Caledonia Argus

Latest Caledonia Pride expected this week

Posted: 12/23/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The newest installment in the Caledonia Pride series is a little late this year, but readers will find that the tome was well worth the wait.

This is the second-largest volume in the series, noted Dr. Alan Fleischmann, who gave the project its start. The book was to be printed Monday, December 23, with the hope that some could still get their copies by Christmas.

ìWe apologize for the delay,î said Dr. Fleischmann. ìWe tried very hard to get it out.î Those who would like to get their books for Christmas can call Dr. Fleischmann and arrange to pick up a copy. They will also be available at the usual outlets. The books cost $14.50.

Like the other volumes, this book covers diverse aspects of Caledoniaís history. Among the areas explored are grocery, variety and furniture stores, life in Caledonia in 1894, 1914 and 1919; Town Crier columns by Perk Steffen and an article about Perk from the Minneapolis Star and Tribune; a history of the Caledonia Fire Department; law firms; the stories of World War I veterans; Caledonia Green; Christmas shopping in Caledonia at the turn of the century. The book features a total of 39 different stories from a variety of contributors.

This is the second to the last in the series, and there is a ninth book planned. In fact, there is enough information already to fill about half the next volume.

Those who assisted in the compilation of the latest Caledonia Pride book were art director Paul Nadon; copy editor Rosine Macomber and researcher Helen Houlihan. His children James and Diana have lent a hand on many of the books as well.

For Caledoniaís sesquicentennial year in 2004, Dr. Fleischmann plans to produce a compilation of all nine books. Included will be updates to information previously published. He expects the book to be ready towards the end of 2004. Dr. Fleischmann said he wants to see what is in the time capsule, which will be opened during the cityís centennial celebration, before completing the book in case something buried in the capsule would make interesting reading for the sesquicentennial edition of Caledonia Pride.

So far, the Caledonia Pride books contain a total of 1,031 pages.

ìThe amount of information we have is extraordinary,î said Dr. Fleischmann. ìIím quite sure no other community has this much written about it. It is fun to do, but finding the time is a challenge.î

Top of Page