The building seen in this photo (from 1995) was once located on the north side at 9 John St. West. It was a long, one-storey, frame house with a verandah on the south side and a small porch on the east side (facing Barrie Street). Dick Crake and his sister lived here for a number of years after he moved from a large house on the northwest corner of Holland and Church Streets. They both died here around the time of World War II. John Metcalfe later moved here from a farm on Highway 88 (at the west end of town). He lived in the house as a bachelor until his death. The house was eventually demolished and the Bradford Post Office was built by Art and Leonard Saint at this location. (1, 2)

Contains news clippings and articles on West Gwillimbury

This photo was taken soon after the post office was built.

"Mr. Charles Melbourne has been awarded the contract for another term of carrying His Majesty's mail between Bradford and Newton Robinson. It would be difficult to improve upon Charley."

"OTTAWA, Aug 5-The Honourable Jean-Paul Deschatelets, Minister of Public works, today announced the award of a $101,600 contract to the Gorsline Construction Limited of Weston, Ont., for the construction of a Federal Building at Bradford, Ont.
The firm was the successful bidder of four in response to advertising for public tenders which closed on June 10, 1964. The highest bid was $106, 396. The work is scheduled for completion in 10 months.
The one storey building, measuring 72 feet by 62 feet, will be located on the northwest corner of John and Barrie Streets. It will be of concrete and steel construction with an exterior finished in brick and the base covered with Canadian granite. The main entrance canopy will be of reinforced concrete and steel construction.
The interior partition will be of masonry construction and the finished will include plaster, terrazzo, ceramic tile, acoustic tile ceilings and linoleum floor covering.
The windows will be sealed, double glazed units, installed in aluminum frames. Lighting will be fluorescent and heating will be from a gas fired hot water system.
The parking area at the rear and side will be asphalt covered, while the north, west and south boundary lines will be closed in with a chain link fence.
Accommodation will be provided for the Post Office Department and the Department of Agriculture.
Plans and specifications were prepared in the Toronto District Architect's Office of the Department of Public Works. I.M. Saunders, District Architect of Toronto, Ont., will be responsible for supervision of the work."

"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."

Article features news on construction for the new post office over the land of the old gaol, the history of the old fire hall and the opening of the Holland Theatre.

"Harold Stephens, rural mail carrier on the Lefroy route for 22 years, died January 13 in his 71st year. He had been in failing health for some time and for that reason gave up the mail route two years ago. Mr. Stephens had seen many changes in Innisfil since starting to drive the mail about 1952. Most of the 18-mile route was gravel then. Initially, he called at 75 boxes and when he retired he was serving 150 boxholders. In an interview with Scope at that time, he recalled gasoline was only 25 cents a gallon when he first took over the mail route. The deceased saw the end of the era of mail coming to Lefroy by train and the start of truck service. He used to meet the train at 11 o'clock each morning in the early years and part of his contract included delivery of the mail bag for Churchill to the post office there. On retirement he noted the vast decrease in parcels from Eaton's and Simpson's over the years. Harold Stephen's moved to Lot 20, Concession 4 in 1931 and upon retirement from farming a few years ago, built a new house on the farm lane. He grew up at Churchill on the 5th Line, west of Highway 11 where his parents, Llewyn and Lizzie Stephens farmed. He is ervived by his wife, Phyliss and daughter Mary Ann and several step children. A brother, Jim and sister, Doreen also survive. He was predeceased by brothers, Fred and Glen and sister, Eleanor."

Contains news clippings and articles on Bradford

A photograph of the Bradford Post Office, taken by Lewis (Lew) Campbell in 1938.