Dionne, Nelson

Nelson Dionne, collector of Salem memorabilia won a top prize from Historic New England in 2013. He won the Prize for Collecting Works on Paper.

Dionne collects old postcards, photos, magazines, newspaper articles, pamphlets and books. His collection is all about Salem, mostly post-Civil War. It focuses heavily on businesses, shops, railroads and industry from the late 19th century to today.

Some of his unique items: matchbook cover from Follett's Men's Store on Essex Street; a menu from Swenbeck's restaurant, a bill from Battis & Brown, a cigar manufacturer on Front Street.

Dionne's collection, considered priceless, will be turned over to Salem State University this summer for its new library and to Gordon College for the Salem Museum in Old Town Hall.

See Also

Treasures from the past Nelson Dionne wins top prize, Salem News, April 26, 2013

Salem in stereo: Victorian Salem in 3D; a collection of 70 images of Victorian Salem from the 1870's with a 3D viewer ed. Nelson L. Dionne, 2011.