They experienced regular success in the ORFU, winning four consecutive titles from 1954 to 1957, after which, pro-am teams were barred from competing for the Grey Cup, which preceded the formation of the fully-professional Canadian Football League a year later in 1958.

The Dutchmen played in the ORFU from 1953 to 1959, with significant success achieved with quarterback Bob Celeri and coach Harvey Johnson.

The Dutchmen were the last ORFU team to have competed for the Grey Cup, losing to the Edmonton Eskimos in a semi-final game in 1954.

The Dutchmen ceased operations after the 1959 season, just one year before senior play in the ORFU would be discontinued.

[2] A dedicated football field, Centennial Stadium, was built as part of the complex in 1967 with a 3,200-seat grandstand, but ultimately never saw a professional or pro-am team return to the city.