A Tradition of Craftsmanship

According to the history of Ontario, the County of York, Volume II Toronto, a boot and shoemaker named Matthew Dack emigrated from Stradbally, in what was then Queen's County, Ireland, to Kingston, Ontario, where he immediately began a boot and shoe business.

In 1834, he moved to "Muddy York" as it was known in those days.

That same year saw the birth of the City of Toronto which had a thriving population of about 10,000.

Matthew Dack located his shop at the corner of King and Jordan Streets where, with good workmanship and the finest leathers, he built a very successful men's shoe business specializing in Bespoke Quality footwear. (In those days, men who insisted on perfect-fitting boots or shoes had to have them made to measure.)

Matthew's eldest son, Edward took charge of the business, moving the store in 1835 to 73 King Street West which had been occupied as a residence by a nephew of the first Governor-General, SIR John Graves, Simcoe.

Edward Dack built a flourishing trade, especially in the provinces, among the officers of the various British Regiments then domiciled in different parts of Canada. This tradition of supplying military footwear continues today. Most noteworthy during the years is Dack's contribution to Canada's military during the two World Wars. In addition, Dack's supplies boots for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and police forces throughout North America.

By the turn of the century, Dack's clearly became the first name in high grade men's shoes and boots.

As recently as 1916, Dack & Son consisted of the original King Street store and rear store factory.

It is rewarding to know that while times change, quality does not.  It would have been impossible for Matthew Dack back in Muddy York in 1834 to envision his humble efforts resulting in the Dack's brand gaining the enviable reputation it enjoys today, over 170 years later.