Description : As we approach the end of the writing and editing, we are faced with the challenge of marketing our product, the book. We need someone who can help us develop a marketing plan and execute it. We offer the same pay and benefits that we all enjoy as volunteers - an interesting project, good fellowship, positive enthusiasm and the real feeling of accomplishment. Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury is the book being written by the volunteers of the WEGWHIST project. To help pay for publication costs, a Patrons Page has been established. Donors will be recognized in print, in this wonderful book that will be published this year, and hopefully available by December.
Description : The West Gwillimbury History project (WEGWHIST for short) is gathering information and interest, pursuing the many aspects of Who, What, Where, When and How of the historic Township. The story begins about the time that the Township was surveyed in 1819, 183 years ago. The record-keeping of those days was not too detailed, but it is surprising the records that are available, and the story that they tell. All are welcome to come to the meeting and hear about WEGWHIST. A number of items need to be researched, such as old mills, post offices, meeting halls and fraternal societies. Pen, paper and an inquisitive mind will qualify you as a researcher.
An interview with Mr. and Mrs. John West, discussing harvesting onions, potatoes and carrots, with mentions on the harvesting machines that were used in farming such vegetables.
This folder contains photographs of various historic buildings in Bradford and accompanying descriptions on each. The photographs are found in the Bill & Erica Marks Archive Room and were originally compiled by George Jackson and Joe Saint. The text accompanying each photograph was researched and written in 2015-2017 by Janice Hopkins, a long-time library volunteer. She utilized many library resources in her research which are noted at the bottom of each description. See below for information on each reference.
This bungalow located at 157 John St. West originally had a woodshed on the east side. It was once owned by Bill Semenuk, until he and his family moved to Barrie. He was considered to be a good electrical, radio, and watch repairman. The house was also owned by Harold Iceton, who purchased it after his time serving in the military during WWII. Harold Iceton spent five years in various hospitals, including Sunnybrook where he contributed to the hospital paper, which helped fund the purchase of the home. Joe Leblanc completed most of the renovations after this purchase. Additionally, it is notable that the house was the main building of the Kirkpatrick estate, that encompassed the area west to Toronto street.
"The Harvest Queen contestants posed in their ethnic costumes Sunday at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. From left: Christine Jolivel, Debbie Langley, Fil Moniz, Stella Balon, Harvest Queen Karen Brinkos, Penny Ackerman, Michele Wierenga, Debbie Riffert, Shelley Rainey, Oksana Luczka."
"This week's old photo is the first of a series submitted by Dorothy Marks of Bradford, a life-long resident of the town. The photo show the Jack Cook farm implement display in 1911. Many area farmers took part in an annual parade which began at the CNR railway station in those days. Jack Cook was the father of the late Fred C. Cook, and Mrs. Tom Gardner. Mrs. Marks identified the lead driver as Tom McCracken. She was also able to identify last week's photo of the hearse, with funeral director Ben Collings as the rear of the carriage, and James Webb the driver. Mr. Collings' establishment stood where Bill's Jewelry is currently located, the far right building in the photo. Harvey Curry of 70 Holland Street and Jim Catania of 176 Church Street also identified the Collings hearse and building. Mr. Catania said another photo in the Witness (September 21) showed him and his father, Peter, and brothers John and Leo harvesting in the 1930s. The boys picking carrots in the picture were members of the Horton family."
