Contains biographies on Trooper Keith Noble & Trooper Art Turner, photograph of Bradford Legion veterans at D-Day 50th anniversary, and a photograph and account of Harold Metcalf of Cookstown in World War II
The Bradford Witness decided to release a series of articles from local townspeople on the history of certain events in Bradford and West Gwillimbury's time. This week, the Holland River is the topic.
Article featuring the centennial anniversary of the Bradford Witness's merged partner, the South Simcoe News. "One hundred years ago, in 1865, the first issue of The South Simcoe News was published in Bradford and that is the centennial anniversary being marked by this issue of The Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News, but newspaper life in this town began before 1865."
"Bradford's town council has marked this Centennial year in very suitable manner by doing a very complete "face-lifting" job at the venerable town hall. A complete and permanent refinishing of the exterior of the building, together with a few needed repairs, and a paint job, where paint can be applied, has worked wonders." ...
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.
"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 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."
"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."
The following set of photographs were taken from the Bradford Witness August 21, 1957 edition, highlighting the Bradford Centennial parade and celebrations. This float was made by Holland River Gardens Co. Ltd.