Embroidery done by students of a grade 7 class in Nain Labrador. Given to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (I.O.D.E).

Embroidery done by students of a grade 7 class in Nain Labrador. Given to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (I.O.D.E).

"Plans for Bradford's 150th Anniversary are well underway. On Tuesday night, in a meeting of Bradford West Gwillimbury Council, Manager of Recreation Nick Warman announced the winner of the Sesquicentennial Logo Contest. Local resident Chris Muncey was presented with a certificate of congratulations, a $100 Gift Certificate for recreation programs, and a copy of the logo..."

The Queen’s Hotel (located at 22 Holland St. West) was built circa 1850, and was originally the Western Hotel. This photo (taken in the fall of 1995) shows the structure just before a major renovation. The hotel went “dry” during World War I. Bradford, like all of Ontario, was experiencing prohibition (even though Bradford had voted “wet”). The building originally had two storeys. A third floor and a flat roof were added later. It was heated with an old steam engine that had the undercarriage removed. The engine first burnt 4’ stacks of hardwood, then coal, and finally, oil. Eventually a new furnace was installed (most likely natural gas). The building was always warm and thought of as a home away from home.
Harry Lang, Celina and their children (Evelyn, George and Audrey) moved here from North Bay and bought the building in the 1920’s. They ran the Temperance House, and a board and dining service at this location. They had long-time help and boarders. Little John Cook ran a shop selling ice cream, chocolate bars, and smokes on the east side (down one step). A bus stop was added when bus service started. Len and Art Saint put a cement addition on the back of the building around 1938. At the rear, there was a chicken house, a roofed, open shed, and a laneway. Another shed ran south, and to the west was an ice house. There was open space to the north before the laneway and a barn for hay and horses. The barn had two stories and below there was a pig sty. North of the laneway there was another open shed, car storage, and a cooking kitchen on the back of the hotel (a little east of the back entrance). Jack Wilson worked for Harry Lang for many years. Mitch Hepburn brought in beer in 1934 and the building opened as the Queen’s Hotel. Businessmen had to chip in to buy a liquor license and Hepburn was the first supplier. Business was excellent and the hotel was really crowded. Before the arrival of the beer, the locals had used it as a place to play dominoes and checkers, and to conduct hunt camp and other organizations’ meetings. (1, 2, 4)

Certificate of appreciation to the Town of Bradford for its support of the Scouts Jamboree in Australia in 1987/88.

Front Row: John G. Neilly (Farmer), James A. Neilly (Farmer), Joseph Neilly (Farmer), John Doolittle (Farmer) Middle Row: Samuel Neilly (Railroad), Matthew Neilly (Storekeeper), Robert Neilly (Hardware Store) Back Row: Dan Neilly (Tailor), J.D. Neilly (Farmer), John R. Neilly (Farmer), Andrew Neilly (Jeweller) This picture was sent to New York for the Shooting and Fishing Magazine. Robert, John G., James, Joseph, John D., Andrew, Matthew, and Daniel were all brothers.

Before the turn of the century, the Doolittle Rifle Club and the Neilly team were widely known as marksmen. This picture was taken in the 1890's after the 10 Neilly boys trounced the Barrie Rifle Club by more than 90 points. The Neillys were either brothers or first cousins except for John R. who was a second cousin. Front Row (l-r): John G. (grandfather of Hazel Kell, Kay Russell and Wilford Neilly's family), James A. (Etta Meredith's father), Joseph (went to Manitoba), John D. Doolittle, Gilford, captain of the club. Middle Row: Samuel (grandfather of Sam Neilly), Matthew, Robert (owner of a Bradford Hardware store), I. Neilly (school teacher in Pennsylvania), John D. (father of Lorne), John R. and Andrew (Bradford jeweller).

"Plans for Bradford's 150th Anniversary are well underway.
The deadline for groups and organizations to register their special Sesquicentennial events for inclusion in the Official calendar is April 1st, and the launch of over a year of celebration takes place May 27th at 3 p.m., with greetings from the Province, a declaration by the Mayor, Birthday cake, raising of the Sesquicentennial Flag, and a tongue-in-cheek skit bu the BDHS Drama Club, re-enacting the incorporation of the Town.
And organizers are already looking for participants for a Sesquicentennial parade, to take place on the afternoon of 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 nominate anyone - a local celebrity, sports volunteer, Minister, educator, or former Mayor - for the honorary position. There will also be a contest for Junior Marshal, details to be announced.
Parade application forms are now in the works, and should be available shortly. For more information, to get involved as a Sesquicentennial volunteer or committee member, or to register an official event, contact Joe Lotto at the Recreation Dept."

Contains articles, clippings, and photographs of Bradford West Gwillimbury sports and athletes

"Before the turn of the century, the Doolittle Rifle Club and the Neilly team were widely known as marksmen. This picture was taken in the 1890's after the 10 Neilly boys trounced the Barrie Rifle Club by more than 90 points. The Neillys were either brothers or first cousins except for John R. who was a second cousin."

Front row, left to right: John G. (grandfather of Hazel Kell, Kay Russell and Wilford Neilly's family), James A. (Etta Meredith's father), Joseph, John D. Doolittle (Gilford, captain of the club).
Middle row, left to right: Samuel (grandfather of Sam Neilly), Matthew (who lived where Neilly lives today), Robert (owner of a Bradford Hardware store)
Back Row, left to right: unknown, John D. (father of Lorne), John R. and Andrew (Bradford jeweler).