"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."

Part 1 of a three part short series on the life of Elizabeth (Gwillim) Simcoe, wife of Lieut-Governor John Graves Simcoe of Upper Canada.

Part 2 of a three part short series on the life of Elizabeth (Gwillim) Simcoe, wife of Lieut-Governor John Graves Simcoe of Upper Canada.

Part 3 of a three part short series on the life of Elizabeth (Gwillim) Simcoe, wife of Lieut-Governor John Graves Simcoe of Upper Canada.

"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."

"As part of Bradford's Sesquicentennial celebration, a new group has been formed. The Gwillim group - many of the same people who have been involved in the town's Downtown Revitalization, Communities in Bloom and local history - is dedicated to introducing a more cultural element to the community..."

"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 Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, she was an ardent traveller, a hostess equally at home in the wilderness and high society, and an accomplished artist. The Gwillim Group has commissioned a bronze and rock sculpture, by artist Brenda Wainman Goulet, which will be placed in the parkette beside the Post Office on Barrie St.
The Gwillim Group is holding a fundraising Dinner Theatre event tonight, June 9, in partnership with the Bradford District High School Drama Club. The students will present a homorous production of "Happy Birthday Bradford, or Who want a carrot for a mascot?" - while the Group serve up a Spaghetti Dinner, with Strawberry Shortcake for dessert, and there will be a silent auction of items that include an original painting by local artist Kathryn Bury."

"When the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury announced that it would mark Bradford's 150th Anniversary with a series of special events starting Dec. 31st, 2007 and culminating with the Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2008, there were protests: The incorporation of the village of Bradford took place on May 27, 1857 - and although the inaugural meeting of the Council was held January 1st, 1858, the sesquicentennial year is clearly 2007..."

Newspaper article expressing interest in renaming streets to honour Bradford's history, and including plaques at the roadsides to explain the significance.

Contains misc. items, lettered P- Z