100 Years of the Dundas Tennis Club

Before the Dundas Tennis Club:

As early as the 1880s Dundasians were playing tennis privately in backyards, open fields, and public lots around the valley. By the turn-of-the-century the game had become a popular pastime for the young people of Dundas, and an unofficial tennis club formed which comprised many of the Town’s most popular and fashionable youths. Still these matches were only informal games played amongst friends, and had no proper courts, facilities, or membership status.

In 1919, under the mayorship of Frank E. Lennard, the Town officially established the Dundas Driving Park through the Park Board and Public Park Act. It was this Park Act that allowed for the funds necessary to establish the Dundas Tennis Club and its courts.

1924: The Dundas Tennis Club Officially Forms

On April 1st, 1924, members of the community gathered to form the first official Dundas Tennis Club. Following a second meeting on May 30th, it was confirmed that the Club would be allowed to establish courts in the shady “Cove” section of the park. Those who could afford the expensive fee of five dollars a year signed up to join the Club’s member list and began to build a small community of players within the Town.

The Club weathered the Great Depression of the 1930s by cutting their membership fees in half. By 1943 the original clay courts had started to deteriorate and it was clearly necessary to reconstruct both the playing surface and the clubhouse. In August of that year, a Jamboree was held to raise funds for its completion. The event included a parade, costume and beauty contests, and concerts by the Town band. The Jamboree raised approximately $400 out of the $500 needed, with Mayor Robert Hunter advocating for volunteer efforts to make up the rest of the money. For five years, Tennis Club members continued to stage dances, draws, plays, and bake sales, working to raise funds for the clubhouse. The clubhouse construction finally began in 1948, and was completed in 1950.

The Club continued to expand over the next few decades. In 1978 the clubhouse underwent another reconstruction to accommodate the growing number of members. Initially designed to cater to 200 players, the space found itself overwhelmed yet again. Ann Parker, at the time a volunteer president and honorary lifetime member, spearheaded initiatives to provide additional tennis facilities. This endeavour led to the installation of courts at Highland Secondary School in the 1970s.

The Dundas Tennis Club continued to participate in games all over Ontario and hosted several tennis and community events. Between 2006 and 2008, a tournament was hosted in memory of past president, Debbie Thurley, drawing in players from all over Ontario. The proceeds from both tournaments were donated to Camp Trillium Charity.

2024: 100th Anniversary

On June 8th 2024 the Tennis Club gathered to celebrate their 100th Anniversary with a party, parade through the Park on a historic Dundas Firetruck, and an official recognition of their centenary by MPP Sandy Shaw.

Thanks to the students of McMaster University Department of History for their assistance with this project.