The Bradford Legion Branch 521 celebrated its 25th anniversary last Saturday night. About 75 people were on hand at the Legion building for the festivities. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of 25 year pins to original members of the branch who are still involved. Ten men received the 25 year pins. The pins were presented by Zone Commander Ralph Newell and master of ceremonies, Bert MacGregor of Aurora. Reeve Orville Hughes of West Gwillimbury and Reeve Art Turner of Bradford congratulated the Orville Hand Branch on its anniversary. The branch is named after Mr. Hand, one of the active early members.
"A number of friends were on hand last Sunday afternoon to help Edward (Ted) gapp and Audrey Gapp celebrate 40 years of marriage. A reception was held at the Bradford firehall for the Gapp's. It was a fitting location because Mr. Gapp has been the chief of the town's volunteer fire department for many years. The Gapp's were married on October 2, 1935 and have spent their entire married life in Bradford. In addition to his involvement with the fire department, Mr. gapp works as caretaker of the town hall. Mr. gapp has lived in Bradford since he came to Canada at the age of seven with his parents. He was born and lived his early years in England. The guests enjoyed tea and coffee with the Gapp's. The head table was decorated with a beautiful flower arrangement. As chief of the fire department, Mr. Gapp has seen the addition of more equipment and particularly a new pumper truck earlier this year. The truck was provided by West Gwillimbury Township to permit better service to the township. Mr. and Mrs. Gapp said the recent weather is very similar to that of 40 years ago. "Our wedding day was much like today," Mr. Gapp said Sunday. "It was cool and foggy in the morning but once the sun burned it off, it was a beautiful day." "
"The Rotary Club of Bradford celebrated its 25th anniversary last week and announced the Rotary project for 1977: a rock garden with fountains at the corner of Barrie and John Streets. Referring to the expense, past president Brad Walker laughed, 'Once that's done we'll have exactly what we started with 25 years ago - nothing.' Mr. Walker is one of the charter members of the club, and he, along with Clare Ritchie, Frank Maurino, George Allan, Jim Everitt, and Jim Simone, were presented with silver plaques for their 25 years of service. Rotary district governor Norm Guild of Brampton was on hand to make the presentation. Lions Club president Bernard Horne called for closer relations between the two clubs and recalled the years of the co-operation on several major projects in Bradford."
"Dorothy Cilipka of RR4, Bradford, submitted this week's photo showing the Bradford centennial parade in 1957. The event coincided with the annual Gala Days celebration. Dorothy said she obtained a copy of the photo after seeing it displayed in Ritchie's patent medicine store."
