History of Dalrymple

Dalrymple has been populated since 1855. It was once known as Lake Kechebedobegoog, and long ago it was called Mud Lake. The lake is split into upper and lower lakes by the "Narrows". Long before white settlers arrived, First Nations people fished and trapped in Dalrymple. The point in the north end of the lower lake is near a mile long and about two hundred cottages graced its slope to the clear water. Many farms used to surround the lower lake, which formed the heart of the Dalrymple community. Dalrymple has always been viewed as a remote location. Soloman Thompson, probably Dalrymple's earliest pioneer, was of U.E.L. stock and was living in Beaverton, when he learned of these lakes and Long Point. Arriving by canoe, he built a lakeside cabin and began clearing the land, with the help of his wife, Lodice Day. She helped tap maple trees for syrup making, and spun wool for knitting socks, mitts & sweaters. In 1865, George Jarrett built the first and simple log school and opened to 70 students who sat in benches and worked on one slanting desk along each of the two walls.

The Orange Lodge was active the community with Members walking from Sebright, Sadowa & Bolsover to meet in Jimmy McDermitt's home. By 1870, Dalrymple's Orange Lodge Hall was opened with George Jarrett as the first Master. The Orange Hall was donated by William Orser and the hall was once used to make window and door frames. Orange Valley was inspired by the men north of the cemetery for their settlement. For pioneers, weekends were when the hall transformed into a museum to honour the past. This was to draw hundreds of visitors to admire the fine china, crystal, lamps, family bibles, linens, spinning wheel, old tools, weapons, photos and family albums.

The first record of organized religious group was in 1873 when on Sept.23, "Total Abstinence and Mutual Instruction Association" was begun with Mr.Alexander Ramsay as president. The church was built and opened during Christmas week in 1883. Everyone had admired the Gothic windows, the pulpit and plenty of comfortable pews. The present church was built in 1922 under the spirited leadership of Rev. W.J.H. Smyth.

On May 21st, 1955, the first Pioneer Night was held and every present and former resident of Dalrymple was invited to enjoy an evening of reminiscing.