Municipality : Community : Holland Marsh Lot : Concession : Description : We are a bus company from Grey County near Durham. Recently, we ran a mystery tour in your area. Our customers were thrilled with the part of the trip that included a guided tour of the Holland Marsh. Our guide was Mr. Edo Knibbe. We started out by contacting the Chamber of Commerce, who introduced us to Mrs. Barbara Verney. She is so knowledgeable of the area, and hence was a tremendous help to us. We also received excellent response from stops at the Bajar Greenhouses and Bradford Oak Ridges Market. We wish to thank the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, Mrs. Verney and Mr. Knibbe for their kind assistance.
Municipality : Community : Bradford Lot : Concession : Description : You might think that the original event of Confederation would be front page news. Not in Bradford. This excerpt comes from page 2 of the South Simcoe News, from the July 4th, 1867 edition. And what was on the front page? A continuing serial entitled "The Pot Of Gold - A Pretty Cute Story." Comments of confederation "The long anticipated commencement of our national existence as the Dominion of Canada is at length realized. Henceforward, the four millions of British subjects on this continent will exist but as one people. We began our new era of history under most auspicious circumstances. The causes that provoked so much strife and bitterness between us and our sister provinces are at length happily removed; the objects for which, as a people, we have so long struggled have been in the main, effectually secured, and the calamities that loomed so ominously in the future have vanished altogether from the political horizon." No mention of the celebration of Dominion Day made the pages of the June 30, 1943 edition of the Bradford Witness. No parades were planned, and the only outlet for social activity seemed to be the Holland Theatre, which was offering a double bill. The 'A' feature was "Desperate Journey", starring Ronald Reagan and Errol Flynn, preceded by "Tarzan's Triumph." And, 100 years after the fact, the event of the Canadian Centennial passed with no fanfare, and little official recognition. The Rotary Club held their annual Carnival and Car Draw, but no mention was made of the anniversary. One of the few indications of the historical significance of the date was to be found on the masthead of that week's Bradford Witness, which proclaimed "Bradford - 10 years older than Confederation." The Editor at the time made this comment: "Canada's 100th birthday passed very quietly in Bradford, with almost the only indication of the special day being the heralding of church bells at midnight."
Municipality : Community : Bradford Lot : Concession : Description : Royal Banks across the country celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Bank of Canada last Wednesday, with birthday cake, balloons and giveaways. The first 125 customers through the door received free pine tree seedlings, and the Bradford Branch also gave away five copies of the illustrated history of the Bank, "Quick to the Frontier." One of the recipients was 92 year old Bill Fuller, a life-long resident of Bradford who, with his wife Mae, helped to cut the cake. Bill Fuller shared his reminiscences of the early days of Bradford; he and the Bank represent 217 years of experience. The Bradford Branch opened its doors in 1955. A number of photographs of the bank when it first opened are on display. 125th Anniversary draw winners at the Bradford Branch of the Royal Bank were Eileen Madden, Pat Pitre, Jack Eek, Margaret Brush, Carol Harmon and Sharon Beamish.
Municipality : Community : Holland Marsh Lot : Concession : Description : When the Holland Marsh was first cleared, back in 1927, it seemed as if there was an unlimited supply of the unique organic muck soils, so well-suited for onions and carrots. Even after years of drought, the erosion was seen as more of a nuisance than a threat to the Marsh. In the 1960s and 1970s there were fears that "muck soil subsidence" could result in the disappearance of the Marsh. For some areas the conservation efforts may have come too late. The question of what to do when the muck is gone isn't simple.
Municipality : Community : West Gwillimbury Lot : Concession : Description : It's been a perfect and productive summer for the Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society. Response to the Society's video, "New Tecumseth - The New Town with a Long Past." A timely publication this summer was the "Tour Tecumseth" booklet, produced under the direction of Shirley Larkin. Lastly, the Society has reprinted, "Cemetery Inscriptions of Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Townships." This record of graves and markers in each of the Townships' cemeteries is an invaluable aid to those researching a family history.
Municipality : Community : Bradford Lot : Concession : Description : Bradford has a strong hockey tradition, from Minor Hockey and its volunteers, to Old-Timers League teams. But if there ever was a "golden era" of Bradford hockey, it must have been the 1950s. That was when, in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Hazel volunteers raised funds to build the Bradford & District Community Centre - now known as the "Old Arena". The arena first opened for the season in 1956. In those days, Intermediate and Seniors' Hockey ruled the rink, with men's teams drawing the crowds. In 1975/76 the team became the "Bradford Blues". In 1986/87 the team became the Bradford Bulls.
Municipality : Community : Bradford Lot : Concession : Description : Twenty-nine years ago, Ross and Shirley Klubine took over the Klubine family farm on Highway 11, just north of Bradford. The beautiful brick farmhouse, built circa 1850, had become "somewhat decrepit." They replaced the front entry and, using family photographs, repaired and restored the verandah. They opened their doors to visitors, starting the first "Bed and Breakfast" establishment in Simcoe County. A sign proclaiming the "Country Guest Home" went up at the end of a drive lined with majestic maple trees, and immediately attracted the attention of the local health inspector. Both Ross and Shirley were involved in the venture. Seven years ago Ross passed away, and was buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, on land that is still part of the farm. Now her baked goods, and fresh jams, are two of the staples on the breakfast table at the Guest Home, that bring visitors back, again and again. The Country Guest Home is open all year round, but summer is the peak season. Rates have remained reasonable, and include a full home cooked breakfast.
Municipality : Community : Bradford West Gwillimbury Lot : Concession : Description : Bradford West Gwillimbury Council has voted to support the heritage signage propposal of resident, Donal McGugan. Council has approved a town-wide signage program that will honour "individuals, events and places of significance from our community's history", through "strategically placed roadside signs not unlike roadside historical plaques and monuments throughout the province." The estimated cost is $600 to $1,000 per sign. The Facilities & Parks Department will be advised to budget for the new program, and erect the signs after consultation with the local historical society, to ensure accuracy. McGugan had originally recommended renaming roads to reflect historical significance (e.g., renaming 10 Sideroad as Middletown Sideroad) - but the Town turned down the suggestion, since road - renaming carries a significant cost, including 4 weeks of advertising to notify residents, the cost of change-of-address notification, and the potential for "confusion of non-residents trying to find a location."
Municipality : Community : Ontario Lot : Concession : Description : The "Safety and Maintenance of Silos and Grain Bins" is the theme for this year's Farm Safety Week Campaign, July 25-31. Silo safety begins with sound construction. The silo must be made of quality concrete - a strong, dense concrete provides resistance to silage acids. Even so, an acid resistant coating should be applied to the bottom third of the silo prior to use. Acid damage can also be limited by management practices, including the following : -Control the moisture content of the harvested crop to prevent acid seepage. -Remove all silage on a yearly basis to allow wall surface to dry refilling. -Inspect and replace wire rope used on unloaders if signs of wear show. -Install a safety cage on outside ladders to prevent falls. -Carry out regular safety inspections, including inspection of silo doors, looking for signs of rot or corrosion. -Get professional advice on silo repairs if you suspect deterioration.
Municipality : Community : Ontario Lot : Concession : Description : Pupils of St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Music School comprised a total of 16 entries at the recent Kiwanis Music Festival in Toronto and while they did not win a first place, every child won honour standing in this competition of the best from the entire province. Each child had the benefit of the experience associated with such an event, and also the benefit of the criticism and advice of some of the world's best adjudicators.
