History of Kirkfield

In 1836, the first settler, named Alexander Munro, came to Kirkfield. In the autumn of 1859, a one-room log tavern, general store and a few houses were built.

The Toronto and Nipissing Railway was extended to Kirkfield in 1972 thus increasing the population once again. The chief credit for material progress was given to John MacKenzie and his sons William, Alexander, Ewen, Duncan and John. The MacKenzies established flour mills, woolen mills, and a sash, door and planing mill. They were also large grain buyers, dealers in telegraph poles, posts, railroad ties, and contractors for the construction of railroads.

Kirkfield was incorporated as a Police Village in 1905 and still maintains this status. From 1880 to 1920 Kirkfield was a very prosperous community. They had a blacksmith shop, jewellery store, tinsmith, butcher shop, furniture store, bakeshop, shingle mill, woolen store, shoemaker, harness shop, wagon shop, veterinarian and doctor. All of the mills that the MacKenzie family created were dependent on the use of steam. The disappearance of Northern forests and the consequent lack of cheap fuel made steam-power mills impracticable and industry in Kirkfield faded.

In January of 1925, the whole business block was wiped out by fire. Kirkfield never rebuilt to its former stature.