Salem Police Badge

A few weeks ago an old Salem Police badge was added to the collection. This afternoon in the mail I got a reply from Chief Tucker about the badge. The only information ha had about the badge is that they were used up to 20-22 years ago, when they switched to the current issue badge. He also said some of the older officers were using them 30 years ago, when he joined the force.


I'd also like to thank Chief Tucker for replying to my letter, as well as the gracious gift of this newly minted Salem Police Department "Challenge" Coin.

Masonic Lodge 100th Anniversary Plate

This afternoon I went to Witch City Consignment and this is what followed me home. This plate was made in 1911 by Thomas Maddox Sons and Company of Trenton, New Jersey to commemorate the 100at anniversary of the founding of Salem's Masonic Lodge. It's quite interesting that I got it today, which is the 30th anniversary of the arson attack on the lodge building. 

The front of the plate says Washington Lodge R. A. M. (Royal Arc Masons), 1811 - 1911, January 9th, 100th Anniversary, Salem, Mass surrounding their emblem. It's not in the best of condition as there is a crack running through the piece.

Welcome to the New SalemArchives.org

We have just went online with the new updated SalemArchives.org.  It is still the online home of the Salem Collection Archives with just a few changes.

The major change is we have changed how we display the items. We will no longer showcase every single item. It was decided that only a sampling would be a better fit for a slimmed down site. Some of the categories have been condensed, it's quicker to see the items and an all around better flow to the site.

New interesting items will still get featured on the site for permanent display. As well as new pieces will also continue to have blog posts and get mentioned on our twitter account. 

Thanks for your support!

The Salem Archives Team

Collection of Dog License Tags

The latest items we have received for the collection is a collection of dog license tags from the city of Salem. this collection consists of one tag from each year from 1967 - 1980 except for 1975. They are all different numbers and each year was it's own shape. They are made of brass.  

Salem Advertising Items

We received some advertising pieces recently. 

First is a six inch wooden ruler from the Holyoke Insurance Company, I think it is from the 1950's since there is an alphanumeric phone number on it. 

Second is also a six inch ruler, this one is advertising Safe Tee FlexGas Range Connectors which you could buy from Silver's Supply Co. here in Salem also from the 1950's. 

Last is the best of the bunch, it's a small tin case with a label for the Salem Lead Company. the front of the box has embossed on it National Lead Co. Boston, Manufacturers of Pure White Lead by the Old Dutch Process. the back features the dutch boy logo. The booklet gives you in information on mixing your own paint. there are also several paint chips and instruction on the reverse side of how to mix them.

Local Election Campaign Material

As you may know Salem is within a week to the 2011 local election primary. In the past few days the collection has gotten a few pieces of campaign material to add to the collection. 

We've received a postcard  Matthew J Fraser's campaign for councilor at large, a palm card from Darek Barcikowski for councilor at large, a flyer from Steve Pinto for councilor at large (apparently he missed meeting us or that's what was written on it) and a magnet, letter and flyer from Francis Vigeant for school committee. I hope after the primary to get some more items from the other campaigns.

Just a reminder, that I am only listing what items I have received, I am not endorsing any of the candidates.

23rd Regiment Mass Vol Inf. Commemorative

We've recently come to acquire this ribbon, which was made for the dedication of the memorial Boulder for the 23rd Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia commemorating their service in the Civil War. It produced by the famed Whitehead & Hoag of Newark, New Jersey who produced any number of commemorative badges, ribbons or buttons. As you might well know the memorial Boulder is located in the middle of Winter street just off Salem Common.

The ribbon was most likely given to surviving members of the regiment as well an persons selected for the committee that oversaw the construction. This example has a few rips and tears but is no doubt an important piece of American history as is helps to memorialize those brave men from the North Shore who risked their lives to defend our nation in the Civil War.