Event date: November 11, 1953
Event date: Death

Description: One of the happiest occasions in Mr. William C. Davey's life was the 50th anniversary of the forming of the Hunt Club which bore his name, the Davey Hunt Club. The half-century mark in that club was reached in 1947 and the anniversary was marked by an honorary banquet for the veteran head of the club. At that time many thought the ambition to reach the fifty years as an active member of the club had spurred the elderly man to keep going, but 1948 found him back in camp as he has been each intervening year. Last Wednesday, November 11, a message came from the hunt camp, located near Burwash, Mileage 98, that the Club's leader would hunt no more. Among his most cherished friends, including his own sons, and amid the scenes he had always enjoyed, the old man suffered a heart seizure and passed on within a few minutes. He was in his 90th year." ...

Front Row: John G. Neilly (Farmer), James A. Neilly (Farmer), Joseph Neilly (Farmer), John Doolittle (Farmer) Middle Row: Samuel Neilly (Railroad), Matthew Neilly (Storekeeper), Robert Neilly (Hardware Store) Back Row: Dan Neilly (Tailor), J.D. Neilly (Farmer), John R. Neilly (Farmer), Andrew Neilly (Jeweller) This picture was sent to New York for the Shooting and Fishing Magazine. Robert, John G., James, Joseph, John D., Andrew, Matthew, and Daniel were all brothers.

Before the turn of the century, the Doolittle Rifle Club and the Neilly team were widely known as marksmen. This picture was taken in the 1890's after the 10 Neilly boys trounced the Barrie Rifle Club by more than 90 points. The Neillys were either brothers or first cousins except for John R. who was a second cousin. Front Row (l-r): John G. (grandfather of Hazel Kell, Kay Russell and Wilford Neilly's family), James A. (Etta Meredith's father), Joseph (went to Manitoba), John D. Doolittle, Gilford, captain of the club. Middle Row: Samuel (grandfather of Sam Neilly), Matthew, Robert (owner of a Bradford Hardware store), I. Neilly (school teacher in Pennsylvania), John D. (father of Lorne), John R. and Andrew (Bradford jeweller).

The Bradford Hunt Club at Pagent, Ontario.

From left - W.L. Campbell, Fred W. "Colly" Collings, [rest of party unknown]

Photograph of Black River Hunt Club with member, long time Bradford resident Fred "Colly" Collings (on far right in photo).

Appearing in Photo:

Harold Scarrow, Percy Stephenson, Bill Melbourne, Bill Cover, Allan "Wink Crake", Fred "Colly" Collings.

Contains articles, clippings, and photographs of Bradford West Gwillimbury sports and athletes

Photograph of William L. Campbell and his hunting dogs outside of Bessie & William Campbell’s house on Johns Street, c. 1915.