The one-storey house once located on the west side at 44 Drury St. had stucco cladding originally. Many years ago it was the home of Fred McKay, his wife, and son (Bruce). Fred was a retired farmer. He had noted gardens (asparagus, strawberries, raspberries) on a number of lots around town. Fred worked for Thompson Fisher in the old skating rink. He also ran the pool room and sold gramophones over the Campbell’s drugstore on Holland Street. Chris Wren and his family lived here years later. Chris was a store merchant (from Mabel) and a painter and paper hanger. The house was demolished (in the 1990’s?) to make an exit and sewer connection from Joe Magani’s grocery store to Drury Street. (1, 2)
Event Date : Thursday, August 17, 1978 Event Type : Death
Description : One of Bradford's most active and well known women, Dorothy "Dode" Marks died August 17 in York County Hospital in Newmarket. She was 68. Mrs. Marks was born in the home she lived in most of her life the daughter of Walter Reeves, a Bradford police officer for 20 years, and Sadie Saint. She was educated in Bradford attending both Bradford Public School and Bradford High School after which she worked for a short time in the Stein Furniture Factory which stood on the property now occupied by Toby's Restaurant. In 1930 she married Harvey Marks and spent the next few years raising three children Noreen (Hodgson), Beverley (Sanders), and Bill. She also had seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. An active woman Mrs. Marks was a member of the Women's Institute and also enjoyed bowling tennis badminton and baseball. She worked off and on for The Witness for 25 years often working well into the night organizing subscriptions. A tireless worker she was never heard to complain according to co-workers. Mrs. Marks was a member of the community centre board from its inception in 1956 until 1974 running for no wage the concession booth. According to former board member and co-worker Joe Magani, "Dode and Ted Dow ran that thing all year and the only compensation they got was a steak dinner once a year. For almost 20 years they kept that arena out of the red and that's a fact. Our expenses for running the arena were paid by the proceeds of that booth." A descendant of Bradford's pioneer families Mrs. Marks had a thorough knowledge of the history of the area and provided The Witness with many of the historical photos used in the Yesterdays column. Many of those same photos were used in the Bradford Centennial Book of 1957. Funeral service was held Saturday August 19 in the chapel Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home. Pallbearers were James Church, Jack Church, Gordon Church, Robert Watson, Kenneth Saint, and Bill Enwright. Burial took place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
"Highlights of 1977 included (clockwise), Bradford midgets beat the Swedes; the Marshlanders take to the field; Arthur Evan's farewell; Roy Gordon enters snowarama; Bradford's finest citizens; Joe Magani and Charlie Evans; Lions plane winner; hello from the swimming pool; and, centre, Guy Lombardo greets Rick Walker."
"The mayor of all the people in Bradford for many years, Joe Magani (left) has received a great deal of well-deserved tribute for contributions. The latest is a photo portrait donated by the Chamber of Commerce, represented by president John Gaus (right). The portrait will hang in the town hall when the renovations are completed."
"Joe Magani (second from left) was honored Saturday night for his work as Bradford's mayor for 16 years. With his wife, Doris, he heard tributes from long-time friends such as Brad Walker (left) and Charles Evans (right), and received gifts that included the gavel-laden plaque from the Bradford and District Chamber of Commerce. The chamber organized the big night, held at the Black Soil restaurant."
"More than 180 persons were on hand at the Bradford Community Centre Friday night to honor 'Uncle Joe' Magani on his retirement from 20 years in Bradford politics, the last 16 of those as mayor. Reeve Ken Wood was chairman for the evening, and he opened the meeting by introducing head table guests, and then handed the microphone over to Charlie Evans, former reeve, county warden, and town solicitor for Bradford. Chairman Ken Wood then called on Bradford Fire Chief Harold "Butch" Boyd to make another presentation. The gift from the firefighters was a gold-plated fire helmet naming Mr. Magani as honorary chief of the Bradford Fire Department."
"Timmy and Tammy were in Bradford last week to generate support for the Snowarama to be held February 13 from Varley's Marina. From the left are Bradford Mayor Roy Gordon, former mayor Joe Magani, Timmy (Kevin Collins of Orillia), Tammy (Patty Doak of Newmarket), Whipper Billy Watson, and Aurora Mayor George Timpson. The Snowarama is in its third year, and it's purpose is to raise money for crippled children in Ontario. Whipper Watson has been involved in the Ontario Crippled Children's Society for the past 28 years."
"Bradford's 1977-78 council was sworn in at a ceremony at the community centre Monday evening. At left, new Mayor Roy Gordon accepts the gavel from retiring mayor Joe Magani. Mr. Magani said he thought the gavel was given to him personally, but found out by reading the inscription that it was donated to the town. At right, Bradford lawyer Charles Evans conducts Mayor Gordon through the oath of office. In the centre photo is the council which will serve with Mayor Gordon. Members are (from left) Councillors Rick Wright, John Zima, Zyg Fenik, and Sandy Hudson; Deputy-reeve Milt Hambly; and Reeve Ken Wood."
"The Red and White team won the Bradford and District Ladies' House League championship on Monday night, beating McKinzie Hardware 16-6 in the final game. Front: Darren MacPherson, Marlene MacPherson, Michelle Woodcock, Margaret Anne Lotto, Debbie Vink. Rear: Todd Vestby, Lina Villella, Joe Magani (sponsor), Grant Vestby, Donna Worthington, Lynn Worthington, Lois MacPherson, Marg Vink, Bill Skwarchuk, Karen McEvoy Kell, Joe Skwarchuk."
"BRADFORD - After 16 years in public office, Bradford Mayor Joe Magani is retiring from politics. He made his announcement Thursday night before fellow members of town council. "I think it's about time for Uncle Joe to quit," he said quietly. "I've been in this job for 16 years, and I'm tired. I'd like to spend more time with my family." ...
