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WEGWHIST (the West Gwillimbury History Project) book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury, is now at the printer. The project needs a volunteer who can help develop a marketing plan and sales program for this unique chronicle, which captures the stories of the families who settled and built the Township. The book could be available as early as December.

Description : As we approach the end of the writing and editing, we are faced with the challenge of marketing our product, the book. We need someone who can help us develop a marketing plan and execute it. We offer the same pay and benefits that we all enjoy as volunteers - an interesting project, good fellowship, positive enthusiasm and the real feeling of accomplishment. Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury is the book being written by the volunteers of the WEGWHIST project. To help pay for publication costs, a Patrons Page has been established. Donors will be recognized in print, in this wonderful book that will be published this year, and hopefully available by December.

Description : The 5th Anniversary of the WEGWHIST (West Gwillimbury History) Project will take place on October 19th, 1:30 p.m. at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library. The meeting will feature a presentation of 2 copies of Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury Township to representatives from each school in BWG, thanks to a generous local patron. The meeting will also feature a display of the development of the book, from the first list of the Table of Contents, through to the final text approved for printing - a once-in-a-lifetime happening. There will be a social time, to chat and reminisce. All are welcome to attend.

A proposed drainage scheme to relocate the drainage canals in the Holland Marsh will cost an estimated $8.7 million. This sum is too great for the Marsh farmers alone so they are attempting to extend the assessment area to 65,000 acres of upland property in Bradford West Gwillimbury, King Township, New Tecumseth, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, and Caledon but this idea has been met with legal challenges. Due to the legal fees surrounding this the Holland Marsh Drainage Committee has asked the province for $2 million in extraordinary funding for the scheme. After being completed in 1930 the 17.5 miles of canals that ring the Holland Marsh have been dredged several times, and after Hurricane Hazel were even widened and deepened. Although, recent studies show that the canal is almost filled in at certain points. Studies have also shown that due to south canal being filled in so much the north canal is handling four times the flow of the south canal. Relocation of the canal is the preferred solution to this problem.

Description : Naunheimer, and to Zima, who donated approximately 1 acre of land to be added to the property, for lawn bowling, bocce ball and similar activities. Both Naunheimer and Zima received standing ovations.
There was also praise for Sylvia Luxton, who advocated for a seniors' leisure centre; for Steering Committee members who helped plan and organize; the new Bradford West Gwillimbury Seniors' Association; Bradford West Gwillimbury Parks & Recreation; and members of Council.
Luxton noted that in the 6 years since she had retired, "I have discovered that we have some of the most generous, hard-working volunteers."
Among the donation - a large screen television set from Shoppers Drug Mart, a Billiard table from Jamie Vins of Vins Plastics, an organ from the Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place, and 100 packs of playing cars, donated by Casino Rama.
The Scottish Evening, organized by Sandra Hudson on April 3rd, raised $1500 for the operations of the new Leisure Centre, which will be "run by seniors, for seniors."
"We have to take one step at a time. This place will grow and develop into the kind of place you want it to be," Luxton said. "You are the people who have built Bradford and put it together, and we felt you deserve it."
In addition to Mayor and Council, invited guests included MP Aileen Carroll, who described the sense of celebration that came with "accomplishing vision, accomplishing dreams but first you have to dare to dream," and MPP Joe Tascona.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Times editorial

Description : "All those who were living in the Holland Marsh and other low-lying areas during the Hurricane Hazel flood on October 15, 1954, wish to express their deepest thanks for the help they received from the surrounding communities, such as Bradford and Schomberg. With unselfish effort, they went out of their way to help those who lost homes, crops and personal belongings on that terrible night. Many organizations and individuals put in great efforts to rescue people from their second storeys or attics, ferried them to "dry" land, supplied food and clothing, and opened their homes to those who had no place to go. They assisted in the rebuilding and repairing of the damage. They supplied the facilities to repair damage done to submerged tractors and other farm equipment. The session of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford and Schomberg offered the use of their church buildings, and the council of the Springdale Christian Reformed Church wishes to again express its sincere thanks. A tremendous effort was put forth to set up a trailer park with washroom and laundry facilities. All this, in spite of the damage they suffered themselves from Hurricane Hazel's fury. Last but not least, we should think the Mennonite Relief organization, whose members showed up every day by busloads to help repair our homes."

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.

"To celebrate Canada's 125th birthday, why not take a walking tour of some of the oldest streets in Bradford, four of which date back 162 years!" ...

July 21, 1992
Death
REID, Frances Rose suddenly at her residence on Tuesday July 21, 1992, Frances Kachura of Bradford in her 68th year. Beloved wife of the late William White Reid. Loving mother of Walter. Dear daughter of Elaina and the late Michael Kachura. Dear sister of Mary (Mrs. Ronald McAinsh) of Ottawa and Michael of Ottawa. Friends called at Lathangue and Skwarchuk Funeral Homes, 30 Simcoe St. Bradford. Funer MAss was held at Holy Martyrs of Japan Church, Bradford on Friday July 24th, 1992 at 10 a.m. Interment at Notre Dame Cemetery, Ottawa. Donations to the York County Hospital Cardiac Care Unit.

Two articles relating to Carrotfest 2001. One is a call for submissions to be considered for the role of Carrotfest Prince or Princess. The other advertising the festival and what is on offer.