From the archives: Alexander Mackenzie

Nov. 13, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​Learn more about the city’s history from the Vaughan Archives

From the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island, to a farmland community, to a bustling city centre and everything in between – Vaughan’s transformation is a story worth telling. As part of a monthly series, the City of Vaughan is releasing historical content from the Vaughan Archives, Office of the City Clerk. Citizens are encouraged to scroll through memory lane, learn about the city’s past and explore the places, people and events that were pivotal to the development of the city of Vaughan we know today.

Alexander Mackenzie is the next feature in this archival series. Addison Alexander (Lex) Mackenzie (1885-1970) was born and raised in Woodbridge. He was born to Donald Mackenzie (1852-1945) and Lydia Ann Addison (1855-1939). Together, the pair had five children: Anne (1877-1969), William (1879-1880), Florence (1883-1968), Addison Alexander (Alexander) (1885-1970) and Donald Ross (1887-1918).

Alexander Mackenzie initially pursued a military career, joining the Governor General's Bodyguards (later the Governor General's Horse Guards) in 1904 as a private and later attained the rank of Squadron Sergeant-Major. He received a commission to Lieutenant in 1912.

In 1915, he was transferred to France as part of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery at "Regina Trench" during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He attained the rank of Major before being severely wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 and being sent home to Canada to recover.

After the war, Mackenzie took up farming. He also entered municipal politics, serving as Councillor for the Village of Woodbridge from 1922 to 1926, as Reeve (previous title given to Mayors) of the Village and a member of the York County Council from 1927 to 1935. He went on to serve in provincial politics as a Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly for York North from 1945 until his retirement in 1967. Mackenzie was also a member of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (1961-1970), a charter member of the Woodbridge Horticultural Society, and an honorary life member of the York Pioneer and Historical Society.

Mackenzie died on May 13, 1970. The Woodbridge branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is named in his honour, as is Major Mackenzie Drive. In 1973, the Mackenzie home was moved to Black Creek Pioneer Village and, in 1974, the house was officially opened to the public.

ABOUT VAUGHAN ARCHIVES
Established in 1988, the City of Vaughan Archives is home to more than 600 collections, consisting of both City records and cultural records about Vaughan from 1860 to present day. Records include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • City business records with long-term legal and administrative value, such as Council meeting minutes, by-laws, assessment rolls, financial records, reports and official correspondence
  • church, community and school records
  • census records
  • historical photographs
  • land records
  • historical maps, plans and aerial photographs
  • newspapers
  • personal papers of past residents and founding families, such as diaries, family histories, journals and letters
  • records of local organizations both past and present

VIEW VAUGHAN’S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
As part of the City's COVID-19 response, Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public – but the City’s Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The below galleries are now available in the City’s online gallery on Flickr:

  • Featured Artists of Vaughan
  • Historical Families of Vaughan
  • Historical Figures: Lord Beaverbrook
  • Historical Photography
  • Recollections of Rural Vaughan
  • The Mary Wood Collection
  • The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan’s Past
  • Vaughan Working Environments
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Music
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Sports and Recreation
  • Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes
  • Stories of Remembrance

A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City’s online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a certain image, original file, primary source record or more, contact the Vaughan Archives by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.

By managing and preserving both City and community records, the Archives and Records Management Services team ensures that Vaughan’s rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.

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