History in the making

Yesterday my two daughters, a friend, and I were able to witness a little piece of history in the making!  The Salem Musuem which was established in 1992 by the Salem Historical Society has been closed for the past two years while under-going extensive renovations to the old Williams-Brown house that was built around 1845 by architect William C. Williams. After his death in 1852 his daughter Mary and son-in-law Joshua R.C. Brown moved into the home and later passed it to their son, William Edward Brown.

The event kicked off with a speech given by the museum's director and curator, Mr. John Long, and an official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Board of Directors.  Visitors were then welcomed in for a free tour of the musuem and light refreshments.  While we were enjoying fresh squeezed lemonade and desserts, we were able to wander around the room and view paintings and photographs that depicted Salem's past.

While touring the museum we were oohing and ahhing over a fabulous display of dolls dressed in period clothing, women's shoes and  fashions, and a view of the Williams-Brown family parlor complete with antiques and a photograph of the Brown family.  I especially loved the ribbon art "girls" and the room dedicated to Lakeside Amusement Park. The park opened in 1920 and featured the "world's largest swimming pool".  Over the next few years rides were added and by 1968 the Shooting Star roller coaster was added to the park.  I had often heard Salem residents speaking fondly of the park and was greatly disappointed that it had closed in 1986 many years before my family moved here.  How my girls would have loved having an amuesment park in their backyard!

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Bringing back childhood memories

Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, Salem, VA is a picturesque town reminiscent of 1950's America.  The downtown area features a large farmer's market where you can find everything from delightful fresh fruit and veggies, to plants and homemade doggie treats.  After visiting the farmer's market, take a short walk to Charlotte's Web antique mall where you will be transported back in time to days gone by.

I recently visited Charlotte's Web with my mom when she came down from Maryland for a visit at the beginning of August.  We had so much fun poking into all the nooks and crannies!  We found a set of dishes that my grandmother had when I was a little girl.  It brought back so many memories of my grandmother!  Each time we found something that we remembered from our past, my mom and I would stop and share the memories with each other.  It was a great, emotional bonding time with my mom ( who turned 84 this past July) and one I will not soon forget.  It brought us closer than ever and I learned a lot about my family history.

After visiting Charlotte's Web we wandered down Main Street where the tantalizing scents of fresh brewed coffee and baked goods drew us into Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea .  Over a cup of the most delicious coffee we had tasted in a long time, we laughed and cried over the memories that were invoked at Charlotte's Web.  We remembered my father who passed away four years ago.  For years he owned his own antique store and flea market, and we knew how much he would have enjoyed being with us on that most memorable day!

I am thankful to live and raise my children in such a delightful town.  There is so much to see and do, and with the close proximity to downtown Roanoke, we are fortunate to have museums, fine dining, and cultural events at our finger tips.  Our housing market and economy remain strong, and with mortgage rates at an all time historic low, now is a great time to live and play in Salem, VA!