The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury has a long history, even predating Confederation by 10 years.
But in that time there are bound to be bits of local history even the oldest residents may not know.
Did you know…
Bradford West Gwillimbury has an official flower. It’s Rudbeckia, the Black-eyed Susan. The flower was chosen when the town participated in Communities in Bloom back in the 1990s - a national competition that encourages municipalities to “enhance green spaces in communities” through horticulture, environmental action and heritage conservation. Categories are determined by population, and BWG was in competition with its neighbour, Innisfil. Innisfil chose the daisy as its flower; BWG picked Black-eyed Susan and edged out Innisfil in the scoring.
One of the first real-estate tycoons in Bradford was a woman. Letitia Magee came to West Gwillimbury from Ireland and obtained a large block of land from the crown, in the vicinity of what is now Holland St. and Barrie St., in Downtown Bradford. In 1830, she subdivided and sold lots to the next wave of settlers. Much of her life seems to be a mystery.
BWG has Canada’s only “heraldic cow” in its Coat of Arms. In 1991, when West Gwillimbury Township, a snippet of Tecumseth Twp. and the Town of Bradford were amalgamated into Bradford West Gwillimbury, a new official Coat of Arms was created by combining elements of Bradford’s Coat of Arms, including its maple leaves and two horses, and the crest of West Gwillimbury, including its cornucopia, wheat sheave and cow of West Gwillimbury. An expert called in from the Canadian Heraldic Authority objected, arguing that the cow is not a heraldic animal – but Councillor and dairy farmer Betty Lou Vanderpost insisted, and the cow was included. There was one disappointment. Vanderpost wanted the cow to be a Holstein; it looks more like a Jersey.
Sticking with the Town crest, take a closer look at the medallions on the two horses. The one on the left has a tulip, honouring Samuel Holland, who first surveyed the area and gave his name to the Holland Marsh and river. The horse on the right wears a lion, representing the family of Lady Elizabeth Gwillim, wife of Governor John Graves Simcoe. And the motto, Ex Tria Unum (in English, From Three, One), refers to the amalgamation of West Gwillimbury, the town of Bradford, and a portion of Tecumseth Twp., to create Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Ever watch the TV show Restoration Garage? It’s filmed at the real-life Guild of Automotive Restorers, located at 44 Bridge St., and stars owner David Grainger and his staff. The garage is located in the former Bak’s Market, one of the first farmers’ markets selling Holland Marsh produce to the cottage-going crowd. The Guild has retained the Market’s distinctive windmill on its roof.
Do you have a little-known story or fact about BWG? Share it with us! Email the details and any photos to [email protected].
