Town History

The Early Daze

Summer 2019 - The smell of shit is in the air because it's Dundalk. Main Street construction has the local towns folks heated. The Town's Facebook group wouldn't let the townspeople speak without permission. Then, out of nowhere, the townspeople get invited to this new, strange group. The people were invited to post whatever they wanted; want to call someone out? Post it in Dundalk Raw; want to shout out a business? Doer on Raw. See your neighbour's wife's boyfriend sneaking in after he's gone to work? Please post it on Raw!

Then came the first post by someone, a meme, a fucken greasy ass meme. So it had begun, a community page we could laugh in. Slowly the Town became divided; on one side, the people with a sense of humour, the other, full of Karens. Rumour of this new group spread like an STD around the community; even some baby boomers got in on the action.

With Christmas fast approaching and the Santa Clause parade committee being taken over by a couple of clowns without a clue what they're doing in the world. It became apparent that the parade wouldn't happen—no permits, no volunteers, and no businesses willing to participate. Dundalk Raw was approached for help as they were the hope. With two weeks to go, The clowns stepped down from the parade committee, and a real committee took over, knowing exactly what to do. With past committee members back in their spots, they worked around the clock, all for success. Instead of a Dundalk Raw float, Dundalk Raw decided to do a community corner, where they would give away stickers and candy apples donated by group members in exchange for a small donation to the Lions Club in Town to help repair our beloved Lion downtown. The Day ended with great success and was the last traditional parade the Town had seen.

As the weeks and months passed, more and more people were slowly joining. People were curious and heard mixed stories about this Dundalk Raw group. On one side, they heard it was a wild west, a ruthless and untamed group where one might see a female breast. On the other, they heard about the good the group was bringing to the community. Seniors in Town rushed into the group to see what the fuss was, only to be greeted by some of the most fucked up and funny memes on the internet. Leaving as fast as they came, word started spreading. This Dundalk Raw group was giving the Town of Dundalk a bad name....... (Yea, some people think it's Dundalk Raw that's given Dundalk a lousy name.... lol.) As spring approached, it was time to do something as a group again. A potluck was organized, we rented a small venue in Town, invited all the small businesses around, and with 24 firms and over 100 people, we had a beautiful potluck lunch, with prize giveaways worth thousands of dollars and live entertainment for the kids. The members were able to raise just over $1,000 to go towards trying to save the old town hall in Dundalk. This was one of the last community gatherings many of us had pre-covid. In 2 weeks, news of this new virus was everywhere, and the event barely occurred before the madness started.

Jump ahead a few months and 100,000s of thousands of memes later. Dundalk Raws' first bday party is fast approaching, and the limit for gatherings is down to 10. At this point, we called off the party just in time for the ten-person limit to be lifted. Limited to only 100 people at outside events, the group went to work setting up a new date; we were living in different times. Covid was a real fear, and we had to ensure it would be safe and controlled if we had another event. We put together a guest list and capped it at 80 because stragglers always come along with friends. We were hosted at a secret location only disclosed to registered members that evening. With outhouses, enough food and liquor to feed and drink a small army, there were hundreds of dollars in fireworks and enough wood to have a country-style fire all night. People from all over, Owen Sound, Hanover, Orangeville, Collingwood, Shelburne, Mount Forest and many other shitholes from around Dundalk Raw showed up. The party was a success with zero issues. Not long after, restrictions returned, leaving the Dundalk Raw as the last place many people had a legal party of that size.

Jump ahead to the New Year 2021; Dundalk Raw has put tight restrictions on the entrance. Looking for quality members over quantity, we require people to answer the entrance questions fully and have friends already in the group. A committee has been established with over 20 active members to help guide the group in the right direction. There is a free VIP membership that includes a ton of perks and is growing month by month—as well as a VIP Business Member under development and slated for full release in the summer of 2021. We have many different chat rooms for people to socialize with members, including the main unrestricted chat with around 200 people and a single chat for people to meet other single people (yes, it's work, there has been love found in the conversation).

The Future of Dundalk Raw: Dundalk Raw constantly changes and evolves based on what the group wants and where the members want to see it. The group will remain a welcoming and friendly place for Ontario peeps to share whatever they want. We will continue to help support small local businesses, our communities, and, most importantly, one another.

Real Town of Dundalk, Ontario

It all started in 1887, when 2 cousins fell in love. 

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Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Grey County, Ontario, lies the charming village of Dundalk. Steeped in history, this quaint community has witnessed the passage of time and played a significant role in the region's development. Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating history of Dundalk, Ontario.

Early Settlement and Pioneer Days: The story of Dundalk dates back to the early 1800s when European pioneers first settled in the area. Scottish and Irish immigrants were among the first to arrive, seeking opportunities in the region's abundant timber resources and fertile farmland. The village was initially known as "Mcdowells Corner". 

The Arrival of the Railroad: The pivotal moment in Dundalk's history came with the arrival of the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway in 1872. The railroad connected the village with other parts of Ontario, facilitating trade, transportation, and communication. With the establishment of the railway, Dundalk flourished, attracting new residents, businesses, and industries to the area.

Growth and Development: As Dundalk grew, a vibrant community emerged. The village boasted several general stores, blacksmith shops, a hotel, a sawmill, and even a local newspaper, the "Dundalk Herald." Agriculture played a significant role in the economy, with farming families cultivating the surrounding fertile land for crops and raising livestock.

The Rise of Manufacturing: In the early 20th century, Dundalk experienced an industrial boom. The manufacturing sector expanded, offering employment opportunities and diversifying the local economy. Companies such as Dundalk Foundry and Knechtel Furniture Factory became prominent fixtures in the village, providing jobs and contributing to the community's prosperity.

Education and Culture: Education has always been highly valued in Dundalk. In 1875, the first school was built, and over the years, educational institutions expanded to accommodate the growing population. Today, Dundalk still strongly focuses on education, with modern schools and a public library serving as a hub for knowledge and community engagement.

Community Spirit and Heritage: Throughout its history, Dundalk has been known for its strong sense of community spirit. Festivals, parades, and local events have always played a significant role in fostering connections among residents. The Dundalk Agricultural Fair, an annual tradition since 1880, showcases the region's agricultural heritage and remains a highlight of the community calendar.

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Dundalk continues to honour its rich history as it moves forward. Many of the original buildings and landmarks have been preserved, giving the village a unique character and charm. The Dundalk & District Historical Society actively works to safeguard and promote the area's heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the village's fascinating past.

Conclusion: Dundalk, Ontario, is more than just a picturesque village—it is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers. From humble beginnings to a thriving community, Dundalk's history is a tapestry of hard work, innovation, and community spirit. As we explore the village's past, we uncover the roots that have shaped Dundalk into its welcoming and vibrant place today.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Vermont, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.