A Keuffel & Esser level that was used for activities such as surveying. It was originally owned by Professor William H. Day, who was integral to the Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme's beginnings. The survey of the marsh determined the elevation of the muck soil and the bordering "highland" soils, providing the information the planners would need to determine the grades, estimate the materials to be moved and to determine the alignment of the canal.
The drainage scheme report came out in 1924 and work began in the mid-1920s. The work involved intercepting part of the Holland River and the diversion of water around the perimeter of the area using drainage canals. Canal excavation materials were used to create dykes on the to-be reclaimed (marshland) side of the canals. The re-claimed land was used for farming and roads were constructed on top of the dykes to allow for transportation.
Plaque by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association:
"This cast iron base and impeller were components of one of the two original water pumps installed in the 1928 Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme. The pumps would lower the water level by four to five feet thereby draining the water out of the marsh and allowing the marsh lands to be dried and cultivated. The two pumps could each lift 20 000 gallons per minute from the reservoir over the dam. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury assisted in developing the water fountain. George Holancin, local metal sculptor, created the winged blue heron. This piece won Top Honours for Floral Displays as part of the Communities in Bloom Ontario 2006 program."
Plaque by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association:
"This cast iron base and impeller were components of one of the two original water pumps installed in the 1928 Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme. The pumps would lower the water level by four to five feet thereby draining the water out of the marsh and allowing the marsh lands to be dried and cultivated. The two pumps could each lift 20 000 gallons per minute from the reservoir over the dam. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury assisted in developing the water fountain. George Holancin, local metal sculptor, created the winged blue heron. This piece won Top Honours for Floral Displays as part of the Communities in Bloom Ontario 2006 program."
Audio of an interview with Sam Catania on September 27, 1994. Recorded and prompted by George Jackson. Sam discusses working with Professor W.H. Day and dredging the Holland Marsh. See the Related Descriptions below for summary.
First part of an interview with Bill Fuller October 19, 1994. He is interviewed by Joe Saint and George Jackson. They discuss Bill's memories and his antidotes relating to the Holland Marsh and Professor W. H. Day. See the Related Descriptions below for links to audio and summary.See the Related Descriptions below for the summary.
Due to length, the audio is split into three parts (see related descriptions below for links).
Third part of an interview with Bill Fuller October 19, 1994. He is interviewed by Joe Saint and George Jackson. They discuss Bill's memories and his antidotes relating to the Holland Marsh and Professor W. H. Day. See the Related Descriptions below for links to audio and summary.See the Related Descriptions below for the summary.
Due to length, the audio is split into three parts (see related descriptions below for links).
Summary of an interview with Bill Fuller October 19, 1994. He is interviewed by Joe Saint and George Jackson. They discuss Bill's memories and his antidotes relating to the Holland Marsh and Professor W. H. Day. See the Related Descriptions below for links to audio and summary.See the Related Descriptions below for the audio.
Second part of an interview with Art Janse on November 13, year unknown. He is interviewed by George Jackson with Dawn Saunders also present. Art discusses the Holland Marsh, his family and his career (politician, Holland Marsh Drainage Commission). See the Related Descriptions below for summary.
Due to length, the audio is split into two parts (see related descriptions below for links).
An interview with Herb Taylor, recorded and prompted by George Jackson. Herb discusses working with Professor W.H. Day and dredging the Holland Marsh. Herb also talks about serving in World War II, and working on the Marsh.
"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."
