Centuries Old Easter Traditions Alive in Salem

Today the faithful parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parrish on St. Peter street took part in a centuries old Easter tradition of blessing of the food. On Holy Saturday, the Saturday before Easter, Polish Catholics put together baskets of a sampling of the foods to be eaten on Easter Sunday, take it to their parish where the parish priest blesses the food.

At the ceremony Rev. Msgr. Stanislaw Parfienczyk, reads prayers to bless the bread, eggs and meat. 

Then the baskets are sprinkled with Holy water. 

The ceremony concludes with a few general prayers and comments from the Priest.

What kinds of things are brought to church?

Here is a list of what is generally placed in the baskets and what they symbolize:

• White napkin or cloth which symbolizes the shroud placed on Jesus as he lay in the tomb
• A Lamb, which can be made of any material generally molded in butter or sugar. This symbolizes Jesus, the Pascal lamb
• Hard boiled eggs that symbolizes new life
• Bread which represents the bread of life given by God
• Meat and Kielbasa which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ
• Horseradish that symbolizes accepting the bitter and the sweet in life
• Salt which adds zest to life and and preserves us from corruption
• Candy which symbolizes the promise of eternal life or good things to come

Christmas Services in Salem 2012

Here is a list compiled from the churches website of what services there are in Salem, Massachusetts.

If we've missed anything drop us a line and we will gladly add it to our list

Catholic:

Immaculate Conception     

12/24/12 04:00 PM Family Mass with Choir

        11:00 PM Midnight Mass

12/25/12 10:00 AM

                        01:00 PM Spanish

Ste. Anne

12/24/12 04:00 PM

                  06:00 PM

12/25/12 12:00 AM

                09:00 AM

St. James          

12/24/12 04:00 PM Family Mass with Pageant

                        07:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass with Adult Choir 

12/25/12 07:30 AM

                10:15 PM

St. John the Baptist

12/24/12 04:00 PM  Children Mass (Bilingual Polish/English)

        10:00 PM  (Bilingual Polish/English)

12/25/12 10:00 AM  Polish

                        11:30: AM

Episcopalian:

Grace Church      

12/24/12 10:30 PM Candlelight Service

12/25/12 10:00 AM

St. Peter         

12/24/12 04:00 PM Family Mass with Pageant

                11:00 PM

12/25/12 10:00 AM Spanish

Unitarian

The First Church of Salem  

12/24/12 07:00 PM  Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service 

First Universalist Society   

12/24/12 07:00 PM

Methodist

Wesley United    

12/24/12 06:00 PM Candlelight Service

Congregational

Tabernacle Congregational 

12/24/12 04:00 PM  Family Mass

                        07:00 PM

Our view on Ballot Question 4 (CPA)

While we here at the Salem Archives like to stay politically neutral, we feel however that ballot questions are largely an apolitical issue.

After reading both sides of the issue in the local media as well as opinions of fellow Salem residents in the local newspapers, we've determined that we cannot support the question. We ask that you vote no when you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 6.

While there are some good intentions in the spirit of the program, we believe that with the economy as it is we can not support what is essentially a self induced tax increase. There is no problem with the city of Salem looking to do more historic and open space preservation. We do however have problems with the low income housing component as well as the finding mechanism. In the 10 years of the program, matching state funds have been cut by nearly 75% leaving cities to largely collect only from residents. If the city if Salem privately fund raised for these projects we would wholeheartedly support them.

We do not support the city of Salem in its attempt to have us raise our own taxes, therefor we ask that you join us in voting NO on Question 4.

Thank you,
The Salem Archives Team

Brigadier General Albin F Irzyk Autograph

The latest addition to the Salem Collection Archives is a Brigadier General Albin F Irzyk signed index card. It was generously donated to the collection by the General himself. 

It's not usually our policy to send out unsolicited requests for autographs and the like from people, but we tried and our request was granted. We are very pleased to have an autograph of a native of Salem who has held one of the highest offices in the military that anyone in the nearly 400 year history of Salem has.

Brig. Gen. Albin F Irzyk grew up on Derby st in Salem, was a star athlete in College. He later entered the US Army. As a Lieutenant Colonel in WWII he became the commanding officer of the 8th tank battalion, 4th Armored Division in General Patton's 3rd army. He was wounded twice in WWII and received the Distinguished Service Medal. He then went on to serve in Vietnam. The park on Fort Avenue in Salem was dedicated in his honor in 1999.

World War II Civil Defense Helmet

This civil defense helmet that recently came into the collection is an interesting piece.

It belonged to Edward Judkins who lived at 3 Buffum St. during WWII. As it turns out from 1944 onwards he became the sealer of weights and measures for the city if Salem. Which probably explains why he would be part of the civil defense for Salem, working for the city and all.

Always Looking For New Salem Items

As you may know the goal of The Salem Archives is to preserve Salem's past and present for the future. So, starting today we are appealing to everyone from near and far to help with our goal.

If you are renovating your home, cleaning your house out or otherwise stumble upon some artifacts from Salem's past, no matter how obscure, remember we are interested in preserving your finds.

Help us keep these treasures out of the landfill and preserved for future generations.

Donations are always appreciated and we do buy items too.

If you have something you think is right for us, Tweet us @SalemArchives or use the following link: www.salemarchives.org/contact.htm

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.

Another Tercentenary Committee Added to The Collection

Just got this Tercentenary Badge today. This one is from the Banquet Committee, there were only 15 of these produced, one for each member of the committee (not including the city council members who were heads of the committee). Its the same medal as all the other badges only the ribbon is a special color and the name tag portion reads "Banquet".

The banquet was held Wednesday, July 7, 1926 at the State Armory on Essex St. notable guests in attendance were the Vice President of the US William Dawes, The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the commonwealth, Alvin Fuller and Frank Allen respectively, US Senators William Butler and Frederick Gilbert, A Piatt Andrew US Congressman, Major General Preston Brown and Rear Admiral A L Willard. All of which received a guest badge, one of which the collection has in its possession.

Sunday Observance Committee Tercentenary Badge

The latest addition to the collection is a badge from the 300th anniversary celebration for the City of Salem, Massachusetts. One was given to each the 25 members of the Sunday Observance Committee. The Sunday Observance ceremonies were held in the Salem Common on Sunday, July 4, 1926.

The event consisted of ringing of the various churches bells, dedication of the Bandstand which is still in the Salem Common, a speech by the mayor and concert by the Salem Cadet Band.

If you are interested in knowing who the members of the committee were, you can check the link provided to our website for the items page here

Latest Acquisitions For The Collection

Recently we received some new items for the collection. One of my relatives houses had to be cleaned out and these items are what we found that fit in the context of the collection.

There is an envelope from the Dubiel Funeral Hone which was on Bridge StNext a diploma from St. John the Baptist School from 1936


An ID Card from the Salem Gas Light Co. on Bridge Street
Lastly a collection of WWI papers, photos and Salem Service Medal which can be seen on our website : http://salemarchives.org/militaria/williambilicky.htm

Updated information on 102nd Artillery Guidon

With some help from military collecting experts, the consensus is that the flag I posted earlier this week is actually dates to between 1958 - 1963. The experts told me based on the type of lettering on the flag, most notably the 1 to the left of the crossed cannon in the center it that is the earliest it could be. The materials it is constructed from also narrows down it age to the early to mid 1960's.

102nd Field Artillery Flag

The type of flag pictured above is a military flag called a guidon. It was the battery "colors" for 1st battalion 102nd regiment field artillery battery c.

The flag is double sided meaning the writing had been appliquéd to both sides so it can be read from either side. Due to its styling and construction it either dates to world war II or the 1950's time periods.

Being from battery C means it was the flag for the battery stationed at either the Lawrence or Lynn armories. I am not quite sure which, because there were company C's in both the 1st and 2nd battalion 102nd Field Artillery. Not knowing exact the age of the flag and changing designations of the regiments lead to the confusion.

There are also no tags in the sleeve pocket, as there should be which probably means it was an unofficial flag made for retirement of a commander.

1989 State Champions Baseball

Recently, we received a baseball signed by 11 players of the 1989 Salem High Baseball State champions. The ball is in poor condition, only some of the autographs are legible. It is signed on a Little League baseball just like the one we previously got.

The legible signatures are: Coach Al Giardi, Danny Babcock, Danny Hall, Jeff Juden, Doug Canney, Andrew Viglas, Zach Zegarowski, and Jim Ready

More images of the baseball can be seen here: http://salemarchives.org/sport/juden.htm

Jeff Juden Signed Baseball!

Just this morning on a trip to Witch City Consignments I found this very early Jeff Juden signed baseball. It is a Little League ball, I believe it was signed in the mid 1980's.

All of Juden's professional baseball autographs are signed Jeff, while this one is signed Jeffery.

It was also signed by another player. Both players played for Salem High on their State championship winning team. It is most likely signed while They played little league, since the other player didn't number it with his high school number.