CHS UPCOMING EVENTS and MEET THE CHS PRESIDENT

Caledonia Historical Society Posted on by

THE CHS PRESIDENT

Dave Biehl came to the Caledonia Historical Society (CHS) five years ago from the Lancaster, TX Historical Society where he served on the board.  His parents developed his interest in history from an early age by visiting old houses and sites during extensive travel.  He retired from Baylor Hospital, and marriage brought him back to Wisconsin.  Dave has been a guiding light for the CHS.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 20th Meeting

There will be guest speakers at the April 20th monthly meeting.  The meeting will be held at the Franksville Park, 9614 Hwy K, Franksville starting at 6:30 pm.  Henry Hecker and Peter Maas of the Mukwonago Historical Socierty will be talking about 19th century Wisconsin Potters, specifically the Novak potter of Caledonia.  They have done a great deal of research as is evidenced on the website they created, www.madefromclay.org.  John Novak/Nowak was a Caledonia potter.

Starting in May the monthly membership meetings held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm will be in the 1877 Town Hall at the Caledonia Historical Village.

May 21st Spring Fling

The Spring Fling is back with activities for all ages .  The event takes place at the Caledonia Historical Village on 5 Mile Rd just east of Hwy 38 from 10 am to 4 pm.  .  There will be a bouncy house, face painting, and rope making.  All of the historic buildings will be open with docents.  The Dulcimer group will provide live music from 1 pm to 3 pm.  There will be a bake sale in the 1900 Botting Machine Shed. Hot dogs, popcorn, and soda will be available for purchase.  Admission and parking are free but donations are requested to help maintain the historic structures.

MEMBERSHIP FORMS AND DONATIONS

The link for the membership form and donation information can be found on the ABOUT page.  You need to scroll down the page.  You can donate either by mailing a check or online.  The CHS is a 501(c)3.

VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS OF THE CALEDONIA HISTORICAL VILLAGE

The grounds are open from dawn to dusk.  If you use the CHV grounds for special event photography, please make a donation.   The CHV is owned and operated by the volunteers of the Caledonia Historical Society with funding coming from membership dues, donations, grants and fund raising activities.  There is no funding from a governmental source.

CHS VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Caledonia Historical Society Posted on by

MEET A CHS VOLUNTEER

Belinda Copus has been a CHS member since 2019.  She and her family have lived on a farm in Caledonia for the past 18 years.  They own and operate Country Meadows, a small business that makes goat’s milk soap, lotion, and soy candles.

Her background in farming is what brought her to CHS.  She wants to help teach and inform people of the history of Caledonia, especially the heritage of the farming community.

Belinda is the chairman of the South Milwaukee Downtown Market.  She volunteers for the Star and Stripes Honor Flight, and she is a poll worker.

Belinda says: “It’s important to stay involved in your community.  That’s what makes it a community.”

THE 1877 CALEDONIA TOWN HALL

The 1877 Caledonia Town Hall was originally located just south of 5 Mile Rd along what is now Highway 38.  After the Town Hall was no longer in service, the property ownership changed several times.  In 1999 the deteriorating structure was sold back to Caledonia.  In 2001 a small group of stalwart citizens got together to save the structure from being destroyed.  The group formed the beginning of the Caledonia Historical Society (CHS).

After years of preparation that included removing all the damaged plaster and lath from the wall and adding enough interior support to ensure the building would withstand the journey, the building slowly moved a quarter mile down the highway very early in the morning of December 4, 2003.

The Town Hall underwent two years of restoration with a celebration of the completion of the restoration on August 26, 2007.

The Caledonia Historical Society became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2003 and has established the Caledonia Historical Village which is just east of Hwy 38 on 5 Mile Rd.  The 1877 Town Hall is the foundation of the CHS preservation efforts.

MEMBERSHIP FORMS AND DONATIONS

The link for the membership form and donation information can be found on the ABOUT page.  You need to scroll down the page.  You can donate either by mailing a check or online.  The CHS is a 501(c)3.

VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS OF THE CALEDONIA HISTORICAL VILLAGE

The grounds are open from dawn to dusk.  If you use the CHV grounds for special event photography, please make a donation.   The CHV is owned and operated by the volunteers of the Caledonia Historical Society with funding coming from membership dues, donations, grants and fund raising activities.  There is no funding from a governmental source.

CHS MEETINGS

The CHS meets the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.  The October and November meetings will be held at the Franksville Park Building, 9614 Hwy K.   The December, 2022 through March, 2023 regular monthly meetings have been temporarily suspended.  However, CHS Board meetings will be held on a regular basis and are open to the public.  The Board Meetings will be posted on the calendar page.  If you wish to be notified when a board meeting is going to be held, use the CONTACT US page on this website.