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Fred C. Cook Honored at School Opening
By John Slykhuis

Fred C. Cook senior public school was officially opened last week amid universal tribute to the man for whom the school was named.

Simcoe-Centre M.P.P. Arthur Evans, a friend of the late Mr. Cook, said it was fitting that the respected school be named after Mr. Cook and he recalled the days the two worked together on Bradford Council.

Representing the town of Bradford, Reeve Ken Wood said of Mr. Cook, "He was an inspiration all my life."

Guest speaker Dr. Jack Ramsay, director of education for the Simcoe County Board of Education, also paid tribute to Mr. Cook.

"We admired him and what he stood for. We really feel the name of the school has been well chosen."

Mr. Cook, who died on Thursday April 24, 1975, at the age of 73, was active in municipal politics and he was Bradford's Deputy-reeve for over 10 years.

A lay reader in the Anglican Church from 1934 until his death, Mr. Cook served as the Sunday school superintendent for more than 45 years.

He was also active in the Simcoe Lodge of Masons and served as grand master of the Orange Lodge.

Bouquet

The highlight of the evening was a presentation of of a bouquet of carnations to Mrs. Leone Cook, who told the audience, "it's difficult to find the words to express my deep appreciation. I'm sure he would be deeply honored to have this building named after him."

Mrs. Cook was given a standing ovation.

A photo portrait of Mr. Cook was presented by the Cook family to school principal Neil Sheffield, who said it would be hung in a place of honor.

Greetings were also conveyed by the Warden of Simcoe County, Allan Glassford, West Gwillimbury Deputy-reeve Bud Brown, and Simcoe County Board of Education chairman William Brown of Orillia.

Reverend J. C. House of Trinity Anglican Church in Bradford led in a prayer of dedication.

Lawyer Tom Evans, representing Simcoe Masonic Lodge 79, presented the school with a plaque to be placed on a sign, also donated by the lodge, at the school's entrance.

Rotary Club president Rick Walker presented Mr. Sheffield with a framed copy of the club's Four Way Test which will be hung in the school hall.

Gifts of appreciation were given to the school's naming committee by students of Fred C. Cook. Trustee Frank Prothero introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Ramsay.

School board trustee Audrie Trotter delivered a message of appreciation and principal Neil Sheffield brought accolades to the school's staff. Trustee Sam Neilly was chairman for the evening, and the Fred C. Cook senior choir entertained the over flow audience with several songs.

After the program, guided tours through the school were given. The building, formerly Bradford District High School, was converted to a senior elementary school in 1976.

"The Newton Robinson anniversary fair on Saturday featured something for everyone. There was a large crowd out to enjoy the many tings a country fair has to offer many people enjoyed the display of artifacts of a bygone era, and Gwen Taylor was on hand at the display to point out things of interest to the visitors. Women at the tea tables were busy serving tea and coffee, giving many people a chance to renew acquaintances. The history of the Newton Robinson United Church was also on sale, along with hasti-notes with the church's picture on the front."

"After several years of hard work by many people in the Holland Marsh, the senior citizens building in Ansnorveldt was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. King Township Mayor Margaret Britnell, after complimenting the people of the marsh for their efforts, cut the ribbon to open the club. Secretary of the club, John Van Dyke said the need for a community centre had been growing for several years. In the summer of 1972, Mr. Van Dyke said, a group of marsh citizens decided to organize a senior club. For a while the members used a church hall for meetings but it became apparent this would only serve as a temporary measure, and plans for a building were started. A building fund raised $8,000 in the tiny community and by the fall of 1976 the shell of the building had been erected. More fund-raising efforts through the winter brought the total donations up to $17,000, and grants from Wintario and the federal New Horizons programs added $26,700. Mr. Van Dyke thanked York MPP Bill Hodgson for his efforts, and York-Simcoe MP Sinclair Stevens for helping the club get registered as a non-profit organization."

"The Bradford Lions Club went over the top in the Lions Pool project with the airplane draw last September. The club presented the balance of $50,000 to Bradford Mayor Roy Gordon at a special meeting Monday. From left, club president John Rutherford, vice-president and draw chairman Gerard Van Alebeek, Mayor Roy Gordon, draw co-chairman Jack Armstrong."

"Arthur Evans of Bradford, former Simcoe Centre MPP, was among the dignitaries at the official opening of the new Simcoe County courthouse in Barrie last Friday. Mr. Evans who represented Simcoe Centre for 16 years, was joined in the plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting by Roy McMurtry, Attorney General of Ontario, and George McCague, Minister of Government Services. The courthouse is in downtown Barrie and it cost $7.3 million. It contains four county courtrooms and five courtrooms for the criminal and family court divisions. The building also accommodates the office of the sheriff and Crown attorney, administration offices, and the Simcoe County Law Association. A large crowd braved snowy weather to watch the opening ceremony and tour the modern building."

"The Schomberg River dredge was finally launched last Tuesday after an abortive effort the day before. The ponderous machine, built by Louis Devald, slid slowly into the water near Wanda Street, and to the relief of everybody it not only floated, but operated like a charm. Celebrating the event with a bit of the bubbly at right are Art Janse (left) Louis Devald, and John Rupke. The dredge has its work cut out, clearing tons of silt from the Schomberg River."

"About 50 Holland Marsh farmers are suing the Townships of West Gwillimbury and King, claiming damage to crops in August because of flooding. The farmers served notice of their intentions through their lawyers last month, saying the two municipalities neglected to clean the Schomberg River, and that the pumps at a pumping station didn't work during the heavy rain of August 16. The petition signed by the farmers was sent to the councils by their lawyer Norman Borins of Toronto. It states that because of the failure of the pumphouse much of the land near or level with the river was covered with water. King Mayor Margaret Britnell said the township has no obligation to the farmers because the cleaning of the canal and pumping operations are under the jurisdiction of the Holland Marsh Drainage Commission. Council agreed to receive the letter and send it on to the commission. West Gwillimbury council has referred the matter to the township's insurance company, Frank Cowan Company Limited."

"Harvey Curry gets a head start on snow shovelling yesterday morning as the wind piled high drifts across his walk."

"The Orville Hand Branch of the Bradford Legion elected its executive officers last week, and Ron Allison of the Mount Albert legion was on hand to present the officers with an Ontario and a Canadian flag. The officers (from left) are Mary Ann Wedmann, Bill Newton, Ron Allison, Bud Parry, Sid Allen, Ron Genis, Bilt McDonald, Milt Hambly, (representing the town of Bradford), Archie Simpson, Les Dodd (zone commander), Orville Hand, and Bert Collins."

"They call them the "Old Guard," that collection of individuals who have done so much to determine the shape and destiny of the Town of Bradford. Most of them have lived here all their lives. They have gone to school here, raised their families here, worked here, and served in one official public capacity or other. In many ways, they personify what Bradford was, and to an extend still is. All the old guard was there Friday evening at the community centre to honor one of the senior members: Miss Margaret Davey, the clerk treasurer of the town for almost 33 years. Miss Davey, "Peg" to anyone who knew her, retired last March. Retired with her memories of a small town that had become too large to be run by the old guard anymore."