Salem Common

• Salem Common is a 9 acre green space near the center of Salem with three monuments and some 30 buildings surrounding it. Once a low hilly area with marshy ponds, in 1802 this was improved to make a flat training field for local militias. The common was also once used to grazing livestock and rope making. The cast iron fence was added in 1850 and plantings of elm and maple trees replaced the poplar trees.
• In the weeks following the Salem Fire in 1914, the common was temporary home to many who had lost their homes in the fire.
• It was also used as the playground for nearby Phillips School (now replaced with residential housing.)
• In 1976, the Salem Bicentennial Commission made some renovations to Salem Common and dedicated a new "Washington Arch" at the main gateway. The new arch, which stands at 28 feet high, is based on drawings made the woodcarver Samuel McIntire. The original arch had been removed previously.
• The bandstand at the Salem Common was constructed in 1926 in commemoration of the city's Tercentennial. Philip Horton Smith designed this finely proportioned bandstand in Colonial Revival style, domed and temple-like. In 1976, the bandstand was dedicated to longtime Salem Band director, Jean Missud of the Salem Cadet Band fame.
• In 1995, chainsaw artist Ken Dudley carved a likeness of famous woodcarver Samuel McIntire into a dead oak stump on the common and donated it to the city of Salem.
• The Salem Common Neighborhood Association approves any changes or improvements to the Common.
• According to the Park and Recreation Department, once around the common is 1/2 mile.
• For many years Dennis Koklas known as the "popcorn man" sold hot popcorn out of his stand at the entrance of the Common. He died at age 57 on Feb. 4th, 1978.
• The first muster in the country took place on Salem Common in 1637. A regiment of militia drilled for the common defense, laying the foundation for what would become the National Guard. On Aug. 19th, 2010, Deval Patrick signed an act designating Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard. In January of 2013 Pres. Obama signed a bill designating Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard.
• The replica of the Washington Arch by Winter Street, got a much-needed make-over in 2013. The Salem Common Neighborhood Association teamed up with Historic Salem Inc. to hold a Mardi Gras celebration at the Salem Knights of Columbus to raise funds for the restoration in February.
• The Washington Arch was again restored and dedicated at the "First Muster" ceremony on the Salem Common on April 23rd, 2023.

See Also

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Salem Common
• Vertical File in Salem Collection - National Guard
• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Dudley, Ken
• Common Bandstand restoration Preserving Salem
• Salem Common Neighborhood Association
• "Salem's grand common once a pasture for livestock" Salem News, May 1, 2006. p.B5
• "An un-common likeness"(chainsaw carving of Samuel McIntire) Salem Evening News, May 3, 1995. p.1
• "Bandstand for the common is designed along colonial lines" Salem Evening News, Mar. 10, 1926, p. 1
• "No mishap in pouring dome shaped roof of the new band stand" Salem Evening News, June 11, 1926, p. 1
• Salem Common Image on SalemWeb page
• First Muster Marker Historical Marker database
• War Memorial Honor Roll City Veteran's site
• Historical sketch of Salem, 1626-1879 by Charles S. Osgood, p. 249
• A Stroll through Historic Salem by Samuel Chamberlain, p. 43
• "Sam the stump stages a comeback; Salem's 12-year old McIntire statue restored" Salem News, July 18, 2007, p. A1
• "Obituary of Dennis T. Koklas,(popcorn man) at 57" Salem Evening News, Feb. 6, 1978, p. 2