20 Division Street South

When Dr. Jenner decided to move from Kingsville to Essex in 1896, he sold his practice to Dr. William J. McKenzie of White Birch, Wisconsin. Dr. McKenzie set up his office in the east side of the DeJean Block on Main St. W. and lived in the apartment upstairs. Florence Arnold was six years old when she lost her father. Florence, her sister Hattie and their mother came to Kingsville to live with her aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wigle.  Four months later, Florence’s mother died of “consumption” and the girls were raised by the Wigles. Florence was a teacher when she met Dr. McKenzie and they were married in 1903. Construction of this house began in April 1904 and the McKenzies moved in the week before Christmas. Dr. McKenzie worked and lived in this home until his death in 1943, Flossie having predeceased him in 1922.

Dr. Jenner has sold his practice here to Dr. Wm. J. McKenzie of White Birch, Wisconsin, formerly of Duluth. The latter is well and favorably known in and around Essex where he practiced a few years ago during his brother Dr. George McKenzie’s absence at the Post graduate school in New York. Kingsville is getting a good man to follow Dr. Jenner.

The Kingsville Reporter, April 10, 1896 p.5

PASSING OF MRS (DR.) McKENZIE

The death of Mrs. McKenzie, wife of Dr. W.J. McKenzie, Kingsville, occurred at their home, Monday, Sept 18th. Mrs. McKenzie, who before her marriage, was Miss Florence Mildred Arnold, was born in St. Mary’s forty-two years ago. When she was six years of age, her father died, and her mother, with her two daughters Hattie and Florence, came to make their home with Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wigle, Kingsville, Mrs. Wigle being Mrs. Arnold’s sister. Four months later, the mother passed away, leaving the girls a legacy of love to the uncle and aunt, from whom they received all the care and attention love and unselfishness could suggest. Mrs. McKenzie receiver (sic) her early education in the public school, Kingsville, and after four years in the High School, Essex, was graduated with a first-class certificate. After teaching two years in the public school, Essex, she was married in Nov. 1903. Since her marriage, she has lived constantly in Kingsville, and through the conscientious exercise of unusual gifts of heart and mind, has rendered a lasting service to a constantly increasing circle of friends. Her radiant personality and unselfish life leaves aching hearts among her many relatives and friends. She diffused cheer and happiness wherever she went, and her very life was given to those with whom she came in contact. When a girl, she joined the Methodist church and the funeral service was conducted at the house by her pastor, Rev. J.W. Hibbert. She was laid to rest in Greenhill cemetery, Wednesday afternoon.

The Essex Free Press, September 22, 1922 p.5

Will someone please tell Dr. McKenzie where he can borrow his wheelbarrow for a few days?

The Kingsville Reporter, September 22, 1926 p.5

Eyesight Specialist Opens Office In Town of Kingsville

A new professional practice will open in Kingsville next week when Mr. M.R. Gardner, registered optometrist and eyesight specialist, will open an office in the former Dr. McKenzie home on the corner of Division and Pearl Streets.
Mr. Gardner is installing modern equipment to enable him to give the finest eye examinations and prescribe the most accurate of prescriptions. He will also administer orthoptic or muscular treatments.
Mr. Gardner is fully equipped and prepared to make proper fittings and has on hand the latest in frames, including personality shell frames for the young lady.
Mr. Gardner will open his practice in Kingsville next Wednesday afternoon and will be in his office every Wednesday afternoon and all day Saturday thereafter. Appointments may be made any time by calling at his office or by phoning 149. He invites the people of Kingsville and district to consult him for diagnosis and repairs.
Mr. Gardner, who also has a thriving practice in Windsor, attended Wayne University, Detroit, for two years, and Assumption College, Windsor, for two years. He received his degree in optometry from the Ontario College of Optometry and the University of Toronto. He has been practicing in Windsor for the past three years.

The Essex County Reporter, June 1, 1944 p.1

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