The units located at 70 Simcoe Road (north side) and 72 Simcoe Road (south side) are part of an apartment building that was erected in 1980. The property was originally the site of a large, frame house that had a woodshed, chicken house, and a horse and cow stable on the back lane (Elizabeth Street). It was the home of Mr. Peachman (a farmer), his wife and sons (Wilbert, Harvey and Louis) many years ago. He was a day worker and a labourer. Charles Jackson and his wife (retired farmers) later lived here with their family before the house was demolished. (1, 2)
This two-storey structure is located at 218 Simcoe Road. It is the fourth house on the west side (south of the “Y” in Simcoe Road). Robert Stewart, his wife, and family lived here many years ago. His son George, who married Ethel Waldruff, played lacrosse and was a painter and paper hanger for Billie Sutton. Robert owned 75 acres of land and worked as the town clerk for 25 years. He also farmed (and later rented) his land. Ed Cave and his wife (Ida) and daughter (Violet) moved to this area from Newton Robinson and eventually bought and worked a farm. He delivered milk and had a dairy in town. Ed was a staunch Orangeman who played King Billie riding his white horse at the 12th of July parade. There was a gravel pit on the property. He eventually sold his farm to Mike Sklencar, John Kulha, Steve Brinkos and John Kashmere. They divided the remaining land and sold the lots along Simcoe Road. The large house was converted into four apartments that were used as their living quarters while they each built a house. The structure was still being used as an apartment building in 1995. (1, 2)
"A 50 suite senior citizens apartment building will be built in Bradford early next year. Last week, council and the town planning board met with officials of the Ontario Housing Corporation and the plans were revealed. OHC recently purchased five acres of land from the municipality in the west end of town on Miller Park Avenue. The suites will be available to senior citizens who presently reside in Bradford and West Gwillimbury. The rents will be geared to income. The contract for the building is expected to be let later this year and construction to be started in the spring of 1975. Town council has been working for almost four years to obtain the senior citizens apartment. The long delay was due to difficulty in obtaining a suitable site for the project. Last year, the town purchased almost 13 acres of land from the provincial government following the closing of the old Department of Highways garage. The original proposal was for 15 units but it was increased when West Gwillimbury council expressed an interest."
