"This year the West Gwillimbury chapter of the Imperial Order - Daughters of the Empire is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Last Saturday at the Bradford Community Centre several hundred people enjoyed the Red, White and Blue Ball. Several graduates of BDHS have furthered their education in nursing, hairdressing and community college with monetary aid from the IODE. In addition to its own activities the chapter cooperates with many local organizations in promoting and supporting many deserving projects around the area."
The Bradford Legion Branch 521 celebrated its 25th anniversary last Saturday night. About 75 people were on hand at the Legion building for the festivities. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of 25 year pins to original members of the branch who are still involved. Ten men received the 25 year pins. The pins were presented by Zone Commander Ralph Newell and master of ceremonies, Bert MacGregor of Aurora. Reeve Orville Hughes of West Gwillimbury and Reeve Art Turner of Bradford congratulated the Orville Hand Branch on its anniversary. The branch is named after Mr. Hand, one of the active early members.
"Bradford Women's Institute last Wednesday celebrated 50 years "For Home and Country", the motto of the world-wide organization. Long time member Mrs. H.L. Blackwell cuts the anniversary cake fashioned in the shape of the figure 50, as Bradford W.I. President Mrs. Dan Clements looks on."
"Marking Wilbert 'Wibb' Orr's 30 years of safe school bus driving, a celebration was held at Parkview Transit recently. In photo above, Mr. Orr (wearing the hat) stands in front of his first school bus in 1947. Sharp-eyed readers will also spot Jim Thompson, formerly with the Bradford police department. At right, Wib tries out a reclining chair which was given to him by fellow drivers, as his wife, Jean, and Ted and Doug Brown of Parkview Transit look on. Wibb also received an engraved gold watch from Ted and Doug."
"Members and visitors at Dalston United Church took a step back in time Sunday. Their minister, Rev. Arnie Chamberlain, dressed in the garb of a circuit preacher. Their church became a log house with no windows, an open doorway, no floor, and walls caked with mud. And their services came from an 1825 Methodist prayer book. Sunday marked the half-way point in a year of celebrations for the church's 150th anniversary. Parishioners and visitors numbering 150, held services in a small tent next to the church on Highway 93 for an old-fashioned tent and picnic meeting..."
"Viola Tuck was one of Dalston United Church's visitors from Crown Hill dressed for Sunday's old-fashioned tent service in clothes of another era. The congregation marked its 150th anniversary with an 1825 Methodist service."
"The congregation of Newton Robinson United Church is holding a three-fold celebration this year. The church, whose spire is a landmark for those travelling Highway 27 between Cookstown and Bond Head is marking its 90th anniversary. The celebration will be for the long, lively past, the country-quiet present and a re-dedication to wider community service in the future."
"Tecumseth Township clerk-treasurer Arnold Meredith displays the watch he was presented in honour of his seven years of service in his present position. Present and former township officials gathered on Monday for the presentation of Mr. Meredith who retires at the end of the month."
"The Rotary Club of Bradford celebrated its 25th anniversary last week and announced the Rotary project for 1977: a rock garden with fountains at the corner of Barrie and John Streets. Referring to the expense, past president Brad Walker laughed, 'Once that's done we'll have exactly what we started with 25 years ago - nothing.' Mr. Walker is one of the charter members of the club, and he, along with Clare Ritchie, Frank Maurino, George Allan, Jim Everitt, and Jim Simone, were presented with silver plaques for their 25 years of service. Rotary district governor Norm Guild of Brampton was on hand to make the presentation. Lions Club president Bernard Horne called for closer relations between the two clubs and recalled the years of the co-operation on several major projects in Bradford."
"Several members of the Imperial Order of Daughters of Empire (IODE) received their 25 year pins from regent Mrs. Lylia Culbert. From the left, Mrs. W.G. Bateman, Mrs. N.E. Collings, Mrs. Margaret Fallis, Mrs. Alec Spence, Mrs. Robert Veale, Mrs. Brock Evans, Miss Bessie Wood, Mrs. William Compton, Mrs. Helen Vipond, Mrs. Keith Noble, Mrs. Lylia Culbert. Absent. Mrs. George Carson, Mrs. Stewart McKenzie."
