The structure located at 21 Holland St. West is part of what is known as the Evans Block. The building was raised and Len Saint added a cellar and a foundation. The work was done by Mac Campbell and his team of carpenters. T.W.W. Evans had the building constructed to house his law practice. The upstairs was also used for years by Dr. Ellis, a dentist. The upper floor even served as Bradford Library in the 1930s, run by Mrs. Day. At one time, the offices of Tupling Insurance were also located in this building. In 1957 a fire destroyed several buildings to the east, but this structure was spared. (1, 2)
Photograph of Ethel Day, wife of Professor W.H. Day and librarian of Bradford Public Library from 1936 - 1953. She was also the mother of Ida Day Smith, former librarian, whom she took over from in 1936. Mrs. Day was the sole librarian and worked originally a room on the second floor of T.W.W. Evans law office at 21 Holland St. West, then in the late 1940s, moved to a room above the fire hall on Barrie Street. She hand-wrote all records, and was librarian until her death on November 23, 1953.
Photograph of Ida Day Smith, daughter of Professor W.H. Day and librarian of Bradford Public Library in 1936. She was also the daughter of Ethel Day, who took over the librarianship in 1936. Ida Day was the sole librarian after Mary Brown, and worked in a second floor room of T.W.W. Evans' law office. Once she married Raymond Smith in October of 1936, the couple moved away and Ida's mother, Ethel, took over the librarianship duties.
"Mayor Joe Magani presided for the brief program at the social evening given in Bradford Public Library on Tuesday, April 11, called to honour Miss Birdie Webb, who is retiring after twelve years as librarian. On behalf of the Library Board and the town, Mr. R. Colangelo presented Miss Webb with a wrist watch, in appreciation of her fine service. Miss Webb expressed her thanks for this tribute. Simcoe County library was represented by Mrs. Cadogan of Barrie. Mrs. William Melbourne will carry on the duties of librarian here."
Photograph of a cheque presentation by Sandy Harkes of Trans Canada Pipelines to Anne Wagg, fundraising chairperson for $500 to go towards building the new library.
Photograph of a cheque presentation during fundraising for a new library at 100 Holland Court.
From Left: Lorraine Tompkins (Chariperson of the Library Board), Peter Mizzoni (President of Bradford Rotary Club), Anne Wagg (Chairperson of Library Committee), Dennis Roughley (Town Councillor)
Photograph from a job site meeting about the building of the Bradford Public Library. That library finished construction in 1988. The photo shows Bob & Kevin Gallagher of Gallagher Construction.
Photograph from a job site meeting about the building of the Bradford Public Library. That library finished construction in 1988. The photo shows Bob of Gallagher Construction and Bob McIntyre of Lett/Smith.
Photograph of the ground breaking ceremony in October of 1987 for the Bradford Public Library. That library finished construction in 1988. Then mayor William de Peuter is holding the microphone while addressing the audience.
