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Retiring After 31 Years Brings Her Mixed Emotions
By John Slykhuis

After 31 years of teaching about 1,000 pupils at Bradford Public School, Barbara Stewart is retiring at the end of this school year. It's a thought that brings a mixture of emotions for her. One one hand is the anticipation of doing the things she has been dreaming of for years: travelling extensively in winter and relaxing at her cottage in Minden in summer. On the other hand: "I'm going to miss the children," she admits, "And the staff too. I have many good friends here." Her last class, she says, is particularly special. "I'm really enjoying this last class. This is one of the nicest classes I've ever taught." This Grade 3 class, like the one she started with in 1941, is small and close, almost like a family. She had 13 children to teach in a small one room schoolhouse in Markham Township that first year, and they represented all eight grades. Five years later, she started at the old Bradford Public School, and she has been here ever since. There are so many memories here for Miss Stewart that it is difficult for her to pick out any one, but one does stand out in her mind. Several years ago, the Lions Club of Bradford brought over a crippled girl from India, Vanita Khubchandi, to have an operation at Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. While here, she attended Miss Stewart's Grade 7 class. "She came every morning in an ambulance on a stretcher. She had to lie flat on her back all the time...The children really took to her." Then the day arrived for her operation. "The biggest thrill was the day she walked back into the classroom. Oh, the children were so excited. They had a party for her." Miss Stewart still hears from her occasionally and reports that she is walking well and has just finished high school. There are other memories too: walking through snow bank in the early years only to find out when she arrives that the school was closed; teaching her favorite subject, music; and taking the girls' choir to Newmarket where it won first prize. She taught a huge 45-pupil Grade 4-5 class a few years ago ("that was the most challenging and the most rewarding"), and watched the growth of children just arrived from other countries ("It was most rewarding to see them learn the language and go on to do well"). And what about the modern school system? "Well, I approve of the new standard of reporting the progress of a child. But I would far sooner talk to the parents. It's better than any report card. You find out so much more about the child." She adds however, "I believe in marking. I don't see how you can teach without it." Home for Miss Stewart is Markham, where she spends every weekend with her family, and until recently she was the organist at the Markham Presbyterian Church. "I retired as the organist last June. I guess you could say I'm tearing up all my roots...no, routines. I'm tearing up all my old routines." Although she is leaving Bradford for good at the end of this school year, Miss Stewart has reassured her friends that she will be coming back often to visit.

"Honorable Earl Rowe, former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, was guest speaker at the Fisher's Corners Womens Institute Meeting January 20. A great supporter of women's institutes, Mr. Rowe spoke to the women and their husbands for about 45 minutes on current issues like the Quebec problem and reminsced about politicking in the area in horse and buggy das. He expressed the need for multi-lingualism in Canada, rather than just bilingualism, explaining that Canada was a land of many nationalities and not just French and English. Well qualified to discuss national affairs, Mr. Rowe said he had personally known and worked with eight of Canada's prime ministers, including Pierre Trudeau. Described as a very warm and down-to-earth person by the women, Mr. Rowe is currently in retirement at his farm near Newton Robinson. He told the group he spends much of his time exercising his horses and reading."

Certificate of appreciation to the Town of Bradford for its support of the Scouts Jamboree in Australia in 1987/88.

"The Bradford Lions Club went over the top in the Lions Pool project with the airplane draw last September. The club presented the balance of $50,000 to Bradford Mayor Roy Gordon at a special meeting Monday. From left, club president John Rutherford, vice-president and draw chairman Gerard Van Alebeek, Mayor Roy Gordon, draw co-chairman Jack Armstrong."

Front Row: John G. Neilly (Farmer), James A. Neilly (Farmer), Joseph Neilly (Farmer), John Doolittle (Farmer) Middle Row: Samuel Neilly (Railroad), Matthew Neilly (Storekeeper), Robert Neilly (Hardware Store) Back Row: Dan Neilly (Tailor), J.D. Neilly (Farmer), John R. Neilly (Farmer), Andrew Neilly (Jeweller) This picture was sent to New York for the Shooting and Fishing Magazine. Robert, John G., James, Joseph, John D., Andrew, Matthew, and Daniel were all brothers.

Before the turn of the century, the Doolittle Rifle Club and the Neilly team were widely known as marksmen. This picture was taken in the 1890's after the 10 Neilly boys trounced the Barrie Rifle Club by more than 90 points. The Neillys were either brothers or first cousins except for John R. who was a second cousin. Front Row (l-r): John G. (grandfather of Hazel Kell, Kay Russell and Wilford Neilly's family), James A. (Etta Meredith's father), Joseph (went to Manitoba), John D. Doolittle, Gilford, captain of the club. Middle Row: Samuel (grandfather of Sam Neilly), Matthew, Robert (owner of a Bradford Hardware store), I. Neilly (school teacher in Pennsylvania), John D. (father of Lorne), John R. and Andrew (Bradford jeweller).

An account bill made out to the Bradford Lawn Bowling Club by Moore Bros. Goods Store, dated May 14th, 1913. Paid May 15th, 1913.

An account bill made out to the Bradford Lawn Bowling Club by Robert McKinstry Blacksmith, dated October 8th, 1912.

"Bradford Rotary Club has made its final payment on its promise of $6000 toward the building of Bradford Public Library/ Last year, Bradford Lions Club made its final payment on its promise of $12000 for the library, making a total of $18000 contributed by the two local service clubs toward the new building. Other organizations have made lesser contributions. ..."

"Bingo, Auction Sale, and Dance Draw Good Crowd. Farmers and Growers Give Generously
The local Canadian Corps Association's night of Bingo, an Auction Sale and Dance drew a good crowd to the Town Hall on Monday evening when about $310 was cleared. This money will be used for the purchase of gifts for the boys of the district now serving overseas." ...

Index of all Tweedsmuir Histories on microfilm.