Congratulations to Salem High School graduates, and all graduates across the Roanoke Valley. They have worked hard over the last several years, and the Salem Museum congratulates them for their achievement.
High school graduations in Salem date back to 1896, when the first ever class of Salem seniors graduated. Their classes were in the same buildings as the younger students at Graded School No. 1, later known as Academy Street School. There were six seniors in that first class, and by 1900 the high school had grown to 55 students enrolled in all four grades.
Academy Street School remained the home of the high school until a new Salem High School was built on Broad Street, which opened in the fall of 1912. This location served as the High School until a fire broke out in 1932, leading to the construction of Andrew Lewis High School.
Pictured is a graduation banner from 1914, dating it back to the second class to graduate from the Broad Street location. Graduates celebrated with banners and decorations over a hundred years ago just like they do today.
The Salem Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and located at 801 E. Main St.
Courtesy photo
