The Stokes/Kydd House: From Family Farm to Historical Landmark

Nestled on the scenic grounds of the Uxbridge Historical Centre, the Stokes/Kydd House stands as a proud reminder of Uxbridge’s rich agricultural and civic heritage. The Historical Centre itself is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of the township’s past, with a collection of heritage buildings, artifacts, and archives that showcase the people and places that helped shape the community. Today, the Stokes/Kydd House serves as an important part of that mission—housing museum staff, historical records, and countless artifacts that connect Uxbridge’s present to its past.

Stokes/Kydd House Uxbridge

This brick and concrete block Edwardian-style home was built in 1908 by George Stokes, on his family farm located just east of the present-day Uxbridge Secondary School, on the south side of Brock Street East. Stokes was a well-respected community figure who, according to the Uxbridge Historical Centre, “held several prominent positions in the community such as Councillor, Deputy Reeve, Reeve, and Treasurer of the Agricultural Society.” His home reflected both his stature and the optimism of a growing town at the turn of the century.

Stokes/Kydd House Uxbridge

Years later, the home was purchased by George and Nellie Kydd. Nellie would go on to make her own mark in Uxbridge’s history, becoming the town’s first female mayor in 1963—a remarkable achievement that paved the way for future generations of women in local politics.

Stokes/Kydd House Uxbridge

When the Stokes farm was sold in 2002 to accommodate the expansion of Uxbridge Secondary School and the development of the Coral Creek subdivision, the historic house faced an uncertain future. Thankfully, it was carefully relocated from the east side of town to the west side, finding a new home at the Uxbridge Historical Centre, where it was preserved for future generations. Today, Planks Lane extends through to Nelkydd Lane, named in Nellie’s honour—a lasting tribute to her contributions to the town she helped shape.

Stokes/Kydd House Uxbridge

The plaque on the front of the building showing the Stokes/Kydd House is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act as a Heritage Building.

Stokes/Kydd House Uxbridge. Photo courtesy of the Uxbridge Historical Centre Facebook page.

The above photo of the Stokes/Kydd House is courtesy of the Uxbridge Historical Centre Facebook page.

The building now houses the Historical Centre’s offices and gallery shop.

For many longtime residents, the memory of the original Stokes farm still lingers. Students of Uxbridge Secondary School and Joseph Gould Senior Public School who attended before 2002 will recall the sight—and sounds—of cows grazing in the field that bordered the schoolyard and track. It’s said that during football games, the cows could often be heard “cheering” from the sidelines, a charming reminder of Uxbridge’s rural roots.

Today, the Stokes/Kydd House stands as more than just a preserved structure—it’s a bridge between the town’s agricultural past and its vibrant present, embodying the enduring spirit of the people who have shaped Uxbridge for over a century.

If you’d like to experience a piece of this history firsthand, visit the Uxbridge Historical Centre to see the Stokes/Kydd House and explore the many exhibits that celebrate the heritage of our community.

7239 Concession 6, Uxbridge

The following photos show the present day high school parking lot and the school running track where the Stokes/Kydd house once stood.