The Bradford Model School pictured was constructed in 1878 to replace a previous building destroyed by fire. Mr. Frank Wood was the first principal in 1878. It was established by Simcoe County Council for the training of teachers, and by 1907, 496 teachers were trained there. Upon the discontinuance of Model training in Ontario, the building continued to be Bradford Public School until the new Bradford Public School was erected in 1951. The Model School was located east of the present school. It consisted of three rooms downstairs, and two large ones upstairs. It was made of brick, and was heated by two coal furnaces.
This is the opening of Ansnorveld Public School in September of 1935. The first teacher was Miss. Aileen Nolan. In 1957 Mr. Dan Blake of Bradford was the main instructor.
"Yesterday afternoon Mr. Geo. Stoddart met with a serious accident. He was working on the new school building at Middleton, and the scaffold on which he was standing at the time gave way precipitating him, and Mr. Fred McKay, to the ground a distance of about 25 feet. Mr. McKay escaped unhurt, while Mr. Stoddart sustained a broken leg at the ankle. The nature of the break is considered to be quite serious, and may mean amputation of the right foot."
"Dr. Bruce, of Toronto, was called here, professionally, on Saturday afternoon last to see Mr. Geo. W. Stoddart who had sustained a broken leg, at the ankle, a few days previously. The Dr. arrived here in his auto and remained a little more than an hour. We understand he expressed no fear of serious results and spoke hopefully of the break properly healing in due time."
"Mr. Geo. Stoddart, who is in the General Hospital, Toronto, continues in a very critical condition. Besides a broken leg other troubles of an inward nature have developed and the latest reports have not been encouraging."
"The school opened this week with Mr. Duncan McArthur in charge. He comes highly recommended and your scribe wishes him success. We have a fine school house with large play ground."
S.S. # 6 Middleton School. This school was built in 1908 on the same site as the old school (first built in 1850, moved to become a barn in Bond Head) by T.D. Stoddart.
See the related articles for information on its construction and George Washington Stoddart's accident during construction. These small articles from the Bradford Witness & South Simcoe News in 1908 and 1909 on the construction of Middleton School S.S. #6 were found through the research of the Bradford Heritage Committee.
"Tenders will be received by the undersigned up to the 20th July, 1908, for the erection of a new School House in S.S. No. 6, West Gwillimbury. For plans and specifications apply to T.D. Stoddart."
"We are informed that Mr. Geo. Stoddart who met with an accident at our school house, and who is at the Toronto General Hospital, is able to move himself around in an easy chair."
