This view up South Main St. shows the street and the Courthouse. The bunting on the lampposts and flags on the building fronts indicate that it's no ordinary day, and, indeed, the next card, a companion to this one, names the occasion -- Salem's Centennial celebration. The year would be 1914, but no date is given. The Courthouse clock says 1:10. The month and day aren't recorded here. More research into the microfilm of the Salem newspapers is required. But Salem's official birthday might be March 18, 1814. The Sesquicentennial History says that "on March 18.1814, Benjamin Brewer and his wife Caty deeded to John DePauw, lawful agent for the town of Salem, Indiana Territory, the Southwest quarter of Section 17, Town 2 North, Range 4 East, for $1,300." Both cards are unused, but their backs confirm the date. These are both real-photo cards printed on AZO paper. The four upturned triangles in the corners of the stamp indicate a date between 1904 and 1918. (For more on real-photo cards and AZO backs, see the 1909 flood scene. (4/20/01) Home | The 1910s | Next card