"One of the groups celebrating Bradford's 150th Anniversary is the Gwillim Group - a group of history buffs, under the aegis of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, that is turning the spotlight on Upper Canada's First Lady. Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim was not only the wife of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, she was an ardent traveller, a hostess equally at home in the wilderness and high society, and an accomplished artist. The Gwillim Group has commissioned a bronze and rock sculpture, by artist Brenda Wainman Goulet, which will be placed in the parkette beside the Post Office on Barrie St. The Gwillim Group is holding a fundraising Dinner Theatre event tonight, June 9, in partnership with the Bradford District High School Drama Club. The students will present a homorous production of "Happy Birthday Bradford, or Who want a carrot for a mascot?" - while the Group serve up a Spaghetti Dinner, with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, and there will be a silent auction of items that include an original painting by local artist Kathryn Bury."
Letter from the Reeve of Bradford, D. Arthur Evans inviting anyone who lives or lived at one time or another in the Village of Bradford to attend the centennial celebrations on August 4-7th in 1957. This invitation was submitted by Robin Ewington whose mother received it in 1956.
Bradford's Centennial Parade. Shops that line Holland St. W. include Kilkenny Furniture, Evans Bakery, and Bradford 5 Cents to $1.00 Store. The tow truck at the far right of the picture is from Monarch Ford. Behind it, two girls carry a banner which reads: "Centennial Congratulations from Ray Hodgson, Imperial Oil Dealer, and Joe Wintercorn, Imperial Oil Farm Trade Agent." Behind them is an old Imperial Oil gasoline tank wagon.
Bradford Seed House float in Bradford's Centennial Parade on Holland St. W. The car is a 1917 Ford Touring, owned and operated by George van Nostrand. Harvey W. Curry is in the passenger seat and Mandy and Wally Hunt are in the rear seat. Beside the car is a man dressed as the Planter's Peanut.
"Bradford's Sesquicentennial celebration has received the endorsement of Committee of the Whole, and a recommendation that Council pre-approve up to $15 000 in advance of the 2007 budget for its promotion..."
"Frank Kilkenny and his son, Keith Kilkenny, pictured in 1938, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Kilkenny name in the same business in Bradford."
