Contains items relating to the hamlets and small communities of Bradford West Gwillimbury, such as:
Amsterdam
Ansnorveldt
Bond Head
Coulson's Hill
Deerhurst
Dunkerron
Fennel's Corners
Fisher's Corners
Gilford
The Hollows
Mount Pleasant / Botchtown
Middleton / Middletown
Newton Robinson / Latimer's Corners
Pinkerton
Springdale
Steele's Corners
In 1823, John Garbutt, an early magistrate in the township, settled on the north half of lot 10 con. 12. Around him came others to form a small community. An early school was replaced by a brick one in 188 which still stands today as a private residence. The school has hosted dances, parties, concerts and anniversaries over the years. A nearby burial pit provides evidence of a significant historical battle in pre-settlement times. circa 1823
Mount Pleasant, aka Botchtown; Mount Pleasant was the name Gilbert Robinson chose for his stately home on the north half of lot 15 con. 8 in West Gwillimbury. The name spilled over to the adjacent hamlet that grew up at the corner of the 9th line and the Penetang Road (Yonge Street), comprised of a blacksmith shop, hotel, general store, gas station and a school. Nearby a Wesleyan Methodist church, a brickyard, and grist mill and saw mills owned by Mark Scanlon and John Thorpe. South of the hamlet, a hillside spring provided refreshment for weary travellers, man and beast.
"In loving memory of my grandparents Andrew Bell 1827-1912 and his wife Sarah Balmer 1823-1898, Erected by Balmer Neilly" Plaque at the gate of St John's Presbyterian Church in Coulson's Hill
