The McKenzie family’s arrival in Chestermere in 1909 marked the beginning of a profound journey that intertwined their lives with the growth and prosperity of the community. The family consisted of John McKenzie, his wife Kate, and their children John, George, Jane, and Agnes. John McKenzie’s encounter with D.J. Dewar, a real estate agent, led them to acquire land near Chestermere Lake, where they started their homestead. They faced initial hardships, including a barren year in 1910.
The arrival of the Canadian National Railway (CNR) in Chestermere brought both opportunities and challenges for the McKenzie family and the community at large. As the railway grade was being constructed through their land, the McKenzie family found themselves amidst a bustling village of tents where railway workers resided. While this presented economic opportunities, it also brought disruptions and changes to their daily lives.
John was contracted to build an allotment of grades. He took on the task by himself, as he couldn’t afford to hire additional help. This endeavour was particularly arduous for John, who had recently recovered from a serious injury sustained while logging timber in British Columbia.
“Due to the heat, flies, and lack of sanitary facilities, typhoid broke out in one of the camps, and one man died. Many workers panicked and left, leaving their allotments unfinished. Father tried to do some breaking but could not keep the plow on the hard ground. In desperation, they borrowed the money and had it done by steam plow,” said Jane and Agnes in the book “Chestermere, a home for all seasons.”
In 1911, they seized the opportunity of a bountiful year, leveraging their newfound success to invest wisely in their farm. With the purchase of essential equipment such as a binder for $185.00 and lumber for granaries, the family expanded their operations and maximized their harvest. Despite initial skepticism from neighbours, their hard work paid off when their granaries overflowed with a successful crop of oats, demonstrating their foresight and dedication to their agricultural pursuits. John McKenzie’s strategic decision to haul their entire oat crop to Calgary to supply livery stables further solidified their financial stability.
As the years passed, the McKenzie family’s efforts bore fruit. Successful harvests and wise investments allowed them to expand their operations, contributing to the agricultural prosperity of the region. They embraced technological advancements, such as purchasing their first car in 1916, which not only facilitated their farm work but also symbolized their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Little John went to Agricultural College in 1922–23 at Gleichen and Claresholm. By 1940, he had also taken over the farm from his father. Despite enduring the tragic loss of George McKenzie in 1926, the family remained resilient, with Jane McKenzie becoming a respected educator, further solidifying their ties to Chestermere and its surrounding areas.
The passing of John McKenzie in 1950 marked the end of an era, but the family’s legacy continued to thrive through subsequent generations. Kate McKenzie, the matriarch, remained a steadfast presence in the community until her passing in 1967.
From the pioneers who tamed the land to the entrepreneurs who built businesses, each individual and family has played a vital role in shaping the community’s identity and prosperity. Kay Clarke, a descendant of the original McKenzie family, still resides on the historic family homestead in Chestermere. Situated at the southeast corner of the town, this farm has been a cherished part of the McKenzie family’s heritage for generations.
