Nestled in the heart of Caledonia, Minnesota, the Caledonia Bakery stands as a beacon of tradition and community spirit, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of nostalgia and warmth that has endured for over a century.
As the sixth proprietor in 101 years, Suzanne Roesler cherishes the bakery’s role as a gathering place for the tight-knit community of Caledonia. Amidst the aroma of freshly baked Long Johns and the chatter of patrons, Roesler delights in welcoming visitors to soak in the sunshine streaming through the shop’s expansive windows and to find solace in the tranquil courtyard along Main Street.
From beloved classics like coffee cakes and Friday pretzels to innovative creations like a freshly minted lemon cake recipe, Roesler takes immense pride in continuing the bakery’s rich legacy in the town of 2,822 residents in Houston County.
While some liken the bakery to the ambiance of a European patisserie, Roesler humbly offers patrons an experience that transcends the ordinary. Through events like afternoon teas reminiscent of the Victorian era, she seeks to infuse the community with a sense of tradition and nostalgia.
During a recent afternoon tea gathering on March 16th, attendees reveled in the array of delicacies crafted by the bakery team, including Roesler and master baker Paul Tewes. The tea setting, adorned with cherished teapots from Roesler’s family collection, serves as a poignant reminder of her deep connection to history and family heritage.
Reflecting on her decision to carry on the bakery tradition, Roesler fondly recalls the cherished memories of her childhood, steeped in the aromas of baking and laughter shared in the kitchen with her mother. It is this sense of joy and familial connection that she endeavors to impart to every customer who crosses the bakery’s threshold.
Among the bakery’s offerings, maple-infused treats reign supreme, with maple Long Johns, maple pecan pastries, and apple fritters flying off the shelves. Emphasizing the importance of freshness, Roesler ensures that each delicacy, from jelly bismarks to blueberry muffins, is meticulously crafted and baked fresh every morning.
In the bakery’s bustling kitchen, Tewes, a veteran baker of 40 years, pours his heart and soul into each creation, from kneading dough for buns and bread to perfecting the temperature for moist cakes. For Tewes, baking is more than just a job—it’s a labor of love rooted in his upbringing on a farm and his service in the Navy.
As Roesler and Tewes work tirelessly to preserve the bakery’s time-honored traditions, they are buoyed by the enthusiasm of a new generation of employees eager to carry the torch forward. With a team of dedicated individuals, including decorator Casey Scanlan, the bakery continues to thrive as a cherished community institution.
Despite the challenges of early mornings and long hours, Roesler remains grateful for the opportunity to steward the bakery and to witness the enduring bond between the bakery and its patrons. With each shared memory and shared treat, the Caledonia Bakery remains a cherished fixture in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, a testament to the enduring power of community and tradition.