FOunding Of Salem
Salem was founded on April 30, 1806 by Zadok Street from New Jersey and John Straughan from Pennsylvania. They named the community Salem from "Jerusalem" which means "city of peace". At this time there were approximately 100 people who lived in Salem. Most were members of the Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers) and they came from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. Salem was incorporated in 1830. Two sections of the city are listed as National Register historic districts: the Salem Downtown historic District, and the South Lincoln Avenue Historic District.
Salem was founded by Quakers who were religious people that believed in women’s rights and wanted to abolish slavery. Salem was the Western Headquarters for the Anti-Slavery Association. Here they published and distributed the Anti-Slavery Bugle newspaper beginning in 1845. Salem was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Many of the homes on Salem’s main streets served as stations and gave food and shelter to many slaves on their way to Canada. Salem retains a lot of these homes, but at present time none are open to the public.
In April of 1850, Salem hosted the first Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio. Salem was chosen because there were a lot of Quakers living here and they believed in the liberty of conscience.
Growth Of Salem
Starting with 100 people back in 1806, as of the 2010 census Salem now has 12,303 people residing in the city. Salem thrived on an industrial-based economy largely due to the fact that it is located between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. After the Civil War manufacturing grew in Salem. Deming Co. Pumps, W.H. Mullins Co. metal products, and Salem China Company’s dishware were three of the largest manufacturers out of Salem by the turn of the century. Current businesses include; Quaker Manufacturing Corp. which are a metal manufacturer, Redex Industries which make Udderly Smooth lotions, Butech Bliss which is a steel service center, and American Standard which specializes in kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Significant Changes
Regional and national retailers are located in the shopping centers on East State Street. In Salem’s downtown area there are unique shops and antique stores for recreational shoppers. From late spring through fall there is a Downtown Farmers’ Market every Saturday at McCulloch Park.
Route 14 which is also known as East State Street is the main roadway that goes through Salem. It is the street that many of the businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers are located. Salem is bisected by highway U.S. 62, State Routes 14, 45, and 9. They provide business travelers with easy access to the interstate highway system via I-76, I-80, I-90, or State Route 11.
Route 14 which is also known as East State Street is the main roadway that goes through Salem. It is the street that many of the businesses, restaurants, and shopping centers are located. Salem is bisected by highway U.S. 62, State Routes 14, 45, and 9. They provide business travelers with easy access to the interstate highway system via I-76, I-80, I-90, or State Route 11.