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Summary of an interview with John Eek February 17, 1998. He is interviewed by George Jackson. John talks about his days in the Holland Marsh, and the start of Bradford's Co-op storage by his family. See the Related Descriptions below for the audio.

Gordon, Trudy, Frances, and Auke Ellens in front of their home in the Holland Marsh. They are standing beside their cookstove, which was used outside the house until the chimney was installed (the chimney pictured was newly installed). Auke Ellens had immigrated from the Netherlands.

Interior of Auke Ellens' store, flooded by Hurricane Hazel breaking the marsh's dykes.

"About 50 Holland Marsh farmers are suing the Townships of West Gwillimbury and King, claiming damage to crops in August because of flooding. The farmers served notice of their intentions through their lawyers last month, saying the two municipalities neglected to clean the Schomberg River, and that the pumps at a pumping station didn't work during the heavy rain of August 16. The petition signed by the farmers was sent to the councils by their lawyer Norman Borins of Toronto. It states that because of the failure of the pumphouse much of the land near or level with the river was covered with water. King Mayor Margaret Britnell said the township has no obligation to the farmers because the cleaning of the canal and pumping operations are under the jurisdiction of the Holland Marsh Drainage Commission. Council agreed to receive the letter and send it on to the commission. West Gwillimbury council has referred the matter to the township's insurance company, Frank Cowan Company Limited."

Holland Marsh farmers return home to salvage belonging. Photograph from in Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

"The Schomberg River dredge was finally launched last Tuesday after an abortive effort the day before. The ponderous machine, built by Louis Devald, slid slowly into the water near Wanda Street, and to the relief of everybody it not only floated, but operated like a charm. Celebrating the event with a bit of the bubbly at right are Art Janse (left) Louis Devald, and John Rupke. The dredge has its work cut out, clearing tons of silt from the Schomberg River."

Pumphouse on Canal Rd. for the Bradford Drainage Scheme. Built in 1949, now renovated.

Bushels of carrots in storage following Hurricane Hazel.

Municipality : West Gwillimbury
Community : Holland Marsh
Lot : 8
Concession : 3
Description : A flooded field facing north east from Hwy. 400 after Hurricane Hazel (Oct. 15, 1954). In the foreground is the service road that runs beside Hwy. 400 between Hwy. 9 and the Canal Road. Bags of harvested onions are stacked in the field.

Summary of an interview with Bill Fuller October 19, 1994. He is interviewed by Joe Saint and George Jackson. They discuss Bill's memories and his antidotes relating to the Holland Marsh and Professor W. H. Day. See the Related Descriptions below for links to audio and summary.See the Related Descriptions below for the audio.