Andy Zimmerman of Salem’s Historic Landmark Commission tells the story behind the 1913 opening of the railroad bridge across the Willamette River.
Tag: SALEM HISTORY
A grape, a contest and a grandmother’s legacy: how the governor’s home got its name
As Mahonia Hall turns 100 this year, Salem Reporter caught up with Eric Johnson, who won the contest to name the residence in 1988.
Salem artifact of the month: Burnett’s hair Cocoaine
Salem’s city archaeologist, Kimberli Fitzgerald, delves into the history of a century-old bottle of hair tonic found during a downtown sidewalk repair in Salem.
Salem history moment: the case of the mistaken school identity
A historic photo in a city collection labeled as the Eola School turned out to be an early image of Brush College instead, Kimberli Fitzgerald writes.
Salem history moment: moving and preserving Jason Lee’s house
As the city of Salem goes through its historic Ben Maxwell photo collection, Kimberli Fitzgerald, Salem’s historic preservation officer, is reviewing the text accompanying photos and sharing her findings with readers.
Salem history moment: a mystery parade in 1886
As the city of Salem goes through its historic Ben Maxwell photo collection, Kimberli Fitzgerald, Salem’s historic preservation officer, is reviewing the text accompanying photos and sharing her findings with readers.
Juneteenth history walk to highlight contributions of Bayless family
A free event June 19 will showcase the story of one of Salem’s original Black families, who escaped slavery to become noted community philanthropists.
Salem looks to revive its streetcar system
A legislative proposal hopes to go “back to the future” by studying the feasibility of a streetcar system for Salem commuters. Local historians say the hurdles that killed the system a century ago may come back into play for today’s plans.
COLUMN: 100 years ago in Salem, a fundraising drive for the state’s oldest university
Salem historic preservation officer Kimberli Fitzgerald recounts how Willamette University was founded, and how a century-old fundraising push secured the university’s future.
SALEM HISTORY: The legendary scones of the Oregon State Fair
As the state fair runs this week, Willamette Heritage Center curator Kylie Pine dug up archival photos of one of the fair’s main food attractions in the 1950s.
