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Part of Local History Collection
"The Witness surely expresses the feelings of all residents of the district in extending sympathy to those who stood helpless last Wednesday afternoon and watched their flourishing businesses destroyed by fire." ...
Bradford Witness
Attendance is Representative at Unveiling of Cairn
Part of Local History Collection
Attendance is Representative at Unveiling of Cairn
The unveiling of the Professor W.H. Day memorial cairn, with bronze plaque, which was erected by the combined efforts of the Tourist and Industrial Committee of Simcoe County Council and the municipalities of Bradford, West Gwillimbury Township and King Township, at Bradford town hall on Sunday afternoon in recognition of the valued service given to this district by the late professor in the reclamation of the Holland Marsh, attracted a very representative assemblage. The Province of Ontario was represented by the M.P.P. for Simcoe Centre, George G. Johnston, who was accompanied by his wife. The Ontario Agricultural College was represented by its president, Dr. J.D. MacLachlan, and several members of its staff. The Ontario Archaeological and Historical Sites Advisory Committee had representation in Wm. Cranston, editor of the Midland Free Press, who is also secretary of the County Tourist and Industrial Committee. The counties of Simcoe and York were represented by their wardens, and in Simcoe, by many members of the county council. The county Tourist and Industrial Committee had present practically its entire personnel. The townships of West Gwillimbury and King, and the town of Bradford were represented by their reeves and councils as well as by many residents from these municipalities.
The members of the late Professor Day's family were present with the exception of Stella (Mrs. Caughey) who resides in St. Andrews, N.B., but she was represented by her son, Michael, a student at the University of New Brunswick, presently employed in the civil service at Ottawa for the summer months. Attending were the two sons, William and Harry with their wives and families and the other daughter, Ida (Mrs. Ray Smith) with her husband and family.
Reeve D. Arthur Evans of Bradford was chairman for the program, welcoming the visitors and expressing appreciation to those who had given assistance to the project and to the arrangements for the unveiling day, naming particularly Mr. Louis A. Neilly who designed the cairn. Rev. F.G. MacTavish of Bradford United Church led in prayer and speakers on the program included Reeve Lawson Robinson of Elmvale, Chairman of the Tourist and Industrial Committee for Simcoe County; Reeve Percy Selby of West Gwillimbury and William Hodgson of King Township; Wardens John Small of Simcoe County and M. McMeachie of York County; Charles Davis of the Holland Marsh; Wm. Cranston of the Tourist and Industrial Committee and member of the Ontario Archaeological and Historical Sites Advisory Committee; George G. Johnson, M.P.P., Simcoe Centre; Dr. J.D. MacLachlan, President of the O.A.C. and Professor R.C. Moffat of the O.A.C. and former colleague of the late Professor Day. The latter two gentlemen were introduced by Glen Henderson, a graduate of the college. Immediately following the unveiling ceremony by William N. Day, elder son of the late Professor Day, C.T.S. Evans, Q.C., whose father, the late T.W.W. Evans, Q.C., as municipal solicitor, played a prominent role at the time of the reclamation of the marsh, spoke briefly and read a letter from Rev. Harold W. Vaughan, Th.D., D.D. now of Brantford, who was minister of the United Church here previous to and at the time of Professor Day's death. Quoting that letter:
"It is a splendid thing which the people of this County of Simcoe and the Townships of West Gwillimbury, King and the Village of Bradford, undertake to do this day. For over three years it was my privilege to know Professor Day and to see the determination with which he pursued a great vision - a vision which took him out of the Agricultural College, away from the cleanliness and order of classroom instruction into the muck and toil of labour on the Marsh. However, he knew it could be done. He was certain that the Marsh could be drained, irrigation ditches strategically placed, and eventually a battle of moisture control won and productive vegetable land created on a large scale.
Unfortunately, Professor Day was not spared to see the fulfillment of his vision, although even at that date, enough of its promise was there for him to know that he had been right.
The problem of marketing of the attendant economy, of the finalizing of chemical research in fertilizers, and above all, the detail of storing and packaging, still had to be conquered. I well remember the time that Professor Day died of a heart attack while working in the Marsh itself. It seemed, in a way, pathetic and yet there was also something of majestic triumph in the manner of his death, for he died working at the task to which he had given himself unstintingly across the years, and today the people of all this area know a new prosperity and opportunity because of the vision and perseverance of this fine man.
Thus, to honour his memory is not only to pay tribute to the past and to the vision of one who was more largely responsible than any other for the present result, but it is also to commit yourselves as citizens of these areas to a continued interest in this project and to its consistent growth for the welfare not only of the people here but of consumers throughout the whole land."
Bradford Witness
Noble, John Keith & Elizabeth Norma Spence
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Friday, December 27, 1946
Event Type : Marriage
Description : Daughter of Mr and Mrs A.W. Spence of Bradford wed son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Noble of Newton Robinson at Bradford United Church. Rev. F.G. MacTavish officiated. Miss Helen Bajurny was maid of honour, Miss Ruth Noble and Miss Joyce Gibney were bridesmaids. Mr Ross Dickie was groomsman and Haddon Whiteside and Joe Milligan were ushers. The couple will reside in Kingston.
Bradford Witness
Waldruff, Mary Catherine Groves obituary
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Thursday, June 23, 1949
Event Type : Death
Description : At home, in her 93rd year. Failing health for eight-ten years, which left her confined to her room for the previous two. Three sons and three daughters: Etta (Mr. B.B. Collings), Bradford; Melville G., Bradford; Norman W., Toronto; Beatrice (Mrs. Emerson Thorpe, Woodville; Ethel (Mrs. George Stewart), Bradford; and Eldon, Toronto. Sister to Mrs. Chisholm of Cleveland, Ohio (last of a family of seven). Predeceased by her husband four years previous, daughters Minnie (Mrs. C. Clappin) and Nell (Mrs. Jas. Balfour), and an infant son, George.
Born near Cornwall, Ontario. Family moved to Angus when she was young, where she met her husband, William G. Waldruff, to whom she was married for 68 years. Married in Allandale. Lived in Angus, Colwell, Barrie, and Allandale, coming to Bradford in 1901. Funeral from home by Rev. F.G. MacTavish of Bradford United Church. Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Pallbearers (son-in-law, two grandsons, and three grandsons-in-law): Emerson Thorpe, Woodville; Norman E. Collings, Bradford; Orin Thorpe, Hamilton; Ken Blevins, Toronto; Gordon Crutcher, Thornhill; and Robt. Riddell, King.
Bradford Witness
Whiteside, William Henry obituary
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Thursday, August 31, 1950
Event Type : Death
Description : Died at Toronto General Hospital. Had not been well for some time, but was hospitalized only six days before his death. Eldest son of the late Robinson and Polly Whiteside. Brother of Thomas and Franklin of Bradford. The brothers all lived together on the farm, located west of Bradford. Attended Middleton Public School and Bradford High School before becoming a farmer. Member of Bradford United Church. Funeral held from home, Rev. F.G. MacTavish officiating. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Pallbearers: Walter Palmer, Harry Williams, Alonzo Williams, Robert Wood, Lorenza Harvey, and George Young.
Bradford Witness
Thorpe, Mrs. Richard (Annie Kneeshaw) obituary
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Thursday, March 06, 1952
Event Type : Death
Description : A lifelong resident of West Gwillimbury and Bradford, with the exception of the past several months which were spent in a Toronto nursing home, Mrs. Richard Thorpe passed away last Thursday, March 6. A fall at her home in Bradford about seventeen months ago, when she broke her leg, left her an invalid and recently she had suffered several slight strokes. Born on
Concession 11, West Gwillimbury, in March 1865, Annie Kellaway Kneeshaw resided in the township until moving to Bradford over twenty years ago. In 1886, she married Richard Mark Thorpe, also of West Gwillimbury. During her earlier life she attended Ebenezer church, but later, when Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe moved to Concession 9, to the now Sawdon farm, they attended the Mount Pleasant church until it closed, and then they came to Bradford Methodist, later United. Over twenty years ago Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe retired from farming and took up residence in Bradford, where they endeared themselves to neighbours and townspeople by their kindly friendliness. They loved flowers and gardening and their lawn and flower beds were always beautifully tended.Mr. Thorpe died in August 1948, and while Mrs. Thorpe kept her home her following his death, she spent the first winter in Toronto, then returned to reside for over a year before her accident. A devout churchwoman, Mrs. Thorpe was active in her church until failing health prevented. In the W.M.S. she was a life member, an honour conferred upon her by the Society. Surviving are two sons, Emerson of Woodville, and Roy of Toronto; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Kneeshaw of Toronto and Mrs. Robt. Sawyer (Rhoda) of Carnduff, Sask.; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. The funeral was held from the United Church on Saturday afternoon, with services conducted by her minister, Rev. F.G. MacTavish. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The pallbearers were three grandsons, Elmer Thorpe and Kenneth Thorpe of Toronto, and Orin Thorpe of Woodville; two grandsons-in-law, Robert Riddell of King and Lorne Clement of Toronto; and a grand-nephew and neighbour, Gordon Bateman of Bradford.
Bradford Witness
Ellis, Dr. Charles Wilson obituary
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Saturday, October 17, 1953
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Toronto, Ont.
Description : One of the oldest practicing dentists in Ontario, being a 1900 graduate from the College of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Dr. Charles W. Ellis was instantly killed as he crossed the street to his son-in-law's car on the Queen Elizabeth Way at Haig Blvd. early Saturday evening. Larry Rutherford, his son-in-law of Applewood Rd., was waiting for him on the shoulder of the west-bound lane to take him home in his car. Dr. Ellis alighted from a bus and was crossing the west-bound lane when he was hit by a car driven by Edward Dinsmore of Toronto. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Port Credit coroner.
Born in Bradford, Dr. Ellis received his High School education in Barrie. Graduated from the University of Toronto in 1900 he practiced in Beeton for a short time before he married the former Adelia Maude Rose, Syracuse, New York, who predeceased him 29 years ago, and began practice here where he has been for over 50 years. He was a life member of Bradford Lodge, A.F. & A.M., where he was Past Master. He was feted by the lodge recently on the occasion of his 50th year of membership. He was also a life member of the Ontario Dental Association. He was a member of Bradford United Church where he had taught Sunday School and was a former steward in the church and served for many years as church treasurer. He has also been a member of Bradford Lions Club for some years. During his younger days, Dr. Ellis was an athlete and won many medals as a bicycle racer and tennis player.He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Rutherford, Lakeview, and Mrs. R. G. Freyermuth, Iowa, and two grandchildren, Janet and Charles Freyermuth. He was predeceased by two brothers, Aubrey and Bert, and his only sister, Mrs. W. A. Pringle (Mabel). Dr. Ellis had given valued service to this municipality having served on the Board of Education and the Board of Health for a number of years. Through his long years of practice Dr. Ellis was one of the best known residents of the area. Possessing very definite opinions and the strictest code of honour and honesty of purpose himself, he expected the same high standards from those with whom he did business. His friends, especially in later years, were largely those who had been his patients over a long term of years, and a few of the older residents, and his tragic death was learned with sorrow by them all. A private funeral was held yesterday afternoon from his home, under Masonic auspices, with services being conducted by Rev. F. G. MacTavish. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.
Bradford Witness
Westlake, Annie May Morrison obituary
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Thursday, July 22, 1954
Event Type : Death
Description : Although in failing health in recent years, Mrs. Westlake was about as usual last Thursday and early on Thursday evening made a call on a neighbour. Shortly after she returned to her room, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Saxon, a sound from the room attracted Mr. Saxon's attention. He called Mrs. Saxon from the garden but Mrs. Westlake passed away within a few minutes. Born near Islington, Mrs. Westlake's maiden name was Annie May Morrison. She grew up there and married Henry J. Westlake, also of that district. The older members of their family were born there. About forty-seven years ago they purchased the farm in the Scotch Settlement, now the home of their son, Robert, and for over thirty years resided there. Sixteen years ago Mr. Westlake died and when their son married, Mrs.Westlake moved to Bradford, occupying rooms in several houses here during the years. Over a year ago she was seriously ill and for a time was at Inniswood Lodge, near Barrie, but returned to her home with Mr. and Mrs. Saxon about a year ago. During her years in the Settlement she was a member of the Scotch Settlement Presbyterian Church and of its W.M.S. and since coming to Bradford her church as been the United Church, where she was a regular attender and among whose church people she made many friends. Mrs. Westlake is survived by three sons and three daughters, namely, Mrs. Frank Hurd (Ethel) of Orangeville; Ernest of Toronto; Mrs. Walter Edney (Lillian) of Bradford; Roy of Brampton; Robert of the Scotch Settlement; and Mrs. Clarence Kneeshaw (Ruth) of Bradford. The funeral was held on Sunday from the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home, with interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford. Rev. F. G. MacTavish of the United Church conducted the service. The pallbearers were three of her neighbours when she lived in the Scotch Settlement, namely, Whitfield Jessop, now of Alliston, Herbert West, and Robert Sinclair, now of Churchill; a grandson, Murray Gould of Niagara Falls; a nephew, Garnet Westlake of Beeton; and Mr. Ray Saxon of Bradford.
Bradford Witness
Pond, Kenneth Lawrence & Compton, Joan Frances
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Friday, August 19, 1955
Event Type : Marriage
Description : Joan Frances, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Compton of Bradford, to Kenneth Lawrence Pond of Toronto, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Pond of Simcoe, Ont. The wedding took place at Bradford United Church. Rev. F. G. MacTavish officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Norma Compton, as maid of honour, and Misses Marilyn Ritchie of Bradford and Shirley-Ann Deyell of North Bay, as bridesmaids. Mr. Murray Pond of Simcoe was his brother's groomsman and the ushers were the bride's brother, Mr. Gordon Compton, of Bradford, and the groom's brother-in-law, Mr. Robert Crofoot of Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Pond, both of whom are graduates from Toronto University with the degree of B.A., will reside at 100 Sheppard Ave. E., Willowdale.
Bradford Witness
Waller, Richard obituary (long)
Part of Vital Statistics
Event Date : Wednesday, October 26, 1955
Event Type : Death
Description : A resident of Bradford for more than half a century, Richard Waller passed away in York County Hospital, Newmarket, on Wednesday, October 26. He was in his 83rd year and had been in failing health for some time. In August he underwent a major operation at Western Hospital, Toronto, and had been at home for the intervening weeks before taken to Newmarket hospital nine days before his death. Born near Midhurst, Mr. Waller came to Bradford as a young man and about fifty years ago he married Alice Martin of Bradford, who predeceased him ten years ago. He is survived by one son, Linwood Waller of Newmarket; one daughter, Mr. Mildred Gilman of Bradford; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Another daughter, Mrs. Harry Bugler, predeceased him. The deceased worked as an engineer at the old Lukes' mill until it was burned, and later worked at the old factory building during terms of operation of most of its tenants, and his last employment was with the Bradford Public Utilities Commission, a number of years ago. He was an honest worker and an industrious man.The funeral was held from the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home on Friday, October 29, with Rev. F. G. MacTavish of Bradford United Church taking the services. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford. The pallbearers were Vearle Coutts, Sam Conn, Chas. Johnston, John Breeze, Len Saint and Keith Elliott.
Bradford Witness