The annual Meeting of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association will be held in the Compton Room of the Bradford Public Library on Saturday, December 8th, 1:30 p.m. The BWG Local History Association was formed 17 years ago, in the spring of 1990, and has retrieved and documented many of the details of the history of this area, supported the Local History Room in the Library, and recently, published the 2-volume book, "Governor Simcoe Slept Here." The Association is now taking on new responsibility as the umbrella organization for other history-related groups in the community - The Gwillim Group, which has brought the statue of Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe to Bradford; the Scotch Settlement Historical Association; and the WEGWHIST Group. The arrangement will provide an affiliation with the Ontario Historical Association that will open the door for sponsorship and fundraising in support of the Town's historical features. The Association has been involved in book writing, editing and sales for the past 4 years; now that Governor Simcoe Slept Here has been completed, the focus is returning to researching and recording local history, and there are opportunities for residents to get involved. Are you interested in history? Do you have time to research on line, index and file, or set up and explore your own special local history project? Come to the meeting to discuss the opportunities.
"Bradford celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2007. While some suggest that the celebration doesn't concern the Township area, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association has a different take on the matter. The Association points out that the relationship between Bradford and the Township of West Gwillimbury has always been strong, predating incorporation..."
Barbara Verney, Zelma Fuller and George Jackson thanking Lieutenant Governor Onley and presenting him with a copy of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Associations book "Governor Simcoe Slept Here; The Legacy of West Gwillimbury" at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue.
A group photo of the West Gwillimbury History Project (WEGWHIST) group during the assembly of the Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury book.
Group which wrote the book "Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury." This project was given the acronym "WEGWHIST." Back Row, from left: Donna Saunders, Franz Aschwanden, Bill Marks, John Fennell, Bob Sturgeon, Del Crake, Auke Ellens, Erica Marks, Kelly Roberts, Inset: Ann Stam. Seated: Janet Gunn, Marilynne Williams, Sarah Riley, Barbara Verney, George Jackson, Jan Blommaert, Leila Lloyd and Addy Ellens.
Description : Amsterdam, Botchtown, Middleton, The Hollows... are names included in the history of Bradford and West Gwillimbury, "Governor Simcoe Slept Here." The book also contains the story of how Bradford grew from a single hostelry in 1820 - Milloy's Tavern - to a town of 1,000 inhabitants by 1858, and how it came to be the market town, when the overland supply route to Kempenfeldt met the route followed by new settlers in West Gwillimbury, on their way to Holland Landing. Governor Simcoe Slept Here is available at the Holiday price of $55 for the 2-volume set, at the Bradford Public Library, Simcoe County Museum, Condy Books et cetera in Bradford.
Description : The West Gwillimbury History project (WEGWHIST for short) is gathering information and interest, pursuing the many aspects of Who, What, Where, When and How of the historic Township. The story begins about the time that the Township was surveyed in 1819, 183 years ago. The record-keeping of those days was not too detailed, but it is surprising the records that are available, and the story that they tell. All are welcome to come to the meeting and hear about WEGWHIST. A number of items need to be researched, such as old mills, post offices, meeting halls and fraternal societies. Pen, paper and an inquisitive mind will qualify you as a researcher.
Description : More information is needed for the History of West Gwillimbury! Did your family reside in the Township of West Gwillimbury prior to 1960? A member of WEGWHIST - the West Gwillimbury History project - will be pleased to meet with you for a chat, and to take notes. If you have any old photographs, please dig them out. The Project will copy the photos and return them immediately.
Description : The West Gwillimbury History Project (WEGWHIST) meets Weds., Oct. 1st, in the Compton Room of the Bradford Library, 100 Holland Court, at 2 p.m. There are still some "missing families"... If you want your family history to be included, the Project must receive your information by October 1st! WWI Vetereans...To date, the project has the names of only 2 persons who served in WWI and returned home.
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.
