Showing 49 results

Dyke before Hurricane Hazel looking west from 416 Canal Rd.

Crates along Hwy 400 after the marsh flooded during Hurricane Hazel

"Conditions are never so bad but what they can be worse. The utmost care must be exercised to prevent danger from disease at this flood time.
The Health Department has issued a warning about water. All water must be boiled for at least ten minutes. Bringing the water to a boil does not kill all germs - a ten minute boiling is necessary.
As a safety precaution this office would suggest that the water from every well and water service be given this treatment until such time as the water from that source has been tested and passed by the Ontario Department of Health."

Debris from the marshland piling up along Highway 400. Photograph from Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

The dePeuter family standing next to their house, surrounded by debris. The debris came from the flood by Hurricane Hazel breaking the marsh's dykes.

Editorial based on "The heroism, the generosity, the untiring labor, the unselfishness, and the sympathy in this time of disaster have been overwhelming..." from the Hurricane Hazel edition of the Bradford Witness.

"Personal disability adding to the confusion of getting copy written for this week's newspaper, in which it is desirable that as much of the March flooding disaster be recorded as possible, a report of some of the plans as reported in the Globe and Mail are being copied. ..."

Interior of Auke Ellens' store, flooded by Hurricane Hazel breaking the marsh's dykes.

"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."

Holland Marsh farmers return home to salvage belonging. Photograph from in Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.