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.
"Bradford's Sesquicentennial celebration has received the endorsement of Committee of the Whole, and a recommendation that Council pre-approve up to $15 000 in advance of the 2007 budget for its promotion..."
"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."
Photograph of Lieut-Gov. David Onley and his wife, Ruth Ann Onley, on the corner of John St. East and Barrie St. for the unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe statue.
Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Doug White giving his address at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Greetings from the Government of Canada given by the Honourable Peter Van Loan, MP York Simcoe at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Nina Burnham, an Elder of the Six Nations blessing the commemorative statue of Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe at the official unveiling ceremony in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Commemorative statue of Elizabeth Gwillim, the woman whom the region of Bradford West Gwillimbury was named after. This statue was erected by the Gwillim Group, with help from sculptor Brenda Wainman Goulet, on the corner of John and Barrie Streets in Bradford.