The Bradford Witness decided to release a series of articles from local townspeople on the history of certain events in Bradford and West Gwillimbury's time. This week, the Fire of May 25, 1871, and the businesses which rebuilt on Holland Street after the fire, is the topic.
"Rybka Bros. Produce, 251 Holland Street East, Bradford, located immediately west of the C.N.R. station, was completely destroyed by fire, with its contents, late yesterday afternoon." ...
Article detailing the development of the Holland Marsh. It was copied from the Prof. W.H. Day Memorial Unveiling programme and published in the Witness alongside the unveiling ceremony story.
"Mystery, beyond the understanding of the closest friends of the family, surrounds the horrifying tragedy of the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. ("Bud") Stephenson in their home above the Bradford Bakery, in which business the former was a partner, sometime about midnight on Saturday. ..."
"Relatives attending the funeral of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Stephenson to-day included Mrs. Stephenson, mother of the former, and Mr. Lloyd Stephenson of Unionville; Mr. T. Stephenson, of Bultonville [sic]; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gowland and Miss Margaret Gowland, of Penetanguishene, parents and sister of Mrs. Stephenson; Mr. and Mrs. Steet, of Rouge Hills, the latter also a sister of Mrs. Stephenson."
"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."
