Village of Caledonia

Kent County, Michigan

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Glimpse At The Past

Welcome Back from the Attic

This 1920 photo depicts another mode of transportation other than the one advertised with signage. George Carmody owned this livery and stable located at 204 E Main Street and the Hotel diagonally across the street on the northwest corner. Today Jack Morren’s owns this site.
This 1920 photo depicts another mode of transportation other than the one advertised with signage. George Carmody owned this livery and stable located at 204 E Main Street and the Hotel diagonally across the street on the northwest corner. Today Jack Morren’s owns this site.

“Welcome Back From The Attic” is a series of newsletters produced from 1975-1978 compiling historic events, photos, maps, previously published news stories, and personal accounts of the origins of Caledonia.

This project was the work of the Caledonia Bicentennial Committee.

  • Chairman Kenneth R. Gackler
  • Secretary Sue Strause
  • Photo Reproduction Jay Shook
  • Layout & Printing Edward & Donald Passenger.

Take a few moments and enjoy the pieces of history brought Back From The Attic.

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8
Volume 9
Volume 10
Volume 11
Volume 12
Volume 13
Volume 14
Volume 15
Volume 16
Volume 17
Volume 18
Volume 19
Volume 20

Pictured here are some fellas who must surely be patrons of VanAmberg Bros. Tailors as they look pretty dapper! This is where Henny’s Yarn Shop is located. The door just to the east is the stairway entrance to the Kennedy Hall which was on the second floor.
Pictured here are some fellas who must surely be patrons of VanAmberg Bros. Tailors as they look pretty dapper! This is where Henny’s Yarn Shop is located. The door just to the east is the stairway entrance to the Kennedy Hall which was on the second floor.

Historical Photos

This view is looking east down the north side of Main Street from Mill Street in early 1900’s. You will see the windmill with the town pump; the Fire Department cistern was behind it. In the buildings from west to east were George Wietz and Sons Shoes & Boots, Ed Clark Harnesses’ and the E. Hale Meat Market.
This view is looking east down the north side of Main Street from Mill Street in early 1900’s. You will see the windmill with the town pump; the Fire Department cistern was behind it. In the buildings from west to east were George Wietz and Sons Shoes & Boots, Ed Clark Harnesses’ and the E. Hale Meat Market.
Pictured above is George Wietz and Sons Boots & Shoes in 1907, located in the west most section of what is Fricano’s in 2018.
Pictured above is George Wietz and Sons Boots & Shoes in 1907, located in the west most section of what is Fricano’s in 2018.
Mrs. Lymanstall operated a dressmaker’s shop on the north side of Main Street in what is the middle section of Fricano’s. Later Lymanstall’s would move to the south side of the street and have quite a scare when the fire of 1913 broke out. Fortunately no loss was had.
Mrs. Lymanstall operated a dressmaker’s shop on the north side of Main Street in what is the middle section of Fricano’s. Later Lymanstall’s would move to the south side of the street and have quite a scare when the fire of 1913 broke out. Fortunately no loss was had.
This is believed to be E. Hale Meat Market in the early 1900’s, through several proprietors the meat locker remained in business for many years. Other proprietors were Barber’s and Baker’s. This location is in the east most section of Fricano’s.
This is believed to be E. Hale Meat Market in the early 1900’s, through several proprietors the meat locker remained in business for many years. Other proprietors were Barber’s and Baker’s. This location is in the east most section of Fricano’s.
Caledonia Post Office moved locations several times but not as often as the Postmaster changed in part due to the ruling political party. Here the post office is located on the north side of Main Street in one of the sections of what is now Fricano’s.
Caledonia Post Office moved locations several times but not as often as the Postmaster changed in part due to the ruling political party. Here the post office is located on the north side of Main Street in one of the sections of what is now Fricano’s.
Kinsey had a few different partners as well as operating as a sole proprietor throughout the years. This photo was taken early 1900’s of Charles Kinsey general merchandise store.
Kinsey had a few different partners as well as operating as a sole proprietor throughout the years. This photo was taken early 1900’s of Charles Kinsey general merchandise store.
In the 1890’s the local pharmacist was Conrad Beeler. His store was located in what is now the store front of Caledonia Dance. Later Beeler, Vanderlies and Jones opened Caledonia Drugs.
In the 1890’s the local pharmacist was Conrad Beeler. His store was located in what is now the store front of Caledonia Dance. Later Beeler, Vanderlies and Jones opened Caledonia Drugs.
This picture is from 1890 showing the Vern Kinsey Barber Shop located where I.T. Solutions is today.
This picture is from 1890 showing the Vern Kinsey Barber Shop located where I.T. Solutions is today.
Late 19th century this location was a local store for American Laundry service out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Late 19th century this location was a local store for American Laundry service out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Sometime prior to the eateries were a few other businesses one of which was a dentist office. From Caledonia’s establishment into the 20th century this space was part of the hotel in Caledonia. Pictured above is the Hotel Carrel from 1902.
Sometime prior to the eateries were a few other businesses one of which was a dentist office. From Caledonia’s establishment into the 20th century this space was part of the hotel in Caledonia. Pictured above is the Hotel Carrel from 1902.
Caledonia Station originated as a stop on the Michigan Central Railroad.

Caledonia Station

Caledonia Station originated as a stop on the Michigan Central Railroad.
The Kinsey Home

The Kinsey Home

Formerly known as Maplewine Estate

The Wilson Home

Formerly known as Maplewine Estate
NW corner of E. Main & Lake

Caledonia Hotel

NW corner of E. Main & Lake
President—Carl Higley Clerk—Keith Bergy Treasurer—Joan Kegerris (not shown) Trustees—Warren Tape, Frank Farnham, Clarence Finkbeiner, Russ Taylor, John Isenhof-(Not Shown) Constable— Harvey Bowen Higley’s Barber Shop

Caledonia Village Council Meeting—1954

President—Carl Higley Clerk—Keith Bergy Treasurer—Joan Kegerris (not shown) Trustees—Warren Tape, Frank Farnham, Clarence Finkbeiner, Russ Taylor, John Isenhof-(Not Shown) Constable— Harvey Bowen
Higley’s Barber Shop
Built 1892 | Demolished 1956

“C” Building

Built 1892 | Demolished 1956
Built 1921 | Demolished 2005

“B” Building

Built 1921 | Demolished 2005
Built 1936 | Demolished 2005

“A” Building

Built 1936 | Demolished 2005
Built 1892 | Demolished 1956

“C” Building

Built 1892 | Demolished 1956
5.15.09 main st SimpleScanStation20211118121639

Village Census Counts

1880 – 340
1890 – 438
1900 – 427
1910 – 422
1920 – 432
1930 – 469
1940 – 467
1950 – 619

1960 – 739
1970 – 716
1980 – 722
1990 – 885
2000 – 1102
2010 – 1511
2020 – 1622