Each month, we feature an Ohio Legacy City on our #GOPCThread Series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we visit Salem in Columbiana County, an important stop on the Underground Railroad, important industrial midpoint between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and birthplace of Ohio’s equal rights movement.
Salem, OH, a town of 12,000 in the Mahoning Valley, is the focus of this #GOPCThread. Salem was founded in 1806 by Quakers. The high school sports teams still honor this history and call themselves the Quakers. @visitsalemohio, @quakerathletics
In the 1800s, Salem was an abolitionist community and stop on the #UndergroundRailroad. #SalemHistoricalSociety offers tours about this history. The “Anti-Slavery Bugle” an abolitionist newspaper was printed in Salem from 1845-1861. #GOPCThread
Daniel Howell Hise House was stop on the #UndergroundRailroad. It has hidden rooms and fake windows to shelter enslaved people escaping slavery. Sojourner Truth once stayed there. Today this house, and many others, is privately-owned and on the National Register. #GOPCThread
In 1850, Salem hosted the 1st Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio, the 3rd in the US. The goal was, “To secure to all persons the recognition of equal rights, and the extension of the privileges of government without distinction of sex, or color.” #GOPCThread
Salem has always benefited economically from its location between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and near Youngstown. Industry thrived in the mid-century and plates, toilets, sinks, engines, and porcelain steel cabinetry were all made in Salem. #GOPCThread
Today metal fabrication, automotive supplies, tool and die shops, meat processing, and bathroom and kitchen fixture manufacturing, including bathtubs, are all made in Salem. Health care is also important to its economy. #GOPCThread
The #Sustainable Opportunity Develop Center is an economic development org that supports attraction, retention & growth of businesses in Salem. They have a plan to improve the economy & vitality for residents. They also offer leadership & technical training #GOPCThread
Salem’s historic downtown is enjoying reinvestment and revitalization. Downtown is anchored by the Salem Community Theatre, the Stables Inn, and several restaurants. #GOPCThread
New businesses are located downtown. 17 have opened in the last 18 months, including: a record store, feed store, bookstore, bicycle shop, and soda fountain. Building owners are encouraged to convert the upper stories of buildings to apartments #GOPCThread
New developments are also happening downtown. 6 buildings are under renovation, including a former Key Bank bldg. slated to become retail, a taproom, & restaurant. The former Schwartz dept. store received Historic Tax Credits & will house retail & apts. #GOPCThread
Image courtesy of the Morning Journal News
The City of Salem offers grants to make improvements to the rear of downtown Commercial Buildings to improve the use and feeling of safety. Grants will cover up to 50% of project costs up to $1,000. #GOPCThread
The City of Salem also offers residents $50 for each section of sidewalk they replace up to $500. #GOPCThread
A lot has happened, and a lot is happening in #Salem, OH. It’s no wonder that Salem Chamber of Commerce created this list of things to love about it! Tune in next month when GOPC explores another wonderful Ohio community #GOPCThread