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Open letter from David Compton to the people of Bradford announcing Compton's IGA closure after 59 years in operation.

Description : For the first three months that the Compton's Garden Market IGA was open, it was both the newest and the oldest IGA store in Canada. The IGA located at the corner of Melbourne Drive and Holland Street West in Bradford, is still the oldest store in the country, celebrating 56 years of customer service this summer. Not only that, but the IGA is still owned by the Compton family - the third generation of Comptons - and that is something that makes Dave and Karen Compton proud. The original store, opened in 1944, was located at 12 Holland Street West; from 1969 to 1983, the store was on John Street West; and from 1983 to just last year, it was located in the Holland Square Plaza. When David Compton had the opportunity to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, and build a new facility, he jumped at the challenge, "It was almost a test: "Show us what you've learned." I think I put everything that I learned into the building of the store." For about 10 years, he had kept notes on what worked and what didn't - and the result is the "Market Garden", with its ample parking, high ceilings, wide aisles and generous entry-way, now being used as a model for other new IGA stores. The store will be marking its 56th anniversary with a 2 week celebration.

Caption under photograph: "Mr. Wm. Compton and son, Gordon, in front of their fine new I.G.A. Food Market, which opens for business next Wednesday, August 17."
Related article contains description of the Compton business.

Article contains description of the Compton business.

Interior of Ritchie's Drug Store circa 1954. From left to right - Lew Campbell, Anita Griffith, Ruth Ritchie.

A photograph of W. L. Campbell Drug Store with flags in the window during wartime, taken by Lewis (Lew) Campbell in 1944.

W.L. Campbell opened the store around 1891. It was located at 10 Holland St. West. He was the son of William Campbell, grain dealer, and brother of Dr. L.H. Campbell. He was born in Bradford. W.L. attended the Ontario College of Pharmacy, in Toronto, and graduated in 1891, winning the College medal for general proficiency. He was also an expert lacrosse player, until a knee injury kept him from playing. He then took over duties as the team's secretary-treasurer, and the team has since won two provincial championships and one inter-championship. He is also a member of the gun club.

A photograph of the window at W. L. Campbell Drug Store, taken by Lewis (Lew) Campbell in 1938. Buildings that burned down in a fire during the 1950s can be seen in the window’s reflection.

This building is near or is where the Royal Bank is now located on Holland St.

From the Bradford Witness: "Dimock's Garage was an important business in Bradford in the early 1930's when this photo was taken. Harold Iceton, who submitted the photo writes: "Mrs. Al Dimock, affectionately known as Minnie to her many friends (gave me this photo). The photo dates back to 1931 when Albert Dimock first started up business in Bradford with his young son Hedley. They were soon joined by his wife Minnie and daughter Eileen. This building has now been demolished and replaced by the Royal Bank Building."

"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."