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"Editor's note: with the new Bradford Public Library scheduled to hold Official Opening Ceremonies November 6, 1988, following is an article submitted by D. Cilipka on the library's past history in Bradford." ...

A newspaper article detailing the history of the Bradford Public Library.

December 20, 1989
Birth
I'm finally here! Elinor and Steve Geniole (Schlarb) are tickled pink with the arrival of Alisha Bete, making her entrance on December 20, 1990 [sic] at 9:25 p.m. and weighint in a 7 lbs. 12 ozs.
Proud grandparents are Elizabeth Schlarb from Bradford and Henry Schlarb from Toronto and Sue and Ron Geniole fromKeswick. Great grandmother Pearl Geniole from Keswick.
Thanks to the nurses on the Maternity Ward and Drs. Joutsie and Rouselle, York County Hospital.

"Whatever becomes of this grand old lady, her colourful history will not be soon forgotten.

When the Recreation Facilities Committee was formed consisting of Chairperson Ann Currie, Jim Culbert, Steve Boland, Ellen MacKenzey, Bill Germayne and Sharon Sinclair, Director of Parks and Recreation, one of their first commitments was to find the "ideal" location to house the new Recreation and Cultural Complex. After a considerable amount of investigative work and discussion by this Committee, the favorite choice was the old convent.

While the convent certainly fits the "centralized" location criteria, an added attraction is the history which surrounds this 112-year old structure.

In 1876, John MacLean Stevenson built this masterpiece (named Masonic Lodge) and lived in it a short 10 months before selling it to the Robert Bingham family. This family stay was a little longer (16 years) before it, once again, changed hands. In 1893, James Boddy became the proud owner and renamed the house "Fairview". He resided there until 1903 when the property was purchased by Rev. Egerton Ryerson Young (noted missionary and publisher) who again renamed the house this time she was labeled "Algonquin Lodge". Upon the death of Rev. Young in 1910, his family sold the house to Sam Lukes who ran the Bradford Flour Mill. Lukes pet name for the home was "Luxalean". The house stayed in the Lukes family until Gilbert Lukes sold it in 1949. At the time of this sale, the plot of land was divided in two; on the plot south of the house was built St. Mary's Catholic School. The house was occupied by a group of teaching nuns of the Ursuline Order of the Diocese of London in Ontario.

In 1969, John and Maria Moniz bought the stately mansion and turned it into an apartment house. Contrary to the zoning by-laws, Town Council closed their eyes and allowed this grand home to be a multiple family dwelling for 12 years.

From the moment John Moniz' sale was accepted by Fred Picavet's cash offer, which in turn, nullified the offer made by the Town's agent, the convent had been cloaked in a shroud of controversy.

No sooner had the new deed owners, Fred and Betty Lou Picavet begun the extensive renovation work to the upstairs wings, than Bradford town council issued a "stop work order" and filed a Lis Pendents with the County Courts in Barrie (Feb. 26, 1981). This order was subsequently honoured by the County Court Office which necessitated an immediate halt on the renovation work by Picavet. While workmanship was in "pending", taxes continued to be paid by the owner (Picavet).

It wasn't until 1987 when an out-of-court settlement was reached between Fred Picavet and the Town that the convent became the legal property of the town of Bradford.

While the "legal hagglings" were underway, the old convent sat empty for five consecutive winters. Pampering can oft times help to slow down the natural aging process. Unfortunately, pampering the convent during that turbulent time was not a top priority item; henceforth, the building was vandalized on a fairly regular basis.

For someone like Jim Culbert, "the furniture doctor", it was nothing less than a mortal sin that such a fine building should have been so readily accessible to vandals. At the time Jim, personally, approached Town Council and Pat Storey to see if the building could be boarded up to discourage further destruction. He was basically told that the Safety Standards Bylaw which was in place to deal with this situation was unable to be looked after due to the lack of a by-law enforcement officer.

Incensed by that line of reasoning, Jim decided to "go to bat" for the convent. Through public awareness and letters to various newspapers, the convent was eventually boarded up which helped to minimize the continued vandalism.

With the endorsement of the Master Plan Recreation Study and the Facilities Committee, to renovate a part of the convent for the new Recreation and Cultural Complex, Jim Culbert is, once again, appealing to the town's people to "get on board" with regard to bringing this matter to the forefront. The decision on the fate of the convent has "gone on far too long" in Culbert's opinion. "Let's get it resolved one way or the other, either tear it down or renovate it and make it into a beautiful piece of property."

As Jim recalls, "A year ago Town Council promised a public meeting to discuss the convent issue which was never carried out. Hopefully, the newly-elected Council will stick to their electoral views on this issue."

A building with such Italianate design is rare in today's society. By restoring it, a two-fold purpose will be served; firstly, it will provide a complex to house programs such as the arts, drama, brownies, cubs, moms and tots etc. Secondly, and ideally, a room in the old wing of the house will be set aside for a "museum" of sorts to provide past history on the convent and Bradford itself".

IF RESTORED, this spectacular mansion will serve as a memorial to the previous owners."

Operating hours of the Holland Court library

"The Bradford Public Library officially opened their new premises at 100 Holland Court on Sunday, November 6, 1988. On hand to officiate over the "ribbon cutting ceremony" was Mayor Bill dePeuter, Librarian Adrienne Price and Honorary Chairman, Mr. Charlie Evans.
The unexpectedly large crowd presented a few problems, no one organizing the event had anticipated. Mrs. Eleanor Sherbo, Chairperson of the Library Board wishes to extend her apologues to those present who could not hear the ceremonies. Apparently, the cord became dislodged from the corridor speakers.
Following the official ceremonies, a reception was held in the "Compton room", a room dedicated to Marilyn & Gord Compton on behalf of the Library Board in consideration of their very substantial monetary donation."

June 30, 1991
Marriage
Tamara-Leigh and Samuel P. Lakatos were married on the terrace at Cullen Gardens and the reception was in the Whitby Room. The special occasion took place on Sunday, June 30, 1991.

Description : Eleven Bradford firefighters were honoured with a service medallion at April 11 Council Meeting. Presentations were made by Mayor William dePeuter. The award on behalf of her Excellency Governor-General Jean Sauve served to exemplify the important recognition of the contribution that the fire service in Canada continues to make in protecting the lives and property of it's citizens. The medallion symbolizes not only long-time service (minimum criteria 20 years), but the continuous and meritous contributions to the protection of lives and property. The following recepients received this most distinguished award provided through the Chancellory of Canadian Orders and Decorations: Ted Bulpit (46 years service); Gord Church (48 yrs. service); Ron Bannerman (40 yrs. service); Pat Pattenden (25 yrs. service); Fred May (25 yrs. service); Roy Saint (46 yrs. service); James Church (50 yrs. service); Orville Hand (40 yrs. service). In addition to these medallions, the Bradford Fire Department was awarded a plaque for their fine efforts in saving the Village Inn Hotel, Nov. 28, 1987. Presentation was made by Councillor Dennis Roughley on behalf of Councillor Bill Dykie, part owner of the Village Inn. The Bradford Fire Department is 130 years young. Their response time to the 400 Highway is a very respectable 5-7 minutes. This high rate of efficiency is due, in part, to the equipment, Bradford Police, the firemen and Bradford Town Council, who ensure there is money available for good equipment. Gord Church, who recently retired, has been replaced by newly-appointed Captain Ted Mendrek. The Bradford Fire Department has originated the position of LIEUTENANT and has filled it with two well-respected town citizens, Appi Sikkema, and Merle McKnight. Their responsibilities will include practice drills and training, along with taking charge of fires. Continual training serves to keep our firefighters 'tops'. On March 23, 1988, two of our volunteer firefighters received CPR certificates with top honours: Mr. John Burns (96%) and Mr. Russ McLennan (92%). As Mr. McLennan said, The working relationship among the firefighters is like a closely-knit family, unlike the rapport on the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.

A long way up! Firefighters will train in this 57' high tower. The tower will also be used to dry fire hoses. This photo appeared with an article in the Bradford Gazette.

The finishing touches being put on Bradford's new fire hall. This picture accompanied an article in the Bradford Gazette.