History of Macklin SK
Early in 1906, T. D. McCallum arrived in what is now know as Macklin, and a few months later the settlement took the name of Macklin. The town was named after the famous executive of the Winnipeg Free Press, and today all the streets in the town are named after men who have made their mark in Canada's journalistic world. Two days after McCallum arrived, after a long trek from Saskatoon, he was followed by W. Scott, who was the first Mayor of the town following its incorporation in 1912.
The first store was Braddon's general store and the first hotel was built in 1909. The first post office in the settlement was located a mile out of town and has now disappeared as has the Richmand ranch house which was destroyed by fire in 1953. The hospital in Macklin was built in 1927 and was operated by the Sisters of St. Elizabeth. At that time Dr. F. L. Eid was practicing in the district and has been followed by many other wonderful physicians.
After the Second World War the community cooperated in erecting a splendid Memorial Community Arena, the new church buildings and stores added to the general appearance of the town. Many of these facilities have been replaced since this time with the community continuing to prosper.
Macklin has survived a number of disasters, commencing with a miniature cyclone which hit the settlement in 1909. The cyclone destroyed the hotel while it was being constructed but rebuilding was started immediately. A few years later fire wiped out almost an entire block, including a drug store, bakery and furniture store. Then in 1934 the school was razed and the same fall the Pool elevators went up in flames. These setbacks did not deter the community and today Macklin is growing fast and on a sound basis. Many of the original structures have been replaced by modern facilities, new commercial enterprises have been established and a ever increasing oilfield industry has been established. The stories about the community are many and can be found in the community history book.
When in Macklin visit the memorials to our two most famous former residents: Agnes Bernice Fenwick Martin and Clarence Sutherland Campbell at 5002 and 4902 Herald Street respectively.
