The First School Cache Traditional Cache

Almost every community has at least 1 or 2 preservation success stories. But there are some communities where preservation has taken deep roots. Caledonia is one such community. The Bellevue Valley Historical Society, Inc. was founded in 1975 and for 22 years the local group actively researched, preserved the local history; they even took on the enormous task of compiling and writing a wonderful history book that went into a third printing. Unfortunately in 1997 the Society 

The first school was built in the Methodist Cemetery (not there then) in 1804. One was built in Caledonia, a two-room in the 1830s. The Bellevue Collegiate Institute was built by stockholders in 1864. In 1936 the Caledonia High School was built, also serving as an Elementary School. although the College building was also used until it was razed in 1952. High School pupils attend Valley High since 1952, with addition in 1965 and Junior High Addition. There was a school and church for blacks. Population was more than 500 at the time of College Students and blacks.

The Presbyterians and Methodists each built their first churches outside of the Town of Caledonia, the former building, the third church, standing. Second Methodist Church was built in Caledonia and burned in 1909. Present church dedicated in 1911.

One Lodge Hall burned, the seconded one built as the Southall Store on Main Street, in same building now and later.

The bank was also in that building at one time and then across the street. Bankers were Clarence Shelton, Ralph Bean, Sr., William Coghill, and Voyage Qualls.

Norman Whites Undertaking Establishment burned once when the Rev. John Headlee's building burned. It was in the White Home later, south of United Methodist Church. There was another undertaker in Caledonia at one time.

The Caledonia Banking Facility was established by the Belgrade State Bank in 1974. It is an asset.

Permisson Granted By Owner To Place Cache at This Historic Place