Postcard Memories is a series of historic views, stories and photos of Bradford West Gwillimbury, a trip down memory lane on a Saturday morning.
On Highway 11, just north of Bradford sits a home built in 1850 which was once the county's only bed and breakfast.
In 1963, Shirley and Ross Clubine took over the Clubine family farm, located on Highway 11 just north of Bradford, a brick farmhouse built in 1850 and transformed it into the county's first bed and breakfast, Country Guest House.
They replaced the front entry and, using family photographs, repaired and restored the verandah. A sign "Country Guest Home" went up at the end of a drive lined with majestic maple trees.
It was the first of its kind in Simcoe County, and health inspectors were weary of its opening, but after coming for a visit with the Clubines, they opened without issue.
Shirley's baked goods and fresh jams became staples at the breakfast table at the Guest House, which brought back visitors over and over again. Shirley did most of the cooking and housekeeping, while Ross entertained the guests, some of who came as far as Europe.
The Guest House remained open year-round, with summer being their peak season.
Ross passed away in 1985 and Shirley in 1993. They are both buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, on land that is still part of the farm.
The bed and breakfast no longer exists and is a privately owned property. Owners have had trespassing issues over the years but remind residents no visitors are permitted.
-from the BWGPL Archives
