Dundela

Dundela was a significant village in Matilda Township with a rich history tied to early settlers. The settlement was originally known as McIntosh’s Corners. In 1865, the post office was opened, and the village was renamed Dundela. The name was chosen to honor Miss Delia Dillabough, the daughter of long-time resident James Dillabough, following a "tea-meeting" held at the Munroe Church.

Dundela is the birthplace of the McIntosh Red Apple. The original tree was discovered by Allan McIntosh. Historical records in the sources identify a local nursery business, McIntosh & Smith, operating in the village as of 1905. In 1905, Dundela had a population of 450, making it one of the larger villages in the township.

The village was a bustling commercial center with a wide range of professionals and tradesmen, including:

Postmaster and General Store: Ezra McIntosh.
Legal and Medical: Barrister G.K. Casselman, Dentist Howard Shell, and Vet Surgeon Harvey McIntosh.
Agriculture and Manufacturing: Tackabery & Logo (cheese makers), John Johnston (flour mill), and nurserymen McIntosh & Smith.
Trades: Howard Casselman (blacksmith), Alex Hunter (carriage maker), M. Lewis (carpenter), and the Shell Bros (contractors).

Dundela Methodist Church also known as the Munroe Church, was founded in association with Gilbert Munroe. The church was built in 1881 and was recognized as the largest appointment on its circuit. In 1903, the congregation invested $500 in repairs to the building.

The local school, S.S. No. 9 Dundela, was located on the north side of Lot 9, Concession 4 in Matilda. Mary McLellan was an early teacher at McIntosh's Corners (Dundela). She famously boarded with William Steed and recalled sleeping comfortably in a "hollow log bed" made from a six-foot basswood log. The school closed in 1963, after which students were sent to Iroquois Public School or Dixon’s Corners. The building was converted into the Dundela Community Centre and features a mural painted by David Bough.

Sources:

Chesterville Record

Canadian Official Postal Guide

SDG Counties History

Upper Canada District School Board

Dundas County Directory