As per the Wakefield System, the bailiff of Craigflower farm was supposed to be in a position of higher social class. This was certainly apparent in the case of Kenneth McKenzie through the variety of social activities that took place on the PSAC estate, and the invitations extended to Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie from a variety of important colonial and imperial officials, particularly through McKenzie's ties to the Royal Navy.

The Craigflower Farm was a popular destination for the sailors and officers of the ships at Esquimalt. Goodie McKenzie recounts several balls held with the participation from the young gentlemen officers of the Navy, and this photograph documents a picnic party with several officers, and the Craigflower farmhouse in the background, circa 1860. Courtesy BC Archives A-01441

The McKenzies were also popular among the higher ranks of the navy and other organizations. The family collection is full of invitations from all sorts of officials, from the governor and governor general, to other prominent figures in early Victoria. Continuing the theme of the Royal Navy, this dinner invitation was extended from Admiral George Fowler Hastings, circa 1866-69. There are many within the collection from various officers of the RN extending invitations to parties and dinners aboard their ships, both during their stay at Craigflower and after they had moved on to Lakehill.


BC Archives MS-2431 8/11