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This notebook contains the levels taken and noted by Dave Sutherland for the Holland Marsh Reclamation Scheme. The second page states, "Holland Marsh reclamation scheme commencing at west side of Holland River going S.W. across marsh Feb 15/24."

This notebook contains the levels taken and noted by Dave Sutherland for the Holland Marsh Reclamation Scheme. The second page (as seen in this image) states, "Holland Marsh reclamation scheme commencing at west side of Holland River going S.W. across marsh Feb 15/24."

Heading into Bradford over the Holland River, looking west.

An image of a card of thanks to the people of Bradford for their support, printed in the newspaper. It is related to the drowning of William Sutherland in the Holland River and is from his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Sutherland.

"The Schomberg River dredge was finally launched last Tuesday after an abortive effort the day before. The ponderous machine, built by Louis Devald, slid slowly into the water near Wanda Street, and to the relief of everybody it not only floated, but operated like a charm. Celebrating the event with a bit of the bubbly at right are Art Janse (left) Louis Devald, and John Rupke. The dredge has its work cut out, clearing tons of silt from the Schomberg River."

Newspaper article from the Toronto Star dated January 25th, 1933. Details the death of George Atkinson, Principal at the time of Bradford Public School.

Photograph of the Holland River Bridge in 1920. The boat in the centre of the photograph are the hay-cutters of the Holland Marsh on the boat they would use to transport their daily work. This was prior to the marsh's drainage. Horses were transported up-river to work on the Marsh wearing wooden shoes. In the photograph, there are men fishing off the bridge, and on the right side (west of the bridge) you can see the water tower which trains used to fill up their water supply.

A Keuffel & Esser level that was used for activities such as surveying. It was originally owned by Professor William H. Day, who was integral to the Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme's beginnings. The survey of the marsh determined the elevation of the muck soil and the bordering "highland" soils, providing the information the planners would need to determine the grades, estimate the materials to be moved and to determine the alignment of the canal.

The drainage scheme report came out in 1924 and work began in the mid-1920s. The work involved intercepting part of the Holland River and the diversion of water around the perimeter of the area using drainage canals. Canal excavation materials were used to create dykes on the to-be reclaimed (marshland) side of the canals. The re-claimed land was used for farming and roads were constructed on top of the dykes to allow for transportation.

"Life ended suddenly on Monday afternoon for a 12-year-old Holland Marsh girl who went swimming in the Holland River. Betty Lowder, R.R.2, Newmarket, was swimming under the bridge at the intersection of No. 3 Concession and the Graham sideroad with her brothers and sisters, when she submerged in the middle of the murky river in about eight feet of water. There were no adults present..."