"Donna Ramsay (centre), this year's Salad Festival Queen, receives congratulations from the 1976 queen, Annette Grencer, as fellow contestant Nancy Bergeron (right) applauds. Donna, 18, was elected at the Salad Festival dance Saturday night in the Bradford community centre. She is the daughter of Don and Mary Ramsay of Concession 9, West Gwillimbury, and she plans a career in hotel management. The festival runs from Sunday, June 10, to Sunday, July 17."

"A large crowd was on hand for the 15th annual graduation exercises held at Sir William Osler School last Thursday. Thirty seven grade eight students received their graduation diplomas. The graduation diplomas were presented by the principal, Mel Mitchell and teacher Jim Breen. A number of other awards were also presented. Winner of the penmanship award, presented by Miss Ethyle Breedon, was Pamela Barnes. The citizenship award, donated by the Imperial Daughters of the Empire, was Kevin Horner. The award was presented by Mrs. June Brown. The Tec-We-Gwill Women's Institute Trophy for English, presented by Mrs. Bruce Keffer went to Douglas Jessop. He also won the Fisher's Corner Old Boy's Trophy for general proficiency, presented by Mrs. Orville Hughes. The valedictorian address was made by Jan McQuiggan. The grade eigh graduating class members are: Valerie Allen, Beverley Atkins, Pamela Barnes, Linda Bishop, Paul Bookalam, Cathy Carmichael, Julia Czako, Greg Davis, Ross Elliott, Darrin Gamble, Kevin Horner, Janice Hounsome, Fay Ingersoll, Douglas Jessop, Robert Kalnins, Greg Lane, Diane Lapp, Frank Lovejoy, Laurie MacRae, David McCasey, Jan McQuiggan, Aileen Money, Billy Moore, Roger Nelson, Chris O'Reilly, Mark Palmer, David Paton, Barbara Ramsay, Brigette Saniga, David Scales, Ricky Scott, Dennis Scott, Tommy Scott, David Slinerland, Carol Treacher, Lisa Tuplin, Norman Walker."

"Stewart Scott McKenzie, a man who was a strong and active force in Bradford for more than 35 years as a politician and publisher for the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News, died last week in York County Hospital in Newmarket, last Thursday following a short illness. Mr. McKenzie was born in the Village of Paisley in Bruce County where he grew up and was educated. The former publisher of the Witness has a long tradition in newspapering and was one of four sons born to a former publisher of the Paisley Advocate. Mr. McKenzie served in the Canadian Army during World War I. When he returned after the war he resumed his newspaper career and joined the production department of the old Detroit Times. In 1931, he and his wife Ina, also a native of Paisley, moved to Bradford and purchased the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News from Publisher O.M. Seim. That began a career in this town that stretched over 35 years until the couple retired in 1968 following the sale of the Witness to Gerry and Nona Barker. Funeral services for the man who devoted so much of his life to his community were held on Saturday morning in the chapel of the Lathangue and Skwarchuk Funeral Home on Simcoe Street, in Bradford."

"The Djurgarden Mini-Midgets of Stockholm, Sweden arrived in Canada on Boxing Day to begin a five-game tour against Ontario midget hockey teams from Barrie, Cobourg, Oshawa, Bay Ridges, and Newmarket. For the 20 young hockey players and 14 adults who accompanied them, this was their first visit to Canada and an exciting opportunity to combine good, competitive hockey with lots of sightseeing. It was soon apparent, however, that the players were neither novices at hockey nor travelling. Despite the fact that the Swedish players were only 15 years of age (Canadian midgets are usually 15 or 16), the Swedes emerged from the five games with three wins, a loss, and a tie. The Swedes defeated Cobourg 6-4, Bay Ridges 5-1, and Newmarket 5-3. They battled Oshawa to a 4-4 tie and were upset by Barrie 7-3. Although they had never come to Canada before, the team has toured Germany, Finland, and Norway. Their experience showed."

On May 13th, parents and other members of the school communities of Fred C. Cook, W.H. Day and Sir William Osler Public Schools met to consider the names suggested for the new Bradford elementary school on Professor Day Drive. Following the protocol established by the Simcoe County District School Board, parents and students at the three "feeder" schools were invited to submit names for consideration. Among the suggestions: Susan Cassidy, the first teacher in Bradford; Charles Evans,; Jean Kell; Gordon Compton; Dr. Blackwell; and Kristin Coombes. Not all the suggestions were people: some were descriptive, like Trillium, Fieldcrest, Hillside and Windy Hill. On May 21st, a special committee consisting of a parent representative from each school council, a member of the Town Council, Superintendent Stan Wells, Trustee Bob Evans, and new Principal Marlane Brooks, will meet to select 3 names, to be recommended to the School Board - which will make the final decision, possibly on June 16th. Brooks emphasized the importance of the name selection process, noting, "It's a new beginning."

"This week's old photo is the first of a series submitted by Dorothy Marks of Bradford, a life-long resident of the town. The photo show the Jack Cook farm implement display in 1911. Many area farmers took part in an annual parade which began at the CNR railway station in those days. Jack Cook was the father of the late Fred C. Cook, and Mrs. Tom Gardner. Mrs. Marks identified the lead driver as Tom McCracken. She was also able to identify last week's photo of the hearse, with funeral director Ben Collings as the rear of the carriage, and James Webb the driver. Mr. Collings' establishment stood where Bill's Jewelry is currently located, the far right building in the photo. Harvey Curry of 70 Holland Street and Jim Catania of 176 Church Street also identified the Collings hearse and building. Mr. Catania said another photo in the Witness (September 21) showed him and his father, Peter, and brothers John and Leo harvesting in the 1930s. The boys picking carrots in the picture were members of the Horton family."

"The mayor of all the people in Bradford for many years, Joe Magani (left) has received a great deal of well-deserved tribute for contributions. The latest is a photo portrait donated by the Chamber of Commerce, represented by president John Gaus (right). The portrait will hang in the town hall when the renovations are completed."

"On May 27th, 1857, the Town of Bradford was incorporated. Next Sunday, May 27th, Bradford will launch a year of Sesquicentennial celebrations, with a Re-enactment, Proclamation and Sesquicentennial Flag-raising, 3 p.m. outside the Bradford West Gwillimbury Council Chambers on Holland St. East.
There will be a proclamation by the Mayor, greetings from the County, Province and Federal government - and a brief (and humorous) re-enactment of the incorporation, by the award-winning Bradford District High School Drama Club.
Then watch as the flag is raised, and enjoy a slice of Sesquicentennial cake.
Organizers are looking for participants for a Sesquicentennial Parade to take place at 3 p.m. on August 19th, following the same route as the Santa Claus Parade. The theme: 'Bradford Through the Ages'.
Anyone with antique farm equipment, classic or antique cars; representatives of Minor League sports, and hockey alumni of Bradford's historic teams (The Blues, Vasey Jrs., etc); choirs and bands - in fact, any community group, business or organization is invited to participate in this historic event.
The Town is looking for nominations for Parade Marshal; residents can nominate anyone for the honorary position. There will also be a contest for Junior Marshal."

Article on the service of World War I veteran, William J. Weyman, from his perspective in the 9th Scottish Highland Artillery Division, 50th Brigade. This edition of Bradford Today featured many aspects of the Bradford Remembrance Day Ceremony in 1991.

Image of an invoice from A. Sutherland Grocery on Holland Street. The invoice is dated June 12th, 1926 and to Hazel Campbell. Alexander Sutherland also operated a bakery on Simcoe Road. His wife, Elizabeth was the sister of Bessie Campbell (wife of William Campbell).