Old Summer Times

The one way to escape summer heat back before air conditioning was in common use was to get to water. If you lived in Caledonia that might mean Root River. Back in the early part of the twentieth century, Root River, above Horlick's Mill and Dam, was considered a prime recreational area. Summer cabins and camps dotted the banks. The summer residents became a community unto themselves. They socialized at cook outs, dances and outings. Perhaps the most memorable event of the summer was Venetian Night. That night the "camp people" would decorate canoes and small boats. They would parade the upper river for the enjoyment of the people watching from the shore. Over the years the decorations became more and more elaborate as the different camps competed for bragging rights. Single canoes gave way to makeshift catamarans made up of two or more canoes fastened together to make large "floats". Floats became illuminated as the builders added automobile storage batteries and electric lighting. Over the course of the years replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower floated on Root River.

The Thompsondale Dance Pavilion was a popular spot along the river. Local dance bands played and the the people danced and socialized. In later years it is likely that locally produced "hootch" was available if you knew the right person.

Sadly, the Great Depression brought an end to the camps as it did so many other aspects of life. To my knowledge, nothing remains of the camps. The dance pavilion still stands. It is now part of Armstrong Park. The S. C. Johnson acquired a large parcel of land between Hwy 31 and Root River for a private park. Their employees now use the old Thompsondale Pavilion as an activity building.

Michael Michna, President

Caledonia Historical Society