The building located at 120 Holland St. West in this photo from 1995 replaces one built by Watson (a cement block and sidewalk builder) just before, or during, WWI. That structure had a barn and shed for stock and chickens at the back. The Slothin family moved here from Toronto around the time of the Depression. They had one daughter and a son named Max. At one time Elgar Houghton and his wife lived here with their daughter (Muriel) and sons (Gordon and Lloyd). He drove a team (before he got a truck) and delivered gas for Imperial Oil. Paul Gres, his wife, and family (market gardeners) lived here years later. This house and property (around 25 acres) was still owned by the Gres family in 1995. (1, 2)
The mid-block building located on the south side at 126 John St. West was built in the 1880’s in the Gothic Revival Cottage style. Originally, there was a back lane for Jim Woods' house and barn next to this house. Pratt lived here many years ago with his wife and two sons. Elgar Houghton bought this house around the time of World War II. He lived there for a time and then he had the house converted into four apartments which were rented. He later sold the building. The 1½-storey, five-bay cottage has a rectangular plan with a centre hall, an asymmetrical façade with an off-centre gable over the entrance, and a medium-pitched, gable roof. There is a simple, rectangular entrance (at grade level) with windows to the primary rooms on each side. The existing roof over the entry is not original. Small windows at the ground and second floors are not original. They are set into segmented, arch openings with plain, wood frames and painted, stone lug sills. Brick, masonry construction is clad with stucco (not original) and the structure has a parged, stone foundation. According to the 2000 inventory, this modest house has few original details other than the building’s form. (1, 2, 3)
Event Date : Saturday, January 27, 1973 Event Type : Death
Description : Died suddenly. He was the last remaining member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Houghton of Pinkerton. He had been the first president of the Bradford Senior Citizens' Club formed five years ago on July 4, 1973.
Event Date : Saturday, January 27, 1973 Event Type : Death
Description : Died suddenly at Newton Robinson in his 84th year. Beloved father of Muriel (Mrs. K. O. Melbourne), Toronto; Gordon, Vancouver; and Lloyd of Burlington. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Rested at the Lewis Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe St., Bradford. Service was held in the chapel Tuesday at 2 p.m. Spring interment Newton Robinson Cemetery.
Event Date : Saturday, January 27, 1973 Event Type : Death
Description : Funeral services were held on January 30 at the Lewis Funeral Home in Bradford for Elgar P. J. Houghton who died suddenly at his home on the farm of Allan Houghton in Newton Robinson. He was in his 84th year. He was born in West Gwillimbury Township, the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Houghton of Newton Robinson, and was the last surviving member of that family of ten children. In 1911 he married Myrtle Agar of Stayner. They farmed for a number of years, then sold out and went into the fuel business, first in Elmvale, later in Bradford. He was a member of the United Church. Mr. Houghton was greatly interested in sports and presented a trophy each year to the most sportsmanlike player of the South Simcoe Baseball League. He was a charter member and first president of the Senior Citizens' Club of Bradford. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Muriel (Mrs. K. O. Melbourne) of Toronto, two sons, Gordon of Vancouver, B.C., and Lloyd of Burlington, Ont. Also ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive. Rev. H. Dahlin of Bond Head United Church officiated at the funeral service. Interment will be at Newton Robinson Cemetery.
