Stadium uproots family home
From the February 7, 1985 edition of The Salem Times-Register
To make way for an access road and a parking lot for a proposed 8,000 seat football stadium, a 71-year-old family home owned by Mary Wiliams Hodges will be sold to the city and demolished.
But neither Mrs. Hodges, nor her son, Herb, are bitter about selling their third-generation brick home on Texas Street and the surrounding three acres. In fact, they believe the stadium is a much-needed addition to the community.
“We have agreed to sell the property to the city of Salem, in fact, we have always planned to let the city have the property,” said Herb Hodges. “Being football fans, we recognize the needs of the team. Salem has needed a good athletic field for a long time and this land is ideal for a facility of the kind. Besides we would not want to stay here with the football stadium so close by and with all the traffic that would be coming through.”
When asked if he or his 87-year-old mother had any reservations about leaving the home, Hodges responded, “We are sorry to leave. It is always sad to give up a home you have lived in for so many years. But at this time, it has become necessary. I think my mother will adjust to the move.”
Mrs. Hodges, a semi-invalid, was unable to comment on the move due to a stroke she suffered in early December.
The two-story brick home with its high ceilings and 18th century charm was built in August 1914, by Mrs. Hodges’ Father, George Williams. The young father purchased the property located on Texas Street with the hopes of building a home and moving his family to Salem from Franklin County. “He wanted to put his children in Salem High School,” Hodges explained. “He had heard how good Salem High School was and he wanted his children to go to that school.”
Since its construction, the home and adjoining property have remained in the family with the exception of a few acres sold to the Lutheran Children’s Home several years ago. That land was in turn sold to the city of Salem, and is probably the land where the Salem Civic Center now stands, according to Salem City Manager Bill Paxton.
Paxton said architects for the football stadium, Kinsey Shane & Associates, recommended the city obtain the property to allow for adequate space for a stadium parking lot.
Francis A. Shane, owner of Kinsey Shane and Associates, said a roadway to the stadium will be built through the rear of the property and a parking lot will be constructed on the site where the home now stands. Shane explained. “It is not good to have a stadium if you can’t get the people there.”
City council approved the purchase of the home and adjoining three acres Monday night, voting to allow Mrs. Hodges and her sone to remain in the home until June 15.
Hodges said he and his mother have no plans to move anytime soon although the have purchased a townhome in Salem.
“Our plans are indefinite at this time,” Hodges said. “Right now, we are busy trying tot dispose of the items we are unable to take with us.” Hodges added the sale was not unexpected. He explained that he and his mother have always enjoyed a good relationship with the city.
Paxton said he had spoken with the Hodges last year about purchasing the property in future years, but added, “at that time we (Salem) weren’t thinking about a stadium.”
Hodges confirmed he had told the city last yar that one day they would allow the city to acquire the property. “This is a very large home,” Hodges said. “Too large for just two people. We feel the property would be more valuable to the city of Salem.”
Although neither the city nor the Hodges wished to reveal the terms of the sale, Hodges said, “We think the city has been very reasonable with us.”
When asked if he and his mother would attend any of the football games held at the stadium, Hodges responded, “It will depend on my mother’s health.”
Hodges added the pair used to attend football games in the 1960’s at Municipal field when his nephew, Don Russo, played for Andrew Lewis High School. Russo went ton to paly football for the University of Miami. Paul Williams, Mr. Hodges uncle, also played on Salem’s State championship team in 1917.
“We have always been football fans,” Hodges said, “and we will go to the games this year if we are able.”
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
