From 1886 to 1944, Salem’s social hub was Dillard’s Drug Store. Dillard’s soda fountain was the most popular in town, where social and business gatherings happened daily. College students and local residents loved the store, and many business deals and budding romances began there. Though no longer standing, it was a Salem landmark for multiple generations.
Prescription bottles from Dillard’s will be on display this weekend as part of the Salem Museum’s Hands-On History Saturday program. This month, Hands-On History highlights “Ghostly Possessions,” items relating to this year’s Ghost Walk characters. On Saturdays, visitors can pull on a glove and touch a piece of history with their own hands.
To learn more about Dillard’s Drug Store, come to Ghost Walk, Oct. 6-8. East Hill Cemetery comes alive after dark just once a year. Participants tour the historic graveyard and meet notable characters from Salem’s past. These walking tours are family-friendly, fun and informative, but not scary. Tours leave the Salem Museum every 15 minutes from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students of any age and free for children 3 and younger. Tickets are available now at the Salem Museum and online at SalemMuseum.org.