Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1884-02-28
THE SALEM OF TODAY.
ssTHE vASSER COLLEGE OF THE
SOUTH
The Quaint and Picturesque Old Town
and its Excellent Female Semi
nary.
fsnec;a1 c,r,.es,,ondencc of the .Seut;ns,)

Especial Correspondence Of the Senttnef)
SALEM, Feb. %, 1SS4-An article
in the SENTINEL week before last sug
gests few observations upon the
changes that have taken place in Sa-
lem and its vicinity since the period
of which that article treated.
Salem was then per Sc compare
lively insignificant place. 1t was prac-
tically religious community, absorb
ed in its own affairs and isolated from
the busy world around. Its school
was the only bond that connected it
with the outside world, and all the in
terest of the place centered in this.
This was, doubtless, sufficiently i'm
portant element in the life of the
place. The Academy, with its crowds
of students gathered from the best
families of the South, upheld stand
ard of culture and refinement 1t Sc
cured a superior education to the
women of the place. 1t also gave ac-
tivity to certain braches of trade and
brought gain to the community. 1t
attracted many visitors. The town
was, however, always rather a feature
of the Academy than the reverse. Sa-
lem and the Salem school were ident-
flied. Salem was the school, and the
school was-Salem.
The condition of things at present
prevailing is somewhat different, but
not so much as to leave no trace of the
former. Accordingly, it may be quite
proper in writing Of Salem to devote
our attention first to its well-known
school.
The description, in the article re-
ferred to, is substantially beyond crit
icism. A few minor points here or
there might, to the more sensitive, seem
to call for remark, but the general i'm
preston conveyed is certainly correct.
As the writer supposes, great changes
have come over the face of things as
he knew them. New and imposing
buildings have taken the place of the
old ones, the grounds have been en-
larged and improved, and many con-
veniences and comforts have been
added. The standard of scholastic
work has been advanced, and the re-
quirements of the modern age are con-
formed to as elsewhere. Superior mu-
sical and art culture has supplanted
the old and outworn styles of former
day, and the institution now claims to
be in every respect abreast OF modern
educational progress. The old-time
Examination" are only memory
now. Elaborate concerts and Com
mencements' have taken their place.
Lovefeasts are still held in the Mora
vian Church, and there only is to be
seen a mere trace of the "caps," which
are however worn bv the ladies who
serve the lovefeast. A Railroad con-
meets Salem with Greensboro, and the
old country roads that brought the
crowds Of former days are deserted.
/ The old hostelry .servives but its
whilom glory has departed.
The mention Of the Railroad re-
minds us that Salem as town is be-
| ginning TO take more active interest
in outside affairs, and, stimulated by
the rapid progress of its twin sister,
Winston, to share in its industrial and
commercial prosperity. Business is
increasing as it comes to be prosecuted
with greater energy and with view
beyond the limited home market.
No account Of .tLe Salem of to-day
would be complete without at least a
reference to the busy city that is rap
idly growing up on its northern limits
Winston. The two places are imme
diately adjacent SO that the crossing
of street takes you from one to the
other, but the difference between them
is soon apparent, when you have pass
ed up the main street of Salem to the
higher ground to the North. You are
suddenly transferred from the past te
the present; the tile roof and weather
stained exterior of the older Salem
buildings give place to handsome
blocks of stores, with city fronts ano
all the general air of pushing, mod
ern town.
But the comparison has been SO
often made that we will indulge il
none here, contentin.s ourselves with
this brief reference.