Whether today or the 1950s, people always love a good parade! This photo is from 1952, Salem’s Sesquicentennial year. Salemites lined the streets to celebrate the town’s 150th Anniversary, ready to commemorate the important year.
Visitors can learn more about Salem’s Sesquicentennial and the rest of the 1950s in Nelson Harris’ new book, The Roanoke Valley in the 1950s. On Thursday, June 13 at 7 pm at the Salem Museum, Harris will give a talk and sign copies of his books. Copies will be available at this event for $50. All proceeds will benefit the Salem Museum.
The 1950s saw growth and changes that continue to shape the Roanoke Valley today. Noted local historian Nelson Harris has collected the fascinating stories of this period by searching every edition of the Roanoke Times and the Roanoke Tribune from January 1950 through December 1959. The book features over 700 pages and 300 archival photos, covering events in sports, business, crime, arts, entertainment, religion, civil rights, politics, individual achievements, and healthcare.
The Salem Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm and located at 801 E. Main St.
