The Kilkenny family first opened a furniture and undertaker business at this same location in 1842. Their primary business was in cabinetmaking when it first opened. Thomas Kilkenny is said to have introduced the first hearse to Simcoe County around 1856.
This building was built around 1862. It was close to John Edmanson's Hotel which was a very important (and sometimes only) public building in town. Town Hall became the towns first community center and the town grew around these two buildings. Town Hall survived the Great Fire of 1871 but was damaged in the storm of 1875 and the bell tower was removed. The wooden front doors were replaced by glass. A World War I memorial used to be on the grounds (two crossed rifles). Up to the mid 1930's a weekly market day took place here.