Showing 5 results

An article about a highly destructive fire that swept through Holland Street, destroying multiple buildings, businesses and homes. The original article appeared in the May 22nd, 1871 edition of the Toronto Daily Telegraph and was reprinted in 1901 as part of the "Looking Backward" series.

The Bradford Witness decided to release a series of articles from local townspeople on the history of certain events in Bradford and West Gwillimbury's time. This week, C.T.S. "Charlie" Evans wrote about the Township of West Gwillimbury.

Mount Pleasant, aka Botchtown;
Mount Pleasant was the name Gilbert Robinson chose for his stately home on the north half of lot 15 con. 8 in West Gwillimbury. The name spilled over to the adjacent hamlet that grew up at the corner of the 9th line and the Penetang Road (Yonge Street), comprised of a blacksmith shop, hotel, general store, gas station and a school. Nearby a Wesleyan Methodist church, a brickyard, and grist mill and saw mills owned by Mark Scanlon and John Thorpe. South of the hamlet, a hillside spring provided refreshment for weary travellers, man and beast.

circa 1840

This portrait is of Mark Scanlon alongside an article featuring his biography in this edition. Mark and his son, Albert E., were barristers of Bradford. Mark owned the Pines estate.

View of The Pines, a stately home built by Mark Scanlon in 1850 on the corner of Church and Queen Streets. Viewing from Queen Street