Vassar's first inhabitants settled in 1896 with the
railroad's arrival. Vassar was named after Sir William Mackenzie's (a key figure in Canada's railway expansion) sister-in-law, Rosanna (Rose) Vassar, who had married Sir William's brother, Alexander. The first store,
post office, and
school were all built in the early 1900s. A hotel was built in the late 1920s and parts of that building are incorporated into a current motel. == Notable people ==