Soldiers breaking camp during the First World War.

This item is believed to be a “Holdall,” which would have been used during World War One to keep items together. Holdalls would contain various items needed for personal use and hygiene such as utensils, comb. sewing kit ("Housewife"), shaving equipment, toothbrush, etc. It is stamped with, "1916 W [arrow symbol] D 25." The arrow symbol was used by the British government to denote government property and was used in various parts of the British empire, the "WD" indicates that the item belonged to the British War Department and the "1916" indicates the year.

Soldiers in front of Queen's Hotel on Holland Street, taking a break on their long march to Fort York for their winter dwelling and training. The soldiers were stationed at Camp Borden, but lack of shelter and proper living conditions forced nearly 5000 troops to march from Barrie to Toronto in October 1917.

“Soldiers on the March
On Tuesday the first detachment of soldiers en route to Toronto arrived in Cookstown. About half-past two the citizens lined the streets to welcome the boys. At three o’clock, amidst great cheering, led be a band of pipers, the 48th Highlanders, after a bloodless skirmish with the Mounted Rifles of Hamilton, marched into town and encamped at the camp prepared for them by the C.A.S.C. on the Fair grounds. The ladies of Cookstown have undertaken to supply pies for the soldiers. On Tuesday everyone nobly responded, over one hundred and fifty pies were obtained.”

"Military Concert
A grand military concert was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. This concert far surpassed anything Cookstown had seen before. The hall was crowded with a very enthusiastic audience, many of whom had to stand. Rev. W. Creswick presided, and Lieut. White at the piano. Some of the leading items on the programme were given by Pte. MacDonald, who imitated a brass band in his throat. Pte. Gant, slack wire artist, won great applause, and Pte. Pass, comedian, was very much enjoyed also. After the concert supper was given to the entertainers."

"Won Military Medal
The following letter gives details of Corporal Wm G. Spence's death and burial:
France Oct 8th, 1918
Mr. James Spence, Bradford, Ontario Canada
Dear Mr. Spence - it is my very painful duty to have to inform you that your son, No. 345884, Corp. W.G. Spence, was killed in action on the 28th Sept., 1918. He was killed while leading his gun crew forward taking part in the attack on enemy positions close to Bourlou Wood.
At a time like this one almost feels that words are useless, but I would like to express to you my sincere sympathy for you in your bereavement, and it is always nice to know that someone, other than oneself, has known and appreciated he who has gone. Corpl. Spence has been with this Company for quite a lone time now, and will be greatly missed by everyone. He was always well liked by the man, and as a N.C.O. [non-commissioned officer], I always found him all that could be desired.
I am glad to be able to tell you that since I commence to write you I have received notice that Corpl. Spence has been awarded the Military Medal for good work in a previous operation. I might tell you that he won this for very good work while taking part in the attack close to Arras on the 2nd Sept. 1918.
I am enclosing herewith a ring which Corpl. Spence left out of the line with one of the other men. He wished it to be sent to you.
It will doubtless be a consolation for you to know that he was buried in the British military cemetery at Quarry Wood, close to the Canal du Nord.
Again assuring you of my sincere sympathy, believe me to remain,
Yours very truly,
F.J. Burke,
Captain, O.C. "D" [Company], 38th [Canadian Infantry Battalion]."

Private William R. Sturgeon, Service No. 3038445 of the Central Ontario Regiment, World War I.

Letter about unproductive land and a copy of a bill passed by the Ontario Legislature regarding the cultivation of vacant land (mentioned as an enclosure in the letter).

"Bradford Army and Navy Veterans had a fowl dinner and get-together in their new club rooms on the evening of Remembrance Day, Friday, Nov. 11th, when veterans and a few invited guests to the number of nearly forty, sat down to the wonderful repast provided. Before partaking of the meal two minutes' silence were observed in memory of comrades who fell in the Great War. After dinner Rev. C.H. Forth, who, it was announced, had accepted the office of Honorary Chaplain of the Bradford branch of the Army and Navy Veterans, occupied the chair, when a programme of short speeches and music was carried out. Reeve Nolan, who was one of those present, during his remarks, complimented the local Veterans upon the most able manner in which they arranged and carried out their big three days' celebration the past summer, and assured them that if they attempted another such affair in the future they would receive even a greater measure of support from the public of Bradford.
The Veterans are to be complimented upon the transformation they have made in the appearance of the large room above the Fire Hall, which they are now using as their club room. We would suggest that anyone who has an easy chair which they have discarded or put away in the attic to be forgotten, might get in touch with the Veterans, who could make good use of it in their club room."

Letters related to World War One victory bonds.

"The Canadian Government sold Victory Bonds to Canadian citizens, private corporations and various organizations in order to raise funds to pay for the war. The bonds were a loan to the government that could be redeemed with interest after 5,10, or 20 years and were released during 5 different campaigns between 1915 and 1919. In 1915 a hundred million dollars worth of Victory Bonds was issued and quickly purchased."