SMITHFIELD  Page 2  Industries carried on in Smithfield were lumbering, farming, milling and cutting pulp wood. In later years,   mills  in the settlement were closed and the logs were floated down to Sherbrooke, where they were sawed. Logs gave way to pulp wood, which was also floated to Sherbrooke, from where it was shipped to different parts of the world. Farms were cleared especially along the river, where the soil was more fertile. Most of these first farms are still being worked today.  The first school was built of logs on what is now the property of Ellis Demmons. Jennie MacKenzie taught in this building. The second school was a board house owned by the Smith family. It was situated on the property now belonging to Sarah H. Smith. Jennie MacKenzie also taught in this building. The third school building was built by William Smith about 1864, and is the present building. It has been improved from time to time. In 1929 a Public Speaking Contest was held in the District of St. Mary's. A Silver Cup was presented by C.W. Anderson M.P.P. and was won by a pupil( Jean MacIntosh) in the Smithfield school.  The first teacher in the present school was James Finley. Others were Willington Archibald, David Kirk, Rev. J.H. Kirk, and Agnes Hattie.

The first transportation was done in canoe. The settlers went to Sherbrooke after provision, where it was landed by vessels. They had to "pole" the boat back which was very difficult work. The first settlers also went by horseback to Halifax to buy flour. After the roads were made they traveled by cart using either oxen or horses.  The first church was built by the Smithfield and Lower Caledonia people. It still stands and is known as the "John Campbell Church". (Presbyterian) It was built in the years 1877 and 1878. Alex Cameron from Lochaber was the carpenter. The first minister was Rev. C.D. Pitblado.  The first settlers' clothing was all hand made. Woolen clothing was woven by the women and clothes were made for all the family. There were no luxuries in either clothing or food. The food eaten was that which could be obtained at home, such as meat, fish (salmon and trout), and home made meal.  The first Post Office was kept by John William Archibald. In 1907 it was moved to the home of George B. MacIntosh where it still remains. This Office is known as Smithfield. Another Post Office is at Upper Smithfield. Parker R. Smith is the Postmaster.

Left to right: Sidney MacIntosh, Jean MacIntosh who wrote this History of Smithfield,  Reverend Archibald, Elma Fraser Perry, who contributed the history to this site, and Earl Smith.