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Description : The West Gwillimbury History Project (WEGWHIST) meets Weds., Oct. 1st, in the Compton Room of the Bradford Library, 100 Holland Court, at 2 p.m. There are still some "missing families"... If you want your family history to be included, the Project must receive your information by October 1st! WWI Vetereans...To date, the project has the names of only 2 persons who served in WWI and returned home.

Description : William Armson came to West Gwillimbury in 1820, from Nottingham, England. He served in the Britisharmy and had been decorated for outstanding service during the Peninsular Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars. In recognition of his military service, he was granted the 200 acre parcel described as Lot 5, Conc. 7 in West Gwillimbury, on the northwest corner of County Rd. 88 and Sideroad 5. At the farm gate, a Simcoe County Historical Plaque states, "William Armson - elected as the Township's first Councillor in 1843, appointed Warden in 1846, and first elected as Warden of Simcoe County in 1847. He served this position until 1852" - the longest-serving term for a Warden of the County. Armson played a leading role in establishing the County of Simcoe in the 1840s, and was the first Reeve of West Gwillimbury, in 1850. On his death, his son John took over the arm. The south half of the lot was sold to Robert Wood in 1881, and was in possession of the 3rd generation of the Wood family when it was recently sold to developers. The two families - the Armsons and the Woods - had owned this farm for 180 years. While the Armson home is of historical interest because William Armson lived there, it is also of architectural interest. Built in 1843, this farm home is the only two-storey mud block house in Simcoe County, and one of the few remaining mud block houses built in the Township. It was built as a full 2-storey in the prestigious "five over five bay front" style, with end gables and chimneys, and a wing on the rear. It is an excellent example of the impressive homes built in the mid-19th century. As evidenced by the photograph, the exterior - except for the modern window sash - remains largely original. Much of the interior detail is also original, and well-preserved. The remarkable and rare feature is the mud block method of construction. Clay, likely from the farm was mixed with straw in a mud puddle. The mixed mud was placed in moulds, and set out to dry. After baking in the sun, the blocks were removed from the moulds and laid out on boards to dry. This mud block building is and excellent example of the ingenuity of the pioneers in employing local building materials to build their new homes, as they became established in West Gwillimbury. The Armson-Wood house is a building that embodies both local and provincial heritage attributes, and is a wonderful part of the Heritage of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

"Bradford celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2007.
While some suggest that the celebration doesn't concern the Township area, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association has a different take on the matter. The Association points out that the relationship between Bradford and the Township of West Gwillimbury has always been strong, predating incorporation..."

Article about the sale of the Trinity Anglican Church in Bond Head, including a brief history.

Two articles relating to the memories of those who lived through the Holland marsh flooding due to Hurricane Hazel. The first is a continuation of Edo Knibbe's recollection, and the second is by Addy Ellens.

"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!" ...

"With the Hurricanes battering Florida and the Caribbean this season - Charley, Frances, Ivan and now Jean - residents may be thinking about Ontario's own brush with a hurricane, back in 1954.
Fifty years ago, Hurricane Hazel swept into Southern Ontario, confounding the meteorologists who were predicting little more than the usual "tail end" of the storm, and days of moderate rains. Instead, residents were buffeted by hurricane force winds and heavy rains that caused severe flooding - especially in the Holland Marsh. ..."

Event Date : Tuesday, February 04, 1997
Event Type : Death

Description : At Bradford Place. Of the Holland Marsh. Husband of the late Helen (Bugra). Father of Helen and her husband Peter Popijal of Agincourt, and Dorothy Cilipka of Bradford. Brother of John Cilipka of the Czech Republic. Grandfather of Diane Sherman of Clearwater, Florida, Vicky Al Joundi of Etobicoke and Andrew Popijal of Agincourt. Visitation and funeral service at the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford. Interment at York Cemetery, Willowdale.

Description : Don't forget to order your copy of Governor Simcoe Slept Here, the History of West Gwillimbury Township. The 2-volume history, 900 pages filled with information on 470 families and crammed with photographs, can be ordered for only $55 prior to the Book Launch on December 15th; $65 per copy afterwards. Cheques should be made payable to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association. The official book launch is scheduled for December 15th, 2 p.m. at St. John Presbyterian Church, at the 8th Line and 10 Sideroad - just in time for Christmas.

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.