyers last month, saying the two municipalities neglected to clean the Schomberg River, and that the pumps at a pumping station didn't work during the heavy rain of August 16. The petition signed by the farmers was sent to the councils by their lawyer Norman Borins of Toronto. It states that because of the failure of the pumphouse much of the land near or level with the river was covered with water. King Mayor Margaret Britnell said the township has no obligation to the farmers because the cleaning of the canal and pumping operations are under the jurisdiction of the Holland Marsh Drainage Commission. Council agreed to receive the letter and send it on to the commission. West Gwillimbury council has referred the matter to the township's insurance company, Frank Cowan Company Limited."

The landing place for boats on the dyke near Peter Verkaik's house (in the background) during Hurricane Hazel. A boat delivers some marsh folks to dry land. In this picture, the person on the far right is Leon Radder, the person with the captain's cap is Auke Ellens , and the person standing behind him is Albert Van Dyke.