"Chris Van Alebeek has 25 grandchildren, had worked outdoors all his life, and was bored after four years' retirement. So he began a new career this year - as a crossing guard, shepherding school children across the busy stretch of Holland St. East, on their way to and from Marie of the Incarnation School. Mr. Van Alebeek was born in Dendungen, in the Dutch province of Brabant in 1900. He lived in Holland, working as a farmer until 1952, when he, his late wife Wilhelmina, and their five sons and two daughters made the move to Canada. The family emigrated, he told The Witness, because he had seen too much hardship and danger during the two world wars and wanted a better life for his children. The Van Alebeeks came straight to Bradford and stayed here. Their youngest children, twin girls, were born in Canada."
"The congregation of Newton Robinson United Church is holding a three-fold celebration this year. The church, whose spire is a landmark for those travelling Highway 27 between Cookstown and Bond Head is marking its 90th anniversary. The celebration will be for the long, lively past, the country-quiet present and a re-dedication to wider community service in the future."
"If CN has its way, the last real contact Bradford has with the railway will be gone soon when the train station is either sold or torn down. The railway was an integral part of the community when this photo was taken in 1939. Submitted by Wilbert Mulliss of Bradford, it shows Percy Stephenson, an express clerk at CN who delivered parcels to and from the train station and the post office. Stephenson, who was Mulliss' uncle, posed for this hot on Barrie Street with John Street West in the background. The old Model 'A' truck was owned by CN, and Stephenson worked for CN's agent in town, George Green, an insurance agent and former town clerk."
"More than 250 well-wishers and dignitaries filled the auditorium of the Bradford and District Community Centre Sunday to honor Tom Gardner, Bradford's Citizen of the Year for 1976. Mr. Gardner, who operated a hardware store in Bradford for 56 years and represented residents on the local school board for 28 years, received gifts from the Chamber of Commerce, Mac Lewis on behalf of the Bradford Lions Club, the province of Ontario, and the congratulations of his friends and neighbors. Mayor Joe Magani paid tribute to Mr. Gardner and his wife Rita for their contribution and presented Mrs. Gardner with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her patience and support. Councillor Bob Sturgeon congratulated Gardner on behalf of West Gwillimbury Township Council, and MPP Art Evans presented the guest of honor with a plaque from the province. On accepting a silver tray engraved with his name and honor from Gerry Barker, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Gardner acknowledged that his wife deserved the honor as much as him. The citizen of the year also appealed to those present to support the Newmarket and District Association for the Mentally Retarded which he has worked for devotedly. This year, he said, the association finds itself in need of funds. Brock Evans and Rev. Bob Chapman both reminisced about their acquaintances with Gardner."
"The building permit 74-104 was issued to John Zima on September 11. Township building inspector, Bert Magloughlen posted a stop work order on the Simcoe Rd. building site on September 16. Workmen continued blocklaying in the face of the stop work order. Mr. Zima believes his building permit was and is valid and Mr. Magloughlen believes he has revoked the permit. A decision on who is right will probably come through the courts."
"Elizabeth Margaret Copeland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Copeland of Newton Robinson, graduated from St. Joseph's Campus of George Brown College July 18th, 1975. Beth will be joining the staff of Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton."
"Fred Cook, a man who for many years was a social and political influence in Bradford, died last Thursday in York County Hospital at 73. Mr. Cook was admitted to the hospital April 6 suffering from a heart attack. Funeral services were held in Trinity Anglican Church, Bradford, on Monday afternoon with the Rector, Rev. Jack House and Bishop Hunt, a lifelong friend of Mr. Cook's, conducting the service. Hundreds of friends and associates gathered in the little church on Church St. that Fred Cook served so well. Mayor Joe Magani led a delegation of members of council and the town administrative staff. Many officials representing the various surrounding municipalities also attended the special funeral service. During his 73 years, Fred Cook's life revolved around the town of his birth, Bradford."
"The Fisher's Corners Women's Institute met recently. The roll call was answered by 18 members and two visitors. Minutes of the last meeting were read, financial report given and business discussed. It was announced that the needlepoint course would start on Thursday, October 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Mrs. C. Nobles. All were invited to go to the museum anytime this month and see the displays, which some of our members contributed. Institute day is October 27. The meeting was given to Mrs. E. Hodgson, convenor of agriculture and Canadian industries. She introduced Bus Culbert. He showed very colorful slides on a tour of England and Scotland."
"More than 100 relatives gathered at the farm of D. Arthur Evans last weekend for a family reunion. The farm which is situated on Middletown Sideroad looked like a trailer park after more than 40 people from Detroit brought their trailers and camped right on the spot. Back row [left to right]: D. Arthur Evans, Bert Sellers, Tillie Sellers, Ted Evans, Harold Evans, Norma Noble, Joe Noble, Bob Lightbody and Pearl Evans, front row [left to right]: Allan Latimer, Audrey Evans, Elizabeth Lightbody, Margaret Latimer and Frank Evans."
Dimock's Garage was an important business in Bradford in the early 1930's when this photo was taken. Harold Iceton, who submitted the photo writes: "Mrs. Al Dimock, affectionately known as Minnie to her many friends (gave me this photo). The photo dates back to 1931 when Albert Dimock first started up business in Bradford with his young son Hedley. They were soon joined by his wife Minnie and daughter Eileen. This building has now been demolished and replaced by the Royal Bank Building.
