Salem Bicentennial

Salem will be alive with celebration in the year 2006 as its citizens both near and far remember and celebrate their heritage. Founded in 1806 by some of Penn's Quakers, Salem grew into a flourishing town with distinctive manufacturers, while strongly fighting against slavery by joining the underground slave trail into Canada. Its women also carried on a strong front on behalf of women's rights, hosting outspoken women such as Susan B Anthony and Sojourner Truth. Salem still has among its many churches the Friends who still meet at the Friends Meeting House and worship in their quiet way as their ancestors did many years ago.

This historic painting by Lois features many of the highlights of Salem's past. Left to right at top: In the State of Ohio the star signifies Salem, Ohio, and inside the Ohio outline is a little about the founding of Salem. To the right of that is a portion of 'The Three Trees' painting by Charles Burchfield who spent many years of his life in Salem. A large portion of his body of paintings was inspired by Salem and its surrounding area. To the right of that is the Fitch house where Jonas Cattell offered refuge to slaves during the Civil War. It was only one of many such hiding places in Salem at that time.

Below the State of Ohio portion, a covered wagon signifies the way in which settlers came into Ohio to find their homesteads and build their futures. The Quaker lady symbolizes the Quaker heritage of Salem, and the cabin is the Centennial Cabin which stood at the time of Salem's centennial celebration. Beside it is the magnificent Salem Community Center which was dedicated to the citizens of Salem in 2002. The cabin and the community center are shown as the stark contrast which has come out of the last two centuries. To the right of the Community Center is the woman carrying the battle flag for Women's Rights, with a grouping below that of Delmar Davis in the car he built which was the first car in Salem. To the right of that is one of the buildings on Broadway built by the Friends. It is shown with decorations used during the Centennial celebration. Next is the statue and fountain now at the Salem Chamber of Commerce which was built by the Mullins Company; Mr. Mullins is pictured beside it.

At the bottom left is the bell from the old town hall which is situated at the entrance to Centennial Park which was the legacy project of the Centennial celebration and thus received the name it did. Alan Freed who coined Rock 'n Roll is next along with music written by Brooks Bowman of Salem and a beautiful brass dancer which adorns a beautiful home in Salem. Last of all are the names 'Quaker City' which Salem is often referred to and 'Jerusalem' from which our name was derived.