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"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."

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.

“Bradford Village Marsh Drainage Report on Part S Part Holland River Marsh” by Alexander Baird, dated July 7, 1925.

Letter from Professor William H. Day to the Bradford Reeve and Councilors. Discusses the Holland Marsh drainage scheme, dated October 14, 1926.

Note from Professor William H. Day to Bradford’s clerk certifying work completion. Signed by Day with his title of “supervising engineer” included, dated November 10, 1926.

Costs for Bradford drainage scheme, dated 1928. Includes account statements and cheque information.

Profile of dredge cuttings in the construction of part of the south part of the Holland River marsh drainage system in Village of Bradford. Blueprint, dated July 7, 1925.

Letter regarding constructing roads and highways that afford property owners the ability to come and go from their lands, particularly if their land is part of the drainage scheme. Includes list of land owners that would be affected, 1920s.