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"A Silent Auction, a supper of Penne and Spicy meatballs, with salad and garlic bread, and funnel cakes for dessert - and a hilarious look at Bradford's history, presented by the Bradford District High School Drama Club... The Gwillim Group put together a fundraiser that was filling and fun, last weekend at the high school." ...

On August 24, 1793 the cannons were fired and Toronto renamed York to recognize the victory by the Duke of York over the French in Europe. Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe's note reads: "There were a party of Ojibway Indians here, who appeared much pleased with the firing. One of them names "Great Sail" took Francis in his arms and was much please to find that the child was not afraid, but delighted with the sound."
This painting was done by C.W. Jeffreys from Imperial Oil Ltd.

Contains news clippings and articles on various people of Bradford West Gwillimbury

Article features news and the history of Victoria Day, questions of creating a horticultural society in Bradford, county boundary issues, talk of a Centennial Park, and new copies of a historical map of Simcoe County and of York County obtained.

In the early days of white settlement in the Innisfil area, Lake Simcoe provide the easiest access - by boat in the summer and by foot or sled in the winter. Inclement weather in either season and the annual freeze-up and ice break up simply meant no travel. John Graves Simcoe, commissioned the building of Yonge St. to Holland Landing in 1790, and in 1793 initiated the Military Establishments at Penetanguishene. This gave a land route to Lake Simcoe and another land route was needed on to Penetanguishene. Early records use the name "Main Street", but is soon became known as the Penetang Road, the name of its northern counterpart. In the early days of Penetang Road - later Hwy #11 and now County Road #4 or Yonge St. - travel was slow and difficult. Many hotels were established to provide lodging, stabling and food for travellers plus acting as a meeting place for local men.

Detail of the meeting between Great Sail (holding baby Francis Simcoe) and Lt.-Gov. Simcoe

Detail of the left side of statue, featuring the Georgina Church, circa 1796

"One of the groups celebrating Bradford's 150th Anniversary is the Gwillim Group - a group of history buffs, under the aegis of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, that is turning the spotlight on Upper Canada's First Lady.
Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim was not only the wife of Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, she was an ardent traveller, a hostess equally at home in the wilderness and high society, and an accomplished artist. The Gwillim Group has commissioned a bronze and rock sculpture, by artist Brenda Wainman Goulet, which will be placed in the parkette beside the Post Office on Barrie St.
The Gwillim Group is holding a fundraising Dinner Theatre event tonight, June 9, in partnership with the Bradford District High School Drama Club. The students will present a homorous production of "Happy Birthday Bradford, or Who want a carrot for a mascot?" - while the Group serve up a Spaghetti Dinner, with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, and there will be a silent auction of items that include an original painting by local artist Kathryn Bury."