Description : The WEGWHIST Project volunteers were busy during the week of October 17th, collating the pages of the History of West Gwillimbury that has been 4 years in the making. They were joined by professionals, Orland French and Sharon Voth of Friessens Publications, out of Altona, Manitoba, who provided advice in matching up text with the hundreds of photographs contributed by residents. The two-volume History, titled Governor Simcoe Slept Here, will come off the presses in December. Pre-publication price is only $55 if ordered now; post-publication price is $65.
Description : Bats in the tower, a bottle of wine tucked in behind the dated cornerstone, mould and dry rot in the rafters... that's what the Priestly Demolition crews found, as they demolished the old St. John's Presbyterian Church on John St. West in Bradford last weekend. The church came down more quickly than expected. When crews removed the windows in the east wall, it bowed outwards, creating safety concerns. And when part of the roof was removed, to lessen the possibility of unexpected collapse, a portion of the brickwork on the east wall fell. Structural safety was one of the key concerns that led the Presbyterian Church to sell the 112 year old building. Bulging walls, rotting rafters - estimates suggested that over $500,000 in repairs were needed, simply to preserve the structure. The cost did not include expansion, or the provision of handicapped access or washrooms. The Presbyterian Church instead has built a new St. John's Presbyterian, on Middletown Sideroad - a "House of God" that is completely handicapped accessible, large enough to accommodate the congregation, with a gymnasium and room for community outreach, filled with light and air, and free of hazardous mould. It is a vibrant expression of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The John St. property was sold to the neighbouring Trinity Anglican Church. Although the land will be used as a parking lot in the short term, the Anglican Church is fundraising to someday raise a new "House of God" on the site.
Description : October 13th marks the 4th anniversary of the 1st WEGWHIST (West Gwillimbury History Project) meeting. WEGWHIST is now in the final stages of producing a 2-volume history of West Gwillimbury Township that will be available by this December. At 2 p.m. on October 13th, come out to the Bradford Library, to mark the 4th anniversary, learn more about marketing plans, and purchase a copy, pre-publication. WEGWHIST will be asking for help in contacting all of those who have indicated an interest in buying the book.
Description : The final galley is back, and WEGWHIST volunteers are busy correcting spelling errors and misprints in the History of West Gwillimbury. This will complete the writing phrase; there is a commitment from the publisher that the book will be out by early December. October 13, 2005, will mark the 4th anniversary of the first WEGWHIST meeting, which took place on the 2nd Thursday of October, 2001. The team will meet at 2 p.m. on the 13th in the Bradford Library, to go over marketing plans, ask for help in contacting all those who have indicated an interest in buying the book, and offer an opportunity to purchase a copy, pre-publication. A sincere Thank-you to the 30 businesses and 85-plus private individuals who contributed to the Patrons Program.
WEGWHIST (the West Gwillimbury History Project) book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury, is now at the printer. The project needs a volunteer who can help develop a marketing plan and sales program for this unique chronicle, which captures the stories of the families who settled and built the Township. The book could be available as early as December.
Description : The WEGWHIST West Gwillimbury History Project is now completing its book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury. To help defray the cost of publication, a Patrons' Page has been established. Donors will be recognized in print in this wonderful book, to be published some time this year.
Description : As we approach the end of the writing and editing, we are faced with the challenge of marketing our product, the book. We need someone who can help us develop a marketing plan and execute it. We offer the same pay and benefits that we all enjoy as volunteers - an interesting project, good fellowship, positive enthusiasm and the real feeling of accomplishment. Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury is the book being written by the volunteers of the WEGWHIST project. To help pay for publication costs, a Patrons Page has been established. Donors will be recognized in print, in this wonderful book that will be published this year, and hopefully available by December.
Description : The response to our book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here, has been overwhelming. It was never expected that our print run of 1,000 copies would be so well received. While there are still copies available, they are getting few in number. A sincere thank you to all who purchased a copy, or in many cases, more than 1 copy. Our appreciation also to those who have been in touch with us, to compliment us on the format and content of our book. This four-year project started in October of 2001, and culminated in our book launch on December 15th, 2005. Our publisher, Friesens and their representative Orland French provided assistance and guidance as we progressed along the path.
Description : The WEGWHIST (West Gwillimbury History Project) Christmas Party is planned for Friday, December 10th, 2 p.m. in the Compton Room of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, at 100 Holland Court. WEGWHIST members and anyone who helped with the book are invited to attend. Around 2:30 p.m., a photograph will be taken of the group, to be included in the book.
Description : The WEGWHIST (West Gwillimbury History Project) team has engaged the services of the Friesen's History Book Division, to help publish and print the History of West Gwillimbury. This Division specializes in helping local history groups, such as WEGWHIST, produce their own local history books. To this end, WEGWHIST will be assisted by Orland French, Friesen's Ontario representative. French was raised in Waverley, just south of Midland - so he is no stranger to Simcoe County. He was a reporter and columnist for the Globe and Mail, and now owns Wallbridge House Publishing, based in Belleville, Ontario. In his career as a writer and publisher, French has produced a number of history books and recently assisted with histories of Bancroft and North Hastings, and Northumberland County. His experience, and the support of Friesen's History Book Division, will provide a guiding hand as the project is completed.
