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Welcome to Salem, Illinois
We are glad you are here! Salem is our home town, and we take a joy in sharing with you some of our history, our present and our dreams for the future. The City of Salem came into existence a few years after Illinois gained statehood in 1818. Many of the early residents arrived by river and then by trails that became the national highways we know today.
Three great movements populated our City: First were the settlers who came in on the Old National Trail from Vincennes, Indiana. They stayed for the logging and farming. Some of our early settlers continued on the Oregon Trail from Vandalia, but most stayed. Another great movement into Salem was from Oklahoma and Texas during the ‘Oil Boom” in the 1920’s and 30’s. The Salem Oil Field was so large that light from burning gas flares was visible at night from Cairo, Illinois, more than a hundred miles away. The most recent movement to Salem was from the Louisville, Kentucky area as World Color Press began operations here in 1976 and employed over 2,000 people until their close twenty years later.
If you drive on North Broadway to Bryan Park, you will see our statue of William Jennings Bryan who was born in Salem in 1860 and lived here until 1879. His home is located two blocks south of the town square, but is his statue by Gutman Borglum (Mt. Rushmore’s artist) that stands out as his memorial. Mr. Bryan was a national figure from 1900 until his death in 1925. He served in the cabinet of Woodrow Wilson, ran for president three times, was newspaper editor in Omaha Nebraska. His role as prosecutor in the John Scopes “monkey trial” pitted him against Clarence Darrow and is the subject of the play and movie “Inherit the Wind”.
One of the graduates of Salem High School was John Scopes, the defendant in the 1925 “monkey trail”, and William Jennings Bryan was the commencement speaker at John Scopes Graduation. The old high school building Scopes attended now serves as the Salem Community Center. Like many other buildings, we don’t throw much away but preserve what we can. We believe this makes us responsible and efficient. You can see the WPA Post Office Building, formerly also the Bryan-Bennett Library that now is attractive downtown office space for an investment service. The old elementary school is now the new home of the Library. Many older homes have been restored to preserve the family friendly life style we prefer. The Salem theater group operates from the
old movie house and you can try our for the lead in one of the many plays and presentations we do each year.
Churches and their graceful buildings are part of our treasure. Most denominations have congregations in Salem and the Church fabric is a rich tapestry of faith, music, drama and service. During the summer Salem children attend Bible School programs in over twenty churches. Service organizations include Elks, Moose, Masonic, and American Legion. Don’t miss the Little League complex on South College Street, the ball diamonds in city parks, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and picnics in Bryan Park. In our most recent survey, our residents rated the quality of life in a small and friendly atmosphere as their top reason to live here.
Our newest jewel is the Salem Aquatic Center, located in Bryan Park. The Aquatic Center replaced the oldest operating public swim pool in Illinois (1936 WPA project). The New Aquatic Center is a unique experience and is open in summer months. We have high hopes of adding the new therapy pool and indoor pool to allow the aquatic center to run year round. We also enjoy and celebrate life with several special events that include the Little Egypt Festival in early October each year. Parades, food, music in the park, car shows and special events mark the festival that attracts some 20,000 visitors each year. The Professional Kennel Club (PKC) meets in Salem each October to conduct the World Coon Hunt and draws high tech hunters from around the nation. No Raccoons are harmed
in this event in which hunters “tree” animals and record their successes via satellite and digital means.
Come for the Marion County Fair each summer. For 2011 plan for the Shrine Circus June 9-10, stay for the Illinois Junior Hereford Association Preview June 17-19 and come back for the Big Agricultural fair July 31-August 6. Enjoy school sports events that include everything from pee wee basketball to High School basketball and Football. We support our schools and especially enjoy the sports seasons. School districts are small and rivalries abound. The City offers adult softball and volleyball programs and we have a great selection of health and exercise clubs, tanning and fitness centers.
Salem Township Hospital offers quality health care and access to specialists from many large hospitals. You can get immediate attention at the emergency room, from several clinics and local physician offices. Dental care, eye care, cancer treatment and other specialized services are offered in Salem. Kaskaskia College’s new Salem center is a great place to take a course, set up a business in the new incubator or use a training site for your new employees.
Best of all, you can shop in Salem and experience friendly service, competitive prices and not have to travel far to experience what we have to offer. Our location provides access to Interstate 57, US route 50 and Illinois Route 37 in town. Connection to I-64 is twenty miles south and I-70 is 45 miles north. Salem’s location as a favorite shopping place began in the 1920’s and known today as the “Gateway to Little Egypt” and is the stopping point for many travelers.
Looking for the right place to set up business in southern Illinois? Look at the location, favorable land prices, extensive city services, and our population center. If you need help with that we have a robust economic development department which will offer you research and location data needed for your decision. It is our goal to expand development on the west side of town, and also attract more unique shops to our historic downtown area. Come downtown and enjoy a meal, check out prices for vacations, do your banking, get a haircut, check on your investments, and compare furniture and antique prices. All within walking distance of where you park your car for free.
You are welcome in our town of Salem, Illinois.
Sincerely,
John Raymer - Mayor
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