W.L. Campbell opened the store around 1891. It was located at 10 Holland St. West. He was the son of William Campbell, grain dealer, and brother of Dr. L.H. Campbell. He was born in Bradford. W.L. attended the Ontario College of Pharmacy, in Toronto, and graduated in 1891, winning the College medal for general proficiency. He was also an expert lacrosse player, until a knee injury kept him from playing. He then took over duties as the team's secretary-treasurer, and the team has since won two provincial championships and one inter-championship. He is also a member of the gun club.
This building is near or is where the Royal Bank is now located on Holland St.
From the Bradford Witness: "Dimock's Garage was an important business in Bradford in the early 1930's when this photo was taken. Harold Iceton, who submitted the photo writes: "Mrs. Al Dimock, affectionately known as Minnie to her many friends (gave me this photo). The photo dates back to 1931 when Albert Dimock first started up business in Bradford with his young son Hedley. They were soon joined by his wife Minnie and daughter Eileen. This building has now been demolished and replaced by the Royal Bank Building."
Andrew Thompson first started the hardware store in 1865. He was born in Innisfil township, and first started a hardware store with a Mr. Kendall. He then bought out his partner, and the Driffill's Hardware store on the corner, and proceeded to run his business. In addition to hardware items, he also carried silverware, stoves, furnaces, paints, and school supplies. When he died in 1905, Miss Thompson, a graduate of the Optical Institute of Canada, became store manager. She ran her business out of the shop as well. The Thompson's home was located at the corner of Moore and Frederick Streets.
Everyone is gathered around the side of the building for an auction.
"One exhibit which attracted a great deal of interest in last Thursday's parade was the huge melon tied on the front of Gordon Bateman's truck, which was being driven for Bradford Seed House. The melon, which weighed 115 pounds, was over five feet long and more than 1 foot in diameter. It was not grown here but was brought in by a traveller for seeds, selling to Bradford Seed House. This traveller informed that the melon is of the gourd variety and is known as the Zucca Melon. It is used to make Christmas peels and cherries. After the parade was over a policeman's whistle stopped the Bateman truck at Yonge and Queen and the officer halted traffic while he examined the melon, he being just as curious as many others watching the parade. The melon in shape and colour slightly resembles the vegetable marrow."
Bradford Seed House float in Bradford's Centennial Parade on Holland St. W. The car is a 1917 Ford Touring, owned and operated by George van Nostrand. Harvey W. Curry is in the passenger seat and Mandy and Wally Hunt are in the rear seat. Beside the car is a man dressed as the Planter's Peanut.
Bradford's Centennial Parade. Shops that line Holland St. W. include Kilkenny Furniture, Evans Bakery, and Bradford 5 Cents to $1.00 Store. The tow truck at the far right of the picture is from Monarch Ford. Behind it, two girls carry a banner which reads: "Centennial Congratulations from Ray Hodgson, Imperial Oil Dealer, and Joe Wintercorn, Imperial Oil Farm Trade Agent." Behind them is an old Imperial Oil gasoline tank wagon.
Image of an invoice from A. Sutherland Grocery on Holland Street. The invoice is dated June 12th, 1926 and to Hazel Campbell. Alexander Sutherland also operated a bakery on Simcoe Road. His wife, Elizabeth was the sister of Bessie Campbell (wife of William Campbell).
