In 1823, John Garbutt, an early magistrate in the township, settled on the north half of lot 10 con. 12. Around him came others to form a small community. An early school was replaced by a brick one in 188 which still stands today as a private residence. The school has hosted dances, parties, concerts and anniversaries over the years. A nearby burial pit provides evidence of a significant historical battle in pre-settlement times. circa 1823
Mount Pleasant, aka Botchtown; Mount Pleasant was the name Gilbert Robinson chose for his stately home on the north half of lot 15 con. 8 in West Gwillimbury. The name spilled over to the adjacent hamlet that grew up at the corner of the 9th line and the Penetang Road (Yonge Street), comprised of a blacksmith shop, hotel, general store, gas station and a school. Nearby a Wesleyan Methodist church, a brickyard, and grist mill and saw mills owned by Mark Scanlon and John Thorpe. South of the hamlet, a hillside spring provided refreshment for weary travellers, man and beast.
"In loving memory of my grandparents Andrew Bell 1827-1912 and his wife Sarah Balmer 1823-1898, Erected by Balmer Neilly" Plaque at the gate of St John's Presbyterian Church in Coulson's Hill
"The annual Carrot Fest in Bradford is a longtime summer tradition. Clockwise from above: Strolling accordion player Klaus Wehrenberg entertains; Sofia Gomez, 3, enjoys a day out; Gwilly, the mascot poses with a fan for a 'selfie'; the crowds enjoy the vendors on Holland Street; Hilary Whittaker (left) and Jane Pound, owners of the Bradford School of Dance, have some fun. To see more photographs from the event, go to thetopic.ca."
"Outdoor festivals face an all-ir-nothing kind of scenario, If the weather is fine, the crowds come out. If it rains, as it did for the 2014 Carrotfest, it can be nothing short of disaster for the vendors and event organizers. That was one reason the Town of Bradford West Gwililmbury agreed to hold the opening ceremonies for Carrotfest on Friday night, endorsing an evening of live entertainment outdoors at the main stage, and encouraging downtown businesses to co-ordinate a Midnight Madness shopping event - although the street festival would still take place on Saturday. ..."
"This weekend, Bradford gets back to its roots with CarrotFest - a street festival that has been voted one of the top 100 festivals in Canada. New this year, CarrotFest will begin on Friday, Aug. 14, when the midway opens at the Bradford Memorial Community Centre at 11 a.m., and official opening ceremonies are held on the main stage at 6 p.m., with entertainment by K.C. Kohring, The Wendles, and the Cara Lea Band. ..."
