Barbara Verney (President of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association), Ruth Ann Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David C. Onley and Mikki Nanowski (Master of ceremonies) at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue.

"Honorable Earl Rowe, former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, was guest speaker at the Fisher's Corners Womens Institute Meeting January 20. A great supporter of women's institutes, Mr. Rowe spoke to the women and their husbands for about 45 minutes on current issues like the Quebec problem and reminsced about politicking in the area in horse and buggy das. He expressed the need for multi-lingualism in Canada, rather than just bilingualism, explaining that Canada was a land of many nationalities and not just French and English. Well qualified to discuss national affairs, Mr. Rowe said he had personally known and worked with eight of Canada's prime ministers, including Pierre Trudeau. Described as a very warm and down-to-earth person by the women, Mr. Rowe is currently in retirement at his farm near Newton Robinson. He told the group he spends much of his time exercising his horses and reading."

Gwillim Group Committee members with Lieutenant Governor Onley, his wife Ruth Ann and Peter Van Loan. Back Row (l-r): Darlene Braybrook, Tom Fuller, Jennifer Gordon, Mary and Don Gardiner, Vera Stoddart and Peter Line. Middle Row (l-r): Natalie Dykie, Christine Houlieff, Brenda Winter, Zelma Fuller, Bill Marks, Joan Gibson, Mikki Nanowski and Judith Moses. Front: Lieutenant Governor Onley, Ruth Ann Onley and Peter Van Loan.

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.

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, David C. Onley giving his address at the official unveiling of the Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe Statue in Bradford West Gwillimbury. Accompanied by his wife Ruth Ann Onley.

"Ontario's Lieutenant-Governor Earl Rowe, who has been very gracious in attending functions in this, his home area, was unable to be present at the official opening of Bradford's new federal building last week and sent an expression of regret for his inability to attend.
Mr. Rowe and his family have been experiencing a trying ordeal because of the serious illness of his son, William E. Rowe, in Toronto General Hospital. "Bill," as he is familiarly known by his friend locally, underwent another operation on Monday of this week, when it is believed the remaining pressure on his brain was successfully removed. Though his condition is still critical, he came through the operation in as good condition as could be expected, and the operation gives hope for a good recovery."

The Honourable William Earl Rowe, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario from 1963-1968, and his wife Treva Lennox.

Lieutenant Governor Onley's wife Ruth Ann looking at a former Lieutenant Governor's wife; Elizabeth Gwillim Simcoe in the form of her commemorative statue at the official unveiling in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

" West Gwillimbury council has nominated Earl Rowe of Newton Robinson to receive one of the jubilee medals being minted by the federal government in recognition of Queen Elizabeth's 25 years on the throne. Mr. Rowe is a former MP and MPP and he was Ontario's lieutenant-governor from 1963 to 1968. Bradford council also recently nominated lawyer Charles Evans, former Warden of Simcoe County to receive a jubilee medal."