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Zima building bylaw dispute - part two

An undated photo found in the Bradford Witness of Holland Street prior to the 1959 fire which destroyed some of these businesses. The two buildings on the left of the photo were damaged by fire, with the far left one completely destroyed.

"The management of the Grand Trunk Railway system has issued instructions making effective on April 1st, increase in the rate of pay to section foremen on the lines in Canada at ten cents per day to all track laborers who are receiving one dollar per day. This increase will affect a large majority of section men on this portion of the Grand Trunk system."

The Metropolitan railway was a streetcar project which was to extend up to Bond Head through Bradford. Newspapers reported in 1900 that citizens would welcome this track through the towns, although it was a costly endeavour:
"The residents of the north end of Newmarket are solicious for the continuance of the Metropolitan Railway track through to their quarter, and have called upon the Council to endeavor to get the company to perform the work."

It also presented issues with the town's current layout, hence changes had to be made:
"The contract for removing the Newmarket Exhibition buildings to the South of the track has been let by the Management Committee, and arrangements have also been made for the erection of a grand stand. With these improvements the local grounds will compare favorably with any in the county."

"The G.T.R. has announced its intention of building a modern station in Aurora on the premises near the present site."

"The Grand trunk have added another lot of five handsomely built first class coaches to their already up-to-date equipment. Already during the past year some fifty of these modern cars have been built and placed in service, taking the place of some of the older coaches, and these new cars have been greatly admired by all who see them." ...

Fred C. Cook Honored at School Opening
By John Slykhuis

Fred C. Cook senior public school was officially opened last week amid universal tribute to the man for whom the school was named.

Simcoe-Centre M.P.P. Arthur Evans, a friend of the late Mr. Cook, said it was fitting that the respected school be named after Mr. Cook and he recalled the days the two worked together on Bradford Council.

Representing the town of Bradford, Reeve Ken Wood said of Mr. Cook, "He was an inspiration all my life."

Guest speaker Dr. Jack Ramsay, director of education for the Simcoe County Board of Education, also paid tribute to Mr. Cook.

"We admired him and what he stood for. We really feel the name of the school has been well chosen."

Mr. Cook, who died on Thursday April 24, 1975, at the age of 73, was active in municipal politics and he was Bradford's Deputy-reeve for over 10 years.

A lay reader in the Anglican Church from 1934 until his death, Mr. Cook served as the Sunday school superintendent for more than 45 years.

He was also active in the Simcoe Lodge of Masons and served as grand master of the Orange Lodge.

Bouquet

The highlight of the evening was a presentation of of a bouquet of carnations to Mrs. Leone Cook, who told the audience, "it's difficult to find the words to express my deep appreciation. I'm sure he would be deeply honored to have this building named after him."

Mrs. Cook was given a standing ovation.

A photo portrait of Mr. Cook was presented by the Cook family to school principal Neil Sheffield, who said it would be hung in a place of honor.

Greetings were also conveyed by the Warden of Simcoe County, Allan Glassford, West Gwillimbury Deputy-reeve Bud Brown, and Simcoe County Board of Education chairman William Brown of Orillia.

Reverend J. C. House of Trinity Anglican Church in Bradford led in a prayer of dedication.

Lawyer Tom Evans, representing Simcoe Masonic Lodge 79, presented the school with a plaque to be placed on a sign, also donated by the lodge, at the school's entrance.

Rotary Club president Rick Walker presented Mr. Sheffield with a framed copy of the club's Four Way Test which will be hung in the school hall.

Gifts of appreciation were given to the school's naming committee by students of Fred C. Cook. Trustee Frank Prothero introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Ramsay.

School board trustee Audrie Trotter delivered a message of appreciation and principal Neil Sheffield brought accolades to the school's staff. Trustee Sam Neilly was chairman for the evening, and the Fred C. Cook senior choir entertained the over flow audience with several songs.

After the program, guided tours through the school were given. The building, formerly Bradford District High School, was converted to a senior elementary school in 1976.

"This week's historical photo was submitted by Lew Campbell of RR 2, Bradford, whose father, W.L. Campbell (behind the counter) operated the drug store on Holland Street now occupied Ritchie's Variety Store. Fred C. Cook, standing in front of the counter, worked for Mr. Campbell for several years, intending to become a druggist. But he went into the insurance business instead. Mr. Campbell owned the drug store in Bradford for 57 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1891, a silver medalist in his class."

"Bradford's 1977-78 council was sworn in at a ceremony at the community centre Monday evening. At left, new Mayor Roy Gordon accepts the gavel from retiring mayor Joe Magani. Mr. Magani said he thought the gavel was given to him personally, but found out by reading the inscription that it was donated to the town. At right, Bradford lawyer Charles Evans conducts Mayor Gordon through the oath of office. In the centre photo is the council which will serve with Mayor Gordon. Members are (from left) Councillors Rick Wright, John Zima, Zyg Fenik, and Sandy Hudson; Deputy-reeve Milt Hambly; and Reeve Ken Wood."

"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."