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Old town hall once used for markets, masquerade balls, school, fire department

The two-storey building (now the Treasury Building) in downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury was built around 1830
2019-04-05-old town hall bradford
Old town hall in downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury in 1845. Photo courtesy of Nicholas Molnar

Old town hall, at 61 Holland St. E., in downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury was built around 1830. This postcard is from 1845. 

The two-storey classical revival building (now the Treasury Building) features a symmetrical facade and simplified temple form. Town hall became the town's first community centre and the town grew around this building.

The town hall survived the Great Fire of 1871 but was damaged in the storm of 1875 and the bell tower was removed. The wooden front doors were replaced by glass.

A First World War memorial used to be on the grounds (two crossed rifles). Back in the 1920s, couples dances were held for an admission of $2 a couple. Up to the mid-1930s, a weekly market day also took place there. As well, the building was used for a masquerade ball and musicals, and as a schoolhouse, conference room for local farmers in the 1960s, council chambers, fire department, and community hall.

Information from the BWG Public Library Archives and other online sources.