The building located at 1 Holland St. East (on the northeast corner of Holland and Barrie Streets) is part of what is known as the Green Block. The structure was originally owned by Mr. Green, who lived with his family on the west side of Church St. in the hotel. The Masonic Hall is still found upstairs at this location in 2014. (1, 2) Many businesses have been located at 3 Holland St. East (on the northeast corner of Holland and Barrie Streets) over the years. They include a grocery store, a boot and shoe shop (run by Charlie Wilson), an insurance company (that was later run by Fred Cook), a delivery service for C.N.R. (first by horse and buggy, then later by Model T Ford), a hamburger stand (run by Harold ‘Butch’ Boyd), and a telephone office. The first private telephone came to Bradford in 1885 and was run by a number of businessmen. There were ten phones only for Bradford. A garage was later added at the back at the laneway for trucks and cars. (1, 2)
The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of B.B. "Ben" Collings' life and business. By this point, his furniture and undertaking business was only four years old (starting in 1902) and the storefront is shown in the photograph, located on the south-west corner of Holland and Drury Streets. The post office is opposite. It was said in the showroom, there would "be found some of the nicest furniture one could wish to place in his home." Starting in 1897, Ben spent four years studying the mattress making trade in Toronto.
The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of Bemrose Co. General Store, owned by the Bemrose brothers John and James. Their father, John, was a contractor and was well known in the town, a reputation which was passed down to the brothers. This store in the photograph was run by James Bemrose alone after his return to Bradford in 1901 in the former store of J.S. Boddy, and was in the same block as the Edmanson businesses on Holland Street (near 71 Holland St. East).
The Bradford Witness decided to release a series of articles from local townspeople on the history of certain events in Bradford and West Gwillimbury's time. This week, the Fire of May 25, 1871, and the businesses which rebuilt on Holland Street after the fire, is the topic.
The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of Whimster & Wilcox Store, owned by J.E. Hodgson in 1906. It was located at 16 Holland Street West, and was immediately east of the Queen's Hotel. It began in Aurora by James Whimster and a Mr. Wilcox in 1886, though in 1904 it was launched in Bradford by Charles Elliot. The store featured dried goods, furnishings, clothing, and groceries.
The article accompanying this photograph gives a quick history of Moore Bros. Store, run by A.J. and F.W. Moore. The store came to Bradford in 1901, and was located just west of the Central Hotel on Holland Street. The Moore Brothers had patented the "Marvel Acetylene Gas Generator", a machine for those without electricity hook-ups.
The article accompanying this photograph gives a brief biography of Andrew Thompson and a photograph of their residence. Andrew Thompson ran Thompson's Hardware on the southwest corner of Holland Street and Simcoe Road. This store was formerly Driffill's Hardware where Thompson was a partner.
"Owners of businesses destroyed in last Wednesday's fire are making arrangements to carry on business in temporary quarters and are planning a building program. According to present plans, a fine new business block will rise this year on the site of the stores destroyed in last Wednesday's conflagration." ...
"The Witness surely expresses the feelings of all residents of the district in extending sympathy to those who stood helpless last Wednesday afternoon and watched their flourishing businesses destroyed by fire." ...
"While not disparaging the splendid service and fine co-operation of the firemen from neighbouring municipalities, in the battle to save Bradford from more extensive damage from fire last Wednesday, the brunt of the long hours of the fight, and the strain of responsibility, fell upon the home brigade, and their magnificent effort and success merits the gratitude of every Bradford property owner." ...
