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Raising the barn

Barn-raisings were a newsworthy community event
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Old photo of the barn-raising for T.H. Thorpe; women provided the meal. From Governor Simcoe Slept Here, the legacy of West Gwillimbury.

Postcard Memories is a series of historic views and photos of Bradford West Gwillimbury, a trip down memory lane on a Saturday morning.

According to the Bradford Witness, June 21, 1900 edition: “On Wednesday, June the 13th, a barn-raising was held at Mr. T.H.Thorpe’s, about 100 men being present. Everything went off in first-class style and there was considerable competition between the two sides as to which would be finished first.”

The article goes on to report, “A bountiful supper was provided and ably served by the many ladies present. Later in the evening a most enjoyable time was spent by the young people in dancing and promenading.”

Details from Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The legacy of West Gwillimbury.