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The old Hollows schoolhouse on the Middletown Sideroad of West Gwillimbury. In 1863, this school was built by John Garbutt on his lot (Con. 12, lot 11) so his children would not need to walk as far. The school burned down in 1888 and a new, brick one was erected very soon after by William Bingham (pictured here), with William Tindall as the first teacher, later minister in the Methodist church. The new school opened September 29, 1888 with celebration and games. Like many around it, this school was closed and sold in 1960, though the building later became the Hollow Community Centre. The renovated school house is currently the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Skitteral. The mature maple trees on the property were planted by the students in the photo.

S.S. #14

"Tenders will be received by the undersigned up to the 20th July, 1908, for the erection of a new School House in S.S. No. 6, West Gwillimbury. For plans and specifications apply to T.D. Stoddart."

S.S. #3 - West Gwillimbury School
Back Row: Helen West, Marjorie Sutherland, Margaret Bateman, Doris Armstrong, Helen Kingsley, Ruth Westlake, Faris Kneeshaw, Roy Jeffery, Jack Armstrong.
Third Row: Helen Gold, ?, Evelyn West, ?, Elsie Jeffery
Second Row: Leonard Jeffery, Grenville Hudson, Donald Wilson, Clarence Jessop, Emery Kingsley, Tom Bateman, Harold West.
Front Row: ?, Norman (Rusty) Hudson, Herbert West.

Scotch Settlement Ladies Baseball team around 1930.

Black and white photograph of the Fennell's Corners Baseball Team with trophies, around 1950.

Description : In the recently published book, "Governor Simcoe Slept Here: A legacy of West Gwillimbury," there is an error on page 792. Part way down the first paragraph, the text should read: "Beatrice was born September 25, 1910, and died November 17, 1992. Evelyn was born March 14, 1917, and married Bob Stafford on August 17, 1940. They had two children, Jean and Don. Evelyn died April 6, 1991." Apologies to Marion West, who submitted this story, and to the West family for the typing error that occurred when transferring the story to the computer.

Description : The first printing of Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury, the 2-volume book put together by the WEGWHIST project of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, is completely sold out. Anyone who would be interested in purchasing a copy of a 2nd edition is asked to contact Bill Marks. The History Association is looking at reprinting the books, if there is sufficient interest.

Description : More information is needed for the History of West Gwillimbury! Did your family reside in the Township of West Gwillimbury prior to 1960? A member of WEGWHIST - the West Gwillimbury History project - will be pleased to meet with you for a chat, and to take notes. If you have any old photographs, please dig them out. The Project will copy the photos and return them immediately.

Description : The West Gwillimbury History project (WEGWHIST for short) is gathering information and interest, pursuing the many aspects of Who, What, Where, When and How of the historic Township. The story begins about the time that the Township was surveyed in 1819, 183 years ago. The record-keeping of those days was not too detailed, but it is surprising the records that are available, and the story that they tell. All are welcome to come to the meeting and hear about WEGWHIST. A number of items need to be researched, such as old mills, post offices, meeting halls and fraternal societies. Pen, paper and an inquisitive mind will qualify you as a researcher.