The brochure for the grand opening of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library located at 425 Holland Street W. on June 3, 2011.

Fred C. Cook Honored at School Opening
By John Slykhuis

Fred C. Cook senior public school was officially opened last week amid universal tribute to the man for whom the school was named.

Simcoe-Centre M.P.P. Arthur Evans, a friend of the late Mr. Cook, said it was fitting that the respected school be named after Mr. Cook and he recalled the days the two worked together on Bradford Council.

Representing the town of Bradford, Reeve Ken Wood said of Mr. Cook, "He was an inspiration all my life."

Guest speaker Dr. Jack Ramsay, director of education for the Simcoe County Board of Education, also paid tribute to Mr. Cook.

"We admired him and what he stood for. We really feel the name of the school has been well chosen."

Mr. Cook, who died on Thursday April 24, 1975, at the age of 73, was active in municipal politics and he was Bradford's Deputy-reeve for over 10 years.

A lay reader in the Anglican Church from 1934 until his death, Mr. Cook served as the Sunday school superintendent for more than 45 years.

He was also active in the Simcoe Lodge of Masons and served as grand master of the Orange Lodge.

Bouquet

The highlight of the evening was a presentation of of a bouquet of carnations to Mrs. Leone Cook, who told the audience, "it's difficult to find the words to express my deep appreciation. I'm sure he would be deeply honored to have this building named after him."

Mrs. Cook was given a standing ovation.

A photo portrait of Mr. Cook was presented by the Cook family to school principal Neil Sheffield, who said it would be hung in a place of honor.

Greetings were also conveyed by the Warden of Simcoe County, Allan Glassford, West Gwillimbury Deputy-reeve Bud Brown, and Simcoe County Board of Education chairman William Brown of Orillia.

Reverend J. C. House of Trinity Anglican Church in Bradford led in a prayer of dedication.

Lawyer Tom Evans, representing Simcoe Masonic Lodge 79, presented the school with a plaque to be placed on a sign, also donated by the lodge, at the school's entrance.

Rotary Club president Rick Walker presented Mr. Sheffield with a framed copy of the club's Four Way Test which will be hung in the school hall.

Gifts of appreciation were given to the school's naming committee by students of Fred C. Cook. Trustee Frank Prothero introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Ramsay.

School board trustee Audrie Trotter delivered a message of appreciation and principal Neil Sheffield brought accolades to the school's staff. Trustee Sam Neilly was chairman for the evening, and the Fred C. Cook senior choir entertained the over flow audience with several songs.

After the program, guided tours through the school were given. The building, formerly Bradford District High School, was converted to a senior elementary school in 1976.

"Mayor Roy Gordon will be on hand tomorrow (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at Stedman's on Holland Street west to "re-open" that store in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. New owner Cliff King took over the Bradford commercial landmark February 7 from Ron Bannerman, after the store had been in the Bannerman family for more than 30 years. Mr. King, a native of Fergus, was a district manager for Stedman's before buying the Bradford store. He and his wife, Monique, and their five children, Kathy, Christine, Kim, Ricky and Nicole are going to buy a home in Bradford, but Mr. King reports they have been so busy with the store that they haven't found the time. Monique, Kathy and Kim help in the store, along with employees Mary Saint and Audrey Stevens. Mr. King is closing at 4 p.m. this afternoon to get ready for the big opening festivities that include prizes of two antique radios and special sale items. He said that he appreciated the assistance he received from Mr. Bannerman when he first took over the store. Mayor Gordon will be presented with a special pair of gold scissors for the ribbon-cutting."

"The Bradford Public Library officially opened their new premises at 100 Holland Court on Sunday, November 6, 1988. On hand to officiate over the "ribbon cutting ceremony" was Mayor Bill dePeuter, Librarian Adrienne Price and Honorary Chairman, Mr. Charlie Evans.
The unexpectedly large crowd presented a few problems, no one organizing the event had anticipated. Mrs. Eleanor Sherbo, Chairperson of the Library Board wishes to extend her apologues to those present who could not hear the ceremonies. Apparently, the cord became dislodged from the corridor speakers.
Following the official ceremonies, a reception was held in the "Compton room", a room dedicated to Marilyn & Gord Compton on behalf of the Library Board in consideration of their very substantial monetary donation."

Operating hours of the Holland Court library

Description : Pub. Library Officially Opened by Director of Library Services

An inspiring address by Mr. Angus Mowat, Provincial Director of Library Services for Ontario, was the highlight of the official opening of Bradford Public Library last evening.

Mr. Mowat complimented the Library Board, Council and librarian upon the very attractive library which they have created from a room which looked impossible and from materials almost equally in disrepair. The Bradford Public Library is the successful product of local effort and of local leadership, Mr. Mowat stated, adding that this effort has created a charming little library.

During his address Mr. Mowat's reference to the library was as a book service for the people, and he reminded that when books desired are not available in the small home library they can usually be borrowed from the county library. A provincial library for this purpose is a hope for the future.

In reference to Provincial library grants Mr. Mowat informed that in 1945 such grants total $50,000 and this year they total $865,000. Bradford's grant this year will cover 65% of the municipality's expense for the library.

At the close of his address, on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Education, Mr. Mowat declared Bradford Public Library officially opened.

The guests at the meeting were welcomed by Reeve Arthur Evans.

Chairman of the Library Board, Mr. Cecil Brittain, briefly reviewed the conditions leading to the establishing of the library and the services rendered by members of Board, naming particularly the work of the secretary-treasurer, Mr. Dan Blake, and the building committee members, Messrs. Glenn Boyd and F.C. Cook; The Council, particularly the chairman of the town hall committee, Mr. H. Taylor; the librarian, Miss B. Webb; and Mr. Mowat.

Mr. Brittain urged that residents avail themselves of the opportunity to make use of the library which is free to all residing within the municipality of Bradford. To those outside this municipality the charge is one dollar for a library card.

Mr. Mowat was introduced by Mr. Glenn Boyd, who referred to Mr. Mowat's service in two wars as well as his valuable help as director of public libraries. Mr. F.C. Cook, the other member of the building committee, expressed the appreciation for Mr. Mowat's address as well as his wonderful assistance in preparing the library. The history of Ontario Libraries and of Mr. Angus Mowat are one, Mr. Cook declared.

Rev. F.G. MacTavish and Rev. W.S. Johnson added congratulatory words.

Following the singing of the National Anthem refreshments were served by the ladies of Bradford Women's Institute.

Photograph of the ribbon cutting for the opening of Bradford Public Library on Holland Court, the location prior to the current library on Holland Street.
In doorway, left to right: William DePeuter (Mayor), Hon. Charles T.S. Evans (Chairman of Fundraising), Adrienne Price (Librarian)

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988. Sandy Hudson is standing beside Charlie (C.T.S.) Evans, Patty Truchley is also in the photo.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988.

Seated against the wall (L-R): Ada Watson (Women's Institute), Brenda Fuss (Bradford Progress Club), Lawrence Sturdy (President of the Bradford Lions Club), Padre Ormond Hopkins (Bradford Trinity Anglican Church), Bruce Owen (MPP Simcoe Centre), Valerie Ridgeway (Ministry of Culture & Communications), William De Peuter (Mayor of Bradford), Adrienne Price (Bradford Library Librarian)

Mayor William de Peuter speaking at the official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988.