"In Memory of William Henry Day, Professor of Physics at O.A.C. Guelph, whose foresight and energy were principal factors in the development of the Holland Marsh Gardens. He came to Bradford in 1924 and harvested his first crop in 1928. He died suddenly while at work in his garden, July 5, 1938. Erected jointly by county of Simcoe, Townships of West Gwillimbury and King and Village of Bradford 1955."
"The ties between "The Marsh" and the Netherlands seem to have been destined by fate's fickle finger. They stretch back to the earliest days of British settlement when in 1791 General Frederick Haldimand, Canada's Governor-in-Chief, assigned his Surveyor-General to do a survey of the Lake Simcoe area. Although a British army officer, the man was Dutch-born and by coincidence was named Samuel Johannes Holland." ...
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.
Article from the King Connection on King township's portion of the Holland Marsh, which West Gwillimbury traded for a train bridge into the town of Bradford in 1852.
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.
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.
Audio of an interview with Sam Catania on September 27, 1994. Recorded and prompted by George Jackson. Sam discusses working with Professor W.H. Day and dredging the Holland Marsh. See the Related Descriptions below for summary.