A Keuffel & Esser level that was used for activities such as surveying. It was originally owned by Professor William H. Day, who was integral to the Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme's beginnings. The survey of the marsh determined the elevation of the muck soil and the bordering "highland" soils, providing the information the planners would need to determine the grades, estimate the materials to be moved and to determine the alignment of the canal.
The drainage scheme report came out in 1924 and work began in the mid-1920s. The work involved intercepting part of the Holland River and the diversion of water around the perimeter of the area using drainage canals. Canal excavation materials were used to create dykes on the to-be reclaimed (marshland) side of the canals. The re-claimed land was used for farming and roads were constructed on top of the dykes to allow for transportation.
Ae box for an instrument, a Keuffel & Esser level.
Part of a collection of Professor William H. Day's work equipment, donated by Joe Saint. Both the case and level were originally owned by Professor William H. Day, who was integral to the Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme's beginnings. The equipment was traded to Len Saint in the 1930s for a truck. The survey of the marsh determined the elevation of the muck soil and the bordering "highland" soils, providing the information the planners would need to determine the grades, estimate the materials to be moved and to determine the alignment of the canal.
Event Date : Tuesday, July 05, 1938 Event Type : Death
Description : Passed away suddenly, in his 68th year, while working his land in the Holland Marsh. Husband to Ethel A. Williams. Was instrumental in establishing the Holland Marsh after moving to Bradford from Guelph where he was a professor at the Ontario Agricultural College.Is interred in Woodlawn cemetery in Guelph where Rev. Vaughan conducted the service.
"Among the distinguished guests who visited here for the celebration last Thursday, and spoke at noon-hour, were Hon. Earl Rowe, M.P.; Geo. G. Johnston, M.P.P.; J. Smith, M.P.; Col. Mulock; Mr. T. Strothers, special agricultural representative, head office, Canadian Bank of Commerce; Mr. Hymas, C.N.R. property man; Controller Innis, Toronto; A.H. Wilford, and Reeves C.T.S. Evans and V. Turner of Bradford and West Gwillimbury. Mr. George Horlings, vice-president and general manager of Holland River Gardens Co. Ltd extended an invitation to visit that plant. The work of the marsh pioneers was fittingly mentioned by several of the speakers and a minute's silence was observed in memory of the late Prof. W.H. Day."
Event Date : Tuesday, November 24, 1953 Event Type : Death
Description : Although it was known that Mrs. W. H. Day was in very frail health, the suddenness of her passing early yesterday morning shocked her friends.Mrs. Day returned to her home here in recent months after a long period of failing health during which she was at the home of her daughter in Toronto. She was seen about town frequently and seemed to be surprisingly active for one who was far from well. She visited, and was visited by, her friends and many felt that her condition was not so serious as at first believed.Early yesterday morning a neighbour, Mr. Cox, noticed the lights burning in her home and just had gone to the house to investigate when Nick Burnside, on his milk route, arrived. Together they entered and found Mrs. Day. Dr. Blackwell was called but Mrs. Day was beyond medical help.
Event Date : Tuesday, November 24, 1953 Event Type : Death
Description : Died suddenly at Bradford. Beloved wife of the late Professor W. H. Day, and dear mother of Mrs. Earl Caughty (Stella), of St. Andrew's, N.B.; Mrs. R. C. Smith (Ida), of Weston; William N., Niagara Falls; Henry A., of Mimico. Resting at the T. Kilkenny & Son Funeral Home, Simcoe St., Bradford for service on Friday at 1 p.m. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph, on arrival of motors at 3:45 p.m.
