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This is the prototype of the Elizabeth Gwillim Statue that is now standing on the corner of John and Barrie Streets in Bradford. The statue and this miniature were sculpted by Brenda Wainman Goulet and the project was organized and funded by the Gwillim Group; a sub-committee of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association.

This height of land on the right bank of Fraser Creek was the site where Governor Simcoe’s party stayed overnight September 28 and 29, 1793.

Read about the pioneers who settled West Gwillimbury and left a legacy of responsible government, free schooling and community service. This hardcover, two volume book of some 900 pages contains the story of 470 families, includes pictures that will let you show your grandchildren your picture when you were in senior third in Bowles school; we tell of plane crashes, train wrecks and buggy accidents; baseball and lacrosse teams and horse races on the frozen lake. This early offering is at the pre publication price of $55 and will be in effect until the Book Launch, in early December from then on the price is $65, per copy. It will cost you $8 to have your copy mailed to you in Ontario.

"As part of Bradford's Sesquicentennial celebration, a new group has been formed. The Gwillim group - many of the same people who have been involved in the town's Downtown Revitalization, Communities in Bloom and local history - is dedicated to introducing a more cultural element to the community..."

"One of the groups celebrating Bradford's 150th Anniversary is the Gwillim Group - a group of history buffs, under the aegis of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, that is turning the spotlight on Upper Canada's First Lady.
Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim was not only the wife of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, she was an ardent traveller, a hostess equally at home in the wilderness and high society, and an accomplished artist. The Gwillim Group has commissioned a bronze and rock sculpture, by artist Brenda Wainman Goulet, which will be placed in the parkette beside the Post Office on Barrie St.
The Gwillim Group is holding a fundraising Dinner Theatre event tonight, June 9, in partnership with the Bradford District High School Drama Club. The students will present a homorous production of "Happy Birthday Bradford, or Who want a carrot for a mascot?" - while the Group serve up a Spaghetti Dinner, with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, and there will be a silent auction of items that include an original painting by local artist Kathryn Bury."

Detail of the left side of statue, featuring the Georgina Church, circa 1796

Detail of the meeting between Great Sail (holding baby Francis Simcoe) and Lt.-Gov. Simcoe

In the early days of white settlement in the Innisfil area, Lake Simcoe provide the easiest access - by boat in the summer and by foot or sled in the winter. Inclement weather in either season and the annual freeze-up and ice break up simply meant no travel. John Graves Simcoe, commissioned the building of Yonge St. to Holland Landing in 1790, and in 1793 initiated the Military Establishments at Penetanguishene. This gave a land route to Lake Simcoe and another land route was needed on to Penetanguishene. Early records use the name "Main Street", but is soon became known as the Penetang Road, the name of its northern counterpart. In the early days of Penetang Road - later Hwy #11 and now County Road #4 or Yonge St. - travel was slow and difficult. Many hotels were established to provide lodging, stabling and food for travellers plus acting as a meeting place for local men.

On August 24, 1793 the cannons were fired and Toronto renamed York to recognize the victory by the Duke of York over the French in Europe. Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe's note reads: "There were a party of Ojibway Indians here, who appeared much pleased with the firing. One of them names "Great Sail" took Francis in his arms and was much please to find that the child was not afraid, but delighted with the sound."
This painting was done by C.W. Jeffreys from Imperial Oil Ltd.