Description : The response to our book, Governor Simcoe Slept Here, has been overwhelming. It was never expected that our print run of 1,000 copies would be so well received. While there are still copies available, they are getting few in number. A sincere thank you to all who purchased a copy, or in many cases, more than 1 copy. Our appreciation also to those who have been in touch with us, to compliment us on the format and content of our book. This four-year project started in October of 2001, and culminated in our book launch on December 15th, 2005. Our publisher, Friesens and their representative Orland French provided assistance and guidance as we progressed along the path.

Description : The WEGWHIST (West Gwillimbury History Project) Christmas Party is planned for Friday, December 10th, 2 p.m. in the Compton Room of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, at 100 Holland Court. WEGWHIST members and anyone who helped with the book are invited to attend. Around 2:30 p.m., a photograph will be taken of the group, to be included in the book.

"One of the groups celebrating Bradford's 150th Anniversary is the Gwillim Group - a group of history buffs, under the aegis of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, that is turning the spotlight on Upper Canada's First Lady.
Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim was not only the wife of Lieut.-Governor John Graves Simcoe, she was an ardent traveller, and exceptional hostess and an accomplished artist. The Gwillim Group has commissioned a bronze and rock sculpture, by artist Brenda Wainman Goulet, to be placed in the parkette beside the Post Office.
To raise funds, the Group has planned an evening of Dinner Theatre, in partnership with the Bradford District High School Drama Club. On June 8 and 9, the students will present "Bradford in 1857" - actually a history of Bradford, from the early days before incorporation, "to the present day - a fun celebratory tongue-in-cheek look at Bradford," says author and drama teacher Steve Bainborough.
The Gwillim Group will serve up a Spaghetti Dinner with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, and there will be a Silent Auction; items include an original painting by artist Kathryn Bury."

A photograph of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library's display about the Local History Collection at the unveiling ceremony for the Bradford railway sign hanging in the Library on February 25, 2017. The sign was donated by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association.

Plaque by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association:

"This cast iron base and impeller were components of one of the two original water pumps installed in the 1928 Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme. The pumps would lower the water level by four to five feet thereby draining the water out of the marsh and allowing the marsh lands to be dried and cultivated. The two pumps could each lift 20 000 gallons per minute from the reservoir over the dam.
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury assisted in developing the water fountain. George Holancin, local metal sculptor, created the winged blue heron. This piece won Top Honours for Floral Displays as part of the Communities in Bloom Ontario 2006 program."

"A Silent Auction, a supper of Penne and Spicy meatballs, with salad and garlic bread, and funnel cakes for dessert - and a hilarious look at Bradford's history, presented by the Bradford District High School Drama Club... The Gwillim Group put together a fundraiser that was filling and fun, last weekend at the high school." ...

"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..."

Margaret Luella AKA Ella Adair feeding time - range feed. Known as Brooder House at first then later called chicken coop. This was Ella's source of income.

History Group is Established

An historical society for the Scotch Settlement was established last week at Fred C. Cook Senior Public School.

Mrs. Eleanor Reid, of Lefroy, a descendant of one of the Scotch settlers, was named the president of the group, and Dave Sheppard, was named secretary.

The group will gather historical data pertaining to the history of the settlers, from their tragic exile from Scotland to their settlement on the lands in this area.

The most important priority for the group now is to collect all of the information concerning the Scotch Settlement that they can.

Mr. Sheppard said it was crucial that the information was gathered soon, because much of it is in the minds of elderly people in the community, and if they fail to pass it on, it could be lost forever.

Mrs. Reid said she was "really quite pleased with the turnout last week and the interest and enthusiasm shown."

She said the Scotch Settlement was one of Ontario's most important historical sites, and the story of the hardships of the settlers is not only historically interesting, but also romantic.

Many descendants of the settlers still live in the area, and former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker also traces his family back to the Scotch settlers.

The historical society is appealing to anyone who has information, photos or other memorabilia, to contact Mrs. Reid at Box 148, Lefroy.

The next meeting of the society will be held in the Scotch Settlement church June 10.