Few people realize that West Salem was an independent town for over 30 years. From its early development in the mid-19th century—when valley homesteaders grew wheat, hops, and fruits—to the founding of Fairview School in 1868, the opening of the Center Street Bridge across the Willamette River in 1886, the rail line in 1909, and a city charter in 1913 to the surrender of that charter to Salem in 1949, the West Salem area forged its own unique identity. Today, West Salem is a thriving community full of cherished memories alongside physical reminders of its independence, such as the Art Deco–style city hall and jailhouse. To learn more you can check out the West Salem Images of America book by Lynn Mack, Deb Meaghers and Kimberli Fitzgerald published in 2011 by Arcadia Publishing about the history of West Salem, which includes some great historic photos.

Veterans Day was first known as Armistice Day and celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the end of World War I, which ended on t the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In the United States, November 11th was celebrated to honor Veterans of World War I until June 1, 1954, when November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs is hosting the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, in front of the Oregon State Capitol on Court Street NE in Salem. This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.” For more information please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/

November is Native American Heritage month. Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress in August 1, 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. If you are interested in participating in events to Celebrate indigenous heritage this month – there will be restoration Pow-wows for both the Siletz and Grand Ronde – The Siletz are celebrating their 48th annual restoration pow wow and the Grand Ronde are celebrating their 42nd. For more information on these pow wows, please visit each of the respective tribal websites – ctsi.nsn.us and grandronde.org

Our Historic Landmarks Commission and historic preservation staff have completed research into the early residents of Salem who have documented their experiences and relationships with the indigenous people who had been living in the Willamette Valley since time immemorial. One of these people we’ve researched is Lewis Judson whose recollections of the early history of Salem can be found in of the 1955 Marion County History Volume 1, published by the Marion County Historical Society in their article: “Remembrances of Lewis Judson…”compiled by George G. Strozut, Jr. . Judson recalls the numerous deaths at Chemawa Indian School before the turn of the century (usually caused by tuberculosis). The OPB Documentary “Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience” follows the journey of Klamath Tribes member Gabriann “Abby” Hall as she uncovers the hidden stories of her family’s experiences in Native American boarding schools in Oregon, stretching from the first generation forced onto a reservation to the present era. To learn more about Boarding schools in Oregon you can view the OPB documentary available on the PBS App, the PBS website, or on OPB TV.

Nell Sykes was a Salem schoolteacher, who lived at 1251 Center Street NE here in Salem during the 1920s. She was a teacher in Salem Public Schools - dietician who served the American Red Cross Commission to Siberia between 1918 and 1920. To see a photo of Nell in the Library of Congress prints and photographs online catalog from April 10, 1920, please visit their American National Red Cross photograph collection.

If you want to learn more about the work of the American Red Cross in Russia during their Civil War, please take a look at Julia Irwin’s article titled “The Great White Train” in Science Direct’s Endeavour journal, Volume 36 no. 3.

October is National Community Planning month where we celebrate the role that planning plays in creating great communities. Our first planning commission was established in 1925 after a significant period of growth.

Please join us as we celebrate Community Planning month, and the role that planning plays in creating great communities at Salem’s 4th Annual Planner Palooza on October 15, at 4:30 p.m. at Fork Forty Food Hall at 440 State Street. Meet your city planners, learn about planning and win prizes.

To learn more about how Salem planning and policies have impacted underserved communities please see our Historic Research report .

The City of Salem has celebrated Indigenous People’s Day since 2021 to honor Native Americans and recognize significant indigenous people and their contributions to our community. Chemawa opened in Salem in 1885, and while it has a difficult history, this school currently focuses on fostering student achievement while honoring tribal cultural identity. Historically, Chemawa Indian School’s Athletic program was very successful, with teams like their Baseball Team successfully competing throughout Oregon and Washington. These teams had many skilled Indigenous athletes such as Reuben Sanders, who was inducted into Oregon’s American Indian Hall of Fame in 1999.

To learn more and to see a drawing of Reuben please visit: https://www.aiahof.com/reubensanders.php

To learn more about Chemewa’s Athletic programs and see David Lewis’s article about Reuben Sanders please visit Oregon Encylopedia.com

https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/sanders_reuben_c/

This weeks Salem History Moment highlights the work the City has completed this year on Human Rights in Salem, including a historic research report about how Salem’s policies have impacted underserved communities since 1857. We also share the results of Salem’s Human Rights Commission’s annual Community Belonging Survey, Salem Police Department’s new use of force policies as well as the results of this year’s Freedom Forum’s annual State of Free Speech survey.

For more information:

To find our Historic Research report on underserved communities please visit City of Salem.net and you’ll find it on the Equity Roundtable page.

The 2025 Human Rights Commission Community Belonging survey is here.

You can find the City of Salem Police policies here.

The Freedom Forum’s 2025 State of Free Speech survey is here.

September 15th is the start of National Hispanic Heritage month. This week in September was consciously chosen to coincide with Independence Day celebrations in several Latin American Countries. Here in Salem,O regon’s Latino Leadership Network, celebrated the 16th anniversary of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast & Summit at the Salem Convention Center on September 15.

The Urban Art Fest was held on September 21rst at Riverfront Park hosted by Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS) – they had graffiti artists at work, live music, and they dedicated the People’s Art festival to our immigrant community. Our City Council issued a proclamation on September 22nd for Hispanic Heritage Month. Stelo is presenting an exhibition about the cultural practice of charrería a Mexican equestrian tradition- similar to our rodeo – the exhibit features immersive murals and photography. This exhibit runs through October 11th. To learn more please visit: https://www.steloarts.org/stelo-events/charreria