Dunkeld
Introduction
The former hotel, now known as the Dunkeld Restaurant, built by Hugh Bell in 1868.
©Copyright: Jeri DanyleykoDunkeld was a small farming hamlet in Bruce County that thrived from the mid 1800s to early 1900s. During its best days it included a hotel, school, Orange Lodge, two churches and a store. The community was fortunate in having a rail line, siding and a small flag station. Over the years it boasted a number of small industries including a cheese factory, flour mill, cider manufacturing and timber shipping. Its population ranged from 75 to 100.
Dunkeld was located just north of Walkerton, which had the added advantage of being the county seat and the hub of business in Bruce County. By the early 1900s, its population began to fall as residents moved either to Walkerton or to other larger centres nearby.
Today Dunkeld, although still very much a rural community, is part of the municipality of Walkerton. A number of early buildings still stand. These include the old stone hotel, built in 1868, which remains in business as a popular restaurant and banquet facility. Also in use is the old schoolhouse, now a private home. The Presbyterian church, was used as a mortuary for a number of years until that service was moved to Walkerton. The building still stands but is no longer in use.