Article from the May 31, 1906 - special edition of the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News featuring local businesses and members of the community. This article provides a history of L.J. McConkey's Store, which provided groceries, teas, and seeds. L.J. McConkey was from Lefroy, and first worked at C. Goode's Grain Elevator before purchasing this store on January 1, 1906, from William Hockridge.
"Mayor Roy Gordon will be on hand tomorrow (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at Stedman's on Holland Street west to "re-open" that store in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. New owner Cliff King took over the Bradford commercial landmark February 7 from Ron Bannerman, after the store had been in the Bannerman family for more than 30 years. Mr. King, a native of Fergus, was a district manager for Stedman's before buying the Bradford store. He and his wife, Monique, and their five children, Kathy, Christine, Kim, Ricky and Nicole are going to buy a home in Bradford, but Mr. King reports they have been so busy with the store that they haven't found the time. Monique, Kathy and Kim help in the store, along with employees Mary Saint and Audrey Stevens. Mr. King is closing at 4 p.m. this afternoon to get ready for the big opening festivities that include prizes of two antique radios and special sale items. He said that he appreciated the assistance he received from Mr. Bannerman when he first took over the store. Mayor Gordon will be presented with a special pair of gold scissors for the ribbon-cutting."
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.
"Liquor store manager Clare Sullivan (left) stands with cashier Herb Taylor at the opening of the new Liquor Control Board outlet on Holland St. W. The store had six customers in the first 15 minutes of business, according to Sullivan, who also said the Monday opening helped by being on the same day prices went up. All stock showed the new price raises."
