Caledonia Argus

Final ëCaledonia Prideí book will be collectorís item

Posted: 3/9/04

by Jane Palen
Managing Editor

For 10 years, Dr. Alan Fleischmann of Caledonia has begged, cajoled, and invited the residents of the town to share their stories of Caledoniaís history. No story was left untold as every aspect of the town was examined from its geological beginnings to accomplishments of the present day. Stories of businesses, schools, churches, government, community organizations, and civic groups were all told in the pages of ìCaledonia Pride.î There were nine softbound journals, all designed by graphic artist Paul Nadon.

Dr. Fleischmann had originally intended to produce a final, hard-bound journal that would available by Christmas of 2004 and include information on the sesquicentennial. However, plans were changed so that the book could be available during the sesquicentennial. That moved the deadline up considerably, and the journal was sent to the printer the first part of March.

The 1,100-page journal will feature the city shield embossed in gold on the cover, and a 16-page section of photographs related to Caledoniaís history. It contains stories from all nine journals, in addition to updates and corrections. It will sell for $89.90.

The book will be fully indexed for convenience. The printing of the final Caledonia Pride book is being sponsored by Jeb Griffith of Caledonia.

It took a lot of effort by a dedicated group of individuals to get the book ready by the deadline. In addition to Nadonís design work, Rosine Macomber worked ìday and night,î as copy editor according to Fleischmann. Helen Houlihan has assisted in the research of the book and proofing, and Pam Griffith and Joyce Henderson have been involved in the proofing and indexing. A great many people have assisted in the production of Caledonia Pride in the past, including of course the contributors, as well as Dr. Fleischmannís family: his wife, Vanessa, children Diana and James, and mother-in-law Bunty Chambers.

Although Dr. Fleischmannís involvement in the journal will end with the publication of the hardbound edition of ìCaledonia Pride,î he has secured a promise that the history will be updated by the city librarian in the years to come.

Now that his Caledonia Pride project is complete, Dr. Fleischmann plans to work on his own family history, which was put aside for 10 years in order to tell the story of Caledonia, his adopted hometown.

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