A piece of Caledon’s past is preserved with Memorial Hall plaque

June 5, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Monday, the Caledon Heritage Foundation unveiled a plaque to commemorate the former Caledon East Community Memorial Hall.

Just west of Fire Station 303 at 6085 Old Church Road, the plaque stands next to the salvaged name stones from the original Memorial Hall.

The plaque was prepared and donated to the Town by the Caledon Heritage Foundation with the support of funding through a Caledon Council Community Golf Tournament Grant.

The plaque commemorates the history of the Caledon East Community Memorial Hall, constructed in 1923.

The Hall was built to honour the Caledon East citizens who died in World War I, and it became the entertainment hub of the community before its demolition in 1981.

Errill O’Hara, Treasurer of the Caledon Heritage Foundation, shared a few words before the unveiling.

“We were able to piece together the history of the Memorial Hall dedicated to the memory of those from this area who lost their lives in World War I, but the more difficult task was helping the public imagine how much this Hall meant to the community. Everyone we interviewed was delighted to tell us about events that they remembered and all did so with smiles and laughter. The Hall was a beloved part of this village and we hope this plaque helps you to visualize it,” shared O’Hara.

“The Caledon Heritage Foundation is pleased to bring this piece of lost history to light and to preserve it in the words and photos of this plaque.”

Donna Davies, a member of the Caledon Heritage Foundation, was the driving force behind getting the project going.

Alongside her, Caledon Heritage members researched the history of the Memorial Hall through archival land records, newspaper articles, and accounts.

They also interviewed residents who shared wonderful stories and memories about the role the Hall had played in their lives for multiple generations.

Councillor Mario Russo was Acting Mayor for the Town that day, and on behalf of Mayor Annette Groves and Council shared a few words.

“The Memorial Hall had been a vital institution in the community life of Caledon East for many decades,” he shared. “The plaque brings to life a forgotten piece of local history treasured by many.”

This plaque is part of the growing number of signs being installed across the Town that promote Caledon’s local heritage, celebrating the history of buildings, events, and people who have contributed to the community’s growth and marked the lives of its residents.