Postcard Memories is a series of historic views, stories and photos of Bradford West Gwillimbury, a trip down memory lane on a Saturday morning.
In 1957, the town of Bradford celebrated 100 years since its incorporation. To mark the occasion, The Bradford Witness published Bradford’s Centennial Anniversary book, and the town itself held ‘Gala Days.’
On Aug. 4, 5, 6 and 7 of 1957, the celebrations included wrestling, Veteran’s Day, sports activities - from a softball tournament, to lacrosse and soccer games; a street dance; and a massive Centennial Parade down Holland St. on Aug. 5, that saw crowds line the parade route 4 and 5 people deep.
Participating in the parade were local businesses and organizations, including the Bradford Lions who won a prize for their float; antique cars; local dignitaries; a float bearing three members of the 1909 Intermediate Lacrosse Championship team; drum majorettes, and bands that included the Newmarket Citizens Band, Bowmanville Legion Pipe Band, Riverdale Trumpet Band, and Aurora Comic Band.
The Town even chose a Centennial Beauty Queen – Mary Kavchak – who rode the route in a convertible Ford Fairlane.
A baby contest, beard-growing contest, soap box derby, carnival rides at the Community Centre – the celebration wrapped up with a “mammoth fireworks display on Community Centre grounds,” and a Nightshirt Parade from the firehall on Barrie St.
Details from the Archives at the BWG Public Library.
