Southern Indiana Living JulyAug 2016

Don’t just read about history...
Walk hand in hand with history at Salem, Indiana’s Old Settler’s Days Festival
Salem Indiana’s Old Setler’s Days
is a free public annual festival frst
held for the community in 1875. It
was established to commemorate
and honor the pioneers who setled the
wilderness lands of the Indiana Territory
that would eventually become Washington
County and since its inception has
continued to grow into the hallmark festival
it has become through the years.
Held the 3rd Saturday and Sunday
of September, the festival welcomes thousands
of visitors to the grounds of The
John Hay Center which includes The Steven’s
Memorial Museum, a reconstructed
living pioneer village, The Depot Train
Museum and the birthplace of international
statesman, John Milton Hay who
served as private secretary to Abraham
Lincoln and Secretary of State under Presidents
William McKinley and Theodore
Roosevelt.
History truly comes alive on the
grounds of the pioneer village as the
various buildings are occupied with the
residents of the village willing and gladly
sharing their stories of pioneer life and
demonstrating pioneer crafts. If the blacksmith
shop seems a bit hot, visitors may
choose to stop by the village general store
to sample the wares or relax in the shade
of the loom house as the ladies work on
their weaving. Of course, there’s no telling
what famous guests may be visiting
the village at any given time during the
festival. Word has it that Abraham Lincoln
may stop by for a visit with his friend
and personal secretary, John Milton Hay
near the house where Hay was born. Being
a political year, one can never be sure
Endorsed by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission as
one of the ofcial Indiana Bicentennial Celebration
Events
just what historical politician might show
up.
Of course, partaking of the hand
cranked fresh apple cider and parched
corn might just be the refreshment of
choice as guests stroll the many artisan
and craft booths set up around the
grounds of the Hay House. From carvers
to jewelry makers, candle makers and
wood workers and much more, the artisan’s
booths are always a favorite.
If it’s entertainment that’s preferred,
then there will be plenty found either
on the village stage or on the porch of
The Depot Train Museum located on the
grounds. From local talent to well-known
regional bands, there’s something for the
entire family.
During the festival, the Steven’s
Memorial Museum and The Depot Train
Museum will be open to view with no
charge. Both museums contain thousands
of items within their exhibit spaces
sure to please the history buf in all. Of
course, there will be an abundance of food
vendors at the festival as well to fll everyone’s
appetite.
Although the John Hay Center
grounds is the main area of festival, other
events held throughout the community
including a Voices from the Past City
Cemetery Tour at Salem’s historically signifcant
Crown Hill Cemetery and special
events at the fully restored and operating
historic Beck’s Mill will be of interest
also.•
For complete information regarding accommodations
and other events throughout the community
during the festival, visit washingtoncountytourism.com
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July/Aug 2016 • 39