Essex Camera Shop

Essex Camera Shop was started by Don Hayes in 1946 who sold it to Joe Vaich two years later. Peter Zaharis bought it from Vaich in 1980 and ran this popular full service camera store until his retirement in 2001. Zaharis had previously worked in the photo department on the Salem News before buying the store. He store came to be known as a specialty shop for serious photographers.

This store attracted photographers, retirees and others who came by to get advice from Zaharis. He also welcomed dogs and was know to have bones for them. Many regulars stopped in just to talk and hang out.

See Also

"Peter Zaharis: Legendary shop owner retires" Salem Evening News, June 1, 2001, p. A3