Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth August 20, 2013
Caledonia celebrates "an unknown gem" this weekend
The celebration this coming weekend in recognition of the streetscape project and revitalization of Caledonia’s downtown area brings to mind some of the history that makes that part of the town's business sector what it is today.
Fires played havoc in years gone by, such as the disastrous fire in 1863 that burned both sides of Argyle Street from the bridge to Caithness Street. That was no sooner built up again when another serious fire in 1885 burned all but two stores on the east side of Argyle Street.
In December 1914, a fire burned all the stores on the west side of Argyle Street to the Avery building, located where Scotiabank is today.
There were other buildings damaged by fire, but the Opera House block probably got the most attention when it was taken by fire in June 1947.
The old Exchange Hotel (1850s), now under renovation, is the oldest building in the downtown and The Sachem office building (1865) is the next oldest. In fact, it is the oldest building in Canada still in the newspaper business for which it was originally built (by Thomas Messenger).
Jones Bakery, oldest family-owned business today, goes back to 1904, but it was nearly lost, too. Albert Jones, present owner Hugh Jones' grandfather, installed an acetylene light plant in his store and on Saturday evening, August 5, 1905, with a store filled with customers, there was an explosion that blew the front out and many were injured. Mr. Jones lost all he had, but with the support of businessmen and friends, he repaired the premises and resumed business.
Haldimand House and the Oasis are considered a south side downtown business. Built in 1837, Haldimand House is considered to be the very oldest building in town. But it, too, had a fire in the 1960s, mainly in the upper part of the building.
Caledonia became an official village in 1853, now 160 years old. The downtown was for some 120 years the only business sector of the community, although there were a few businesses here and there on the south side.
Today, Caledonia's business sector spreads out to include a more modern shopping district at the south end of Argyle Street geared more to what people expect in the year 2013, a wonderful balance of old and new. Yet, the downtown, as in many small towns, remains the heart of the community.
Full of charm, historic businesses and buildings and a scenic Grand River, that heart of Caledonia is special to many. The streetscape and revitalization of last year and this, along with the new Kinsmen Park pool and splash pad attractions, makes Caledonia (as one visitor put it) "an unknown gem.”
To celebrate Caledonia's new, revitalized downtown and to thank business owners and residents for putting up with last year's streetscape goings-on, on Friday, the business sector will have some lively entertainment and luncheon BBQ at the River Walk, and on Saturday night, there will be a movie at the gazebo location in Kinsmen Park. Watch for some sidewalk sales, too, throughout the business sector.
