Top 3 Abandoned Places In Bradford

There are so many abandoned places in Bradford! This is a list of the top three abandoned places in Bradford. Browse through all abandoned places in Bradford

1. School Of The Unknown

I was told by a Bradford resident that this is an inactive high school. I could not find any information on the history of the building, but the exterior is absolutely beautiful.

Dec 15, 2015 |

SCDSB sells former Bradford District High School building to town

Bradford West Gwillimbury Topic
By Brea Bartholet

Admirers of the old Bradford District High School, located at 28 Queen St., can rest a little easier following an announcement on Dec. 14 regarding the building’s fate.

In order to maintain the heritage building, which was designated in 2013, Bradford West Gwillimbury recently decided to invest in preserving the past by purchasing the old high school from the Simcoe County District School Board for $501,000 – which has stood vacant for a number of years.

The two-story Greek classical revival building is certainly a unique feature in Simcoe County, as its façade is almost unchanged from when it first opened its doors in 1923.

The property itself is made up of approximately 8,500 ft2 of floor space, as well as a vast amount of lawn surrounding the building.
Talks of what the space could be used for have varied over the years and have included ideas such as a senior’s space, condos or town offices. A petition is also now circulating from a local arts group, asking for support from residents to turn the building into a dedicated art and culture space.

Mayor Rob Keffer, who supported the historical designation of the building when he served as deputy mayor, says the purchase was made to ensure the local piece of history is well preserved and utilized.

“Properties like this are rare in our community and we want to take best possible advantage of the space. Council has several exciting ideas for the property but prior to making any decisions, we will consult with the community.”

The town expects to take possession of the property by the end of January next year.

2. Pinkerton Farm

This farm has been abandoned for a few years. Can be seen from Highway 400, but remains hidden behind a long driveway and trees. The farm includes a large brick farmhouse, a workshop, and large barn that is on the verge of collapse. There are no neighbours within site of the farm, but the long driveway is very open to view.

The house is the largest farmhouse I have seen. Inside is in great condition, no vandalism and all windows remain intact. A very well built structure, looks like it could be used again after some fixing up. The rooms are a good size and the house is much larger inside than it appears from the exterior. Someone has gained an entry point by pushing in the side door, and some chairs have been set up in the living room, but the house is fairly clean, with the exception of the washrooms which have been trashed. Hopefully this house will remain off the vandals hit list.

The workshop is not in great condition. The upper level floor is weak and has open holes, do not go in there. A huge bear skin hangs on the far wall, but you cannot get there safely. The lower levels show this was tool room and workshop for JR Racing, and some very colourful posters of the day remain hanging. The calendar on the wall is from 1990.

The barn is very large, but unstable. I did not go inside or get too close, not much to see here.

3. Pinkerton Church

Formerly known as St. Luke(a)s Anglican Church in the once named hamlet of Pinkerton. The church was originally established in 1871, I dont believe this is the original structure, trying to find out more about the history. The church is now abandoned and shows no signs of ever being a church, except of course for the stained glass windows and the obvious architecture. It appears to have been sold to private ownership, however it has been sat dormant for at least three years.

The hamlet of Pinkerton once boasted a vibrant farming community, including a one room schoolhouse, which has been renovated and now serves as a residence. Another abandoned farmhouse at the country crossroads was burned down last year, however its collapsed barn remains, as do other various abandoned farm buidlings in the nearby area.

The hamlet of Pinkerton, now only a crossroads that was long forgotten by the opening of Highway 400, still appears on some modern maps.