"This week's photo, courtesy of the Bradford Fire Department, depicts the fire in February of 1959 which destroyed a large block of the downtown section, from Evans and Evans to the police department. The fire swept through several businesses, unprotected by fire walls. Firefighters from five arena departments battled almost 20 hours to quell the stubborn blaze which caused an estimated $500,000 damage. This week's photo was suggested by Ernest and Lola Peterman of Bradford who sent in a newspaper clipping of the fire."
"This week's old photo is the first of a series submitted by Dorothy Marks of Bradford, a life-long resident of the town. The photo show the Jack Cook farm implement display in 1911. Many area farmers took part in an annual parade which began at the CNR railway station in those days. Jack Cook was the father of the late Fred C. Cook, and Mrs. Tom Gardner. Mrs. Marks identified the lead driver as Tom McCracken. She was also able to identify last week's photo of the hearse, with funeral director Ben Collings as the rear of the carriage, and James Webb the driver. Mr. Collings' establishment stood where Bill's Jewelry is currently located, the far right building in the photo. Harvey Curry of 70 Holland Street and Jim Catania of 176 Church Street also identified the Collings hearse and building. Mr. Catania said another photo in the Witness (September 21) showed him and his father, Peter, and brothers John and Leo harvesting in the 1930s. The boys picking carrots in the picture were members of the Horton family."
"Several members of the Imperial Order of Daughters of Empire (IODE) received their 25 year pins from regent Mrs. Lylia Culbert. From the left, Mrs. W.G. Bateman, Mrs. N.E. Collings, Mrs. Margaret Fallis, Mrs. Alec Spence, Mrs. Robert Veale, Mrs. Brock Evans, Miss Bessie Wood, Mrs. William Compton, Mrs. Helen Vipond, Mrs. Keith Noble, Mrs. Lylia Culbert. Absent. Mrs. George Carson, Mrs. Stewart McKenzie."
"Three of top winners at the South Simcoe 4-H banquet in Beeton pose with their awards. Left to right: Marianne Reynolds, high Beeton 4-H member, Carol Rintoul of Tottenham, top novice judge, and outstanding junior member; and John Rutten of Loretto, top swine club member in South Simcoe. At rear is Bill Brethet, a leader of the 4-H Dairy Club."
"The Harvest Queen contestants posed in their ethnic costumes Sunday at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. From left: Christine Jolivel, Debbie Langley, Fil Moniz, Stella Balon, Harvest Queen Karen Brinkos, Penny Ackerman, Michele Wierenga, Debbie Riffert, Shelley Rainey, Oksana Luczka."
"The mayor of all the people in Bradford for many years, Joe Magani (left) has received a great deal of well-deserved tribute for contributions. The latest is a photo portrait donated by the Chamber of Commerce, represented by president John Gaus (right). The portrait will hang in the town hall when the renovations are completed."
"A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten brought the spirit of Christmas a little closer to over 600 people at the December program of the Barrie Concert Association. The Canadian Children's Opera Chorus is the second of a four-concert series held at Georgian College Theatre. News of Benjamin Britten's death on Saturday was announced by Dr. Derek Holman, director of the chorus. It lent a touch of sadness to the performance, because Britten's contribution to vocal works for young people has been enormous. His work, too, has that rare quality of being extremely attractive to children and teenagers."
"James Reginald Bateman, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Gordon Bateman of Bradford, received his Master of Business Administration degree from York University in Toronto in early November. He is now employed by IBM in Toronto."
"Best known landmark in Bond Head is the Anglican church at the top of the hill where the driving sheds used to shelter the horses and buggies of church members until a few decades ago still may be seen. In the lower photograph, a simple cairn marking the birthplace of the famed Canadian physician and medical author, Sir William Osler, is shown. It is located on the hill across from Penville Creek on the 7th Line."
