West Salem

by Lynn Mack, Debra Meaghers, Kimberli Fitzgerald (With)

Overview

Few people realize that West Salem was an independent town for over 30 years. From its early development in the mid-19th century—when valley homesteaders grew wheat, hops, and fruits—to the founding of Fairview School in 1868, the opening of the Center Street Bridge across the Willamette River in 1886, the rail line in 1909, and a city charter in 1913 to the surrender of that charter to Salem in 1949, the West Salem area forged its own unique identity. Today, West Salem is a thriving community full of cherished memories alongside physical reminders of its independence, such as the Art Deco-style city hall and jailhouse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738575872
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	11/14/2011
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,036,355
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Author Lynn (Sellers) Mack enjoyed hearing her father describe his childhood memories of West Salem. Documenting the area's history became her mission, as well as a promise to her father before his death. Mack has collected the best images from the Polk County Historical Society and Museum and private residents. Working with coauthors Debra (Crockett) Meaghers, a 30-year resident of West Salem, and Kimberli Fitzgerald, a historic planner, they have developed a visual history and narrative of this broad West Salem community.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Introduction 7

1 Early Exploration and Settlement 9

2 The Communities of Eola and Spring Valley 15

3 Orchard Heights and Brush College 35

4 The Town Is Born 57

5 The City Matures 69

6 The City Redefined 107