Brackendale was named for Thomas Hirst Bracken, Brackendale's first postmaster, who also operated a general store and the Bracken Arms Hotel. When the hotel burned down he returned to England and died there.
Thomas Hirst Bracken was appointed the initial postmaster for Brackendale. In addition to this role, he managed a general store and the Bracken Arms Hotel. After the hotel suffered a fire, he relocated to England where he later died.