Photograph of Jack Geddes, soldier in World War II who lost his life in battle. Jack was the son of George and Julia Ethel (Robinson) Geddes, born on May 13th, 1917 in Bradford, Ontario. . Jack worked as a Sub-Foreman for a Barrie construction company prior to marrying Mabel Elizabeth Copeland in May, 1940, and they had a daughter Gwendoline Elizabeth. He enlisted on November 27, 1942 specifically for the RCAF. Jack earned the rank of Sergeant in October of 1943 and was an Air Gunner for the RCAF. He and his flight crew did not return from their mission to Revigny, France. They were presumed dead until his body was found and registered through the Imperial War Graves Commission at Auger St Vincent Cemetery in Oise, France. He died July 19, 1944, and his wife received his Operational Wings recognition in honour of his service.
"T.E. Bell (Pres.); W. Sutton (trainer); E. Gapp (Capt., D.); E. Armstrong (C.); E. James (C.); G. Lang (O.H.); M. Campbell (O.H.); R. Wilson (Mascot); B. Stoddart (D.); J. Webb (R.); W. Mulliss (I.H.); B. Cavallo (G.); D. Wilson (I.H.); S. Gapp (R.); J. Church (O.H.); K. Seim (R.); W. Reeves (Coach); C. Evans (Sec. Treas.)
Bradford Box Lacrosse Club, Champions Tri-County Box Lacrosse Associations, McCarthy Cup, Spring 1932
Rickard Photo No. 133-B Panoramic Camera, 321 St. George St. Toronto"
In 1823, John Garbutt, an early magistrate in the township, settled on the north half of lot 10 con. 12. Around him came others to form a small community. An early school was replaced by a brick one in 188 which still stands today as a private residence. The school has hosted dances, parties, concerts and anniversaries over the years. A nearby burial pit provides evidence of a significant historical battle in pre-settlement times. circa 1823
Deerhurst - from 1830, mail was received for the early settlers at John Gill's beer shanty at Deerhurst on the Penetang Road, midway between line 12 and line 13. On April 1st, 1863 and official post office opened near this same location and served this community until December 1912. In 1830 James Tindall, who lived across the road from Gill's, donated land from his lot 16, con. 12 farm for the first Ebenezer Wesleyan Methodist Church and cemetery. New churches were built about 1850 and again in 1880. This church was closed in 1966. A small hamlet grew at this location which still remains today.
The hamlet of Coulson's Hill was named after the Coulson family who settled here in 1822. They donated the land for the two church properties and cemeteries. The Anglican church was built in 1854, the Presbyterian church in1857. The hamlet was the home for a hotel, stagecoach shop, a blacksmith shop and an Orange Hall.
Mount Pleasant, aka Botchtown; Mount Pleasant was the name Gilbert Robinson chose for his stately home on the north half of lot 15 con. 8 in West Gwillimbury. The name spilled over to the adjacent hamlet that grew up at the corner of the 9th line and the Penetang Road (Yonge Street), comprised of a blacksmith shop, hotel, general store, gas station and a school. Nearby a Wesleyan Methodist church, a brickyard, and grist mill and saw mills owned by Mark Scanlon and John Thorpe. South of the hamlet, a hillside spring provided refreshment for weary travellers, man and beast.
(on the top side): "Father" (on the front side): "Ira Belfry, died July 11, 1887; Aged 79 years, 7 Mo, 23 Days. May he rest in Peace" Ira settled on lot 14, con. 8 in 1830 where a one acre site for the Primitive Methodist Church, a cemetery and an early school was later built.
