The Washington herald., 1912-06-14
BY n. F. LEWIS,
staa cOrrespoadent

1lAA aNQLEellAll4l4I
Salem, Va, June Is,
As stan correspondent OF The Wash
ington Herald and ohiciating in a simi-
lar capacity for other papers located al
various points in the United States, my
duties have carried me over the greater
portion Of our beloved country, giving
me ample opportunity to view at close
range the claims set forth by many with
reference to the commercial, agricultur-
al, and educational advantages Of their
particular community. aside from the
grandeur OF its scenic beauty and the
health radiating environments-visid
every point OF interest from Maine to
California and from the Gulf to the
boundary line at the North-and to-day
I am free to confess that my appreci-
alton Of, or interest in, the natural
beauties with which our country
abounds was never fully awakened until
] visited this little garden spot that
nestles in the most picturesque portion
Of historical old Virginia.
Salem, the seat OF Ronol1e County, is
a town Of approximately 5000 inhabi-
tants, situated in beautiful valley be-
tween the Blue Ridge and Allegheny
Mountains. Since the ante-bellum days
Il has enjoyed a wide reputation as a
healthful and altogether delightful sum-
AACA AEoDA l. AAOAAANGA dE ~ . vi SHNA9
hand by the eternal mountains its cli-
mate is most equabie, never reaching
extremes Of either heat or cold, while its
combination OF mountain, valley, and
stream gives a charm Of scenery scarce
ly equaled, and there are many points
Of interest easily accessible by rail, cleo
tric car. or private conveyance. To the
south lie the rugged hills of the Blue
Ridge, with Twelve O'Clock Knob tower
ing into eminence; on the north the lew
el majestic range of the Catawba Noun
tain, a part 0f the Allegheny system,
extends far away to the southwest.
While Salem is noted for its splendid
educational residential, climatic, and in
dustrial advantages. the surrounding
country is also deserving Of comment on
account Of its rich agricultural soil.
Within the past few years many local
and Eastern capitalists have invested in
large tracts Of undeyeloped land in this
section which is to-day producing Pip
pm export apples that compare favor
ably with the famous AIbemarle Pippin.
There are many orchard companies,
which lack of space precludes mention.
but these interested can secure informa-
tion by writing to the Retail Merchants
Association of Salem, which will be
glad to furnish information concerning
the advantages Of the town and county.
Among the interesting institutions in
Salem are its two large orphanages.
The Lutheran Orphan Home was char
tered in lSSS, and to-day is caring for
los children, and II has been compelled
to refuse TO accept more on account Of
its inability to accommodate them Its
present home is an imposing brick
structure, with spacious grounds and
superb conditions for the care OF chill
dren. Prof ]. T. Crabtree is the super
intendent Of the institution, and he is
now endeavoring to start a fund for the
purpose of erecting another building,
which is badly needed.
The Baptist Orphanage was chartered
In 1850. Its large group OF buildings oc-
cupfes a commanding site in the northern
suburbs OF Salem. It has at present
about 200 children under its care. Rev.
Charles l. Corbett is the superintendent
Many large manufacturing concerns are
located in Salem. Chief among these
stands the Salem Steam Tannery. one Of
the largest concerns Of its character in
the South, the buildings and equipment
Of which are modern in every respect
The plant includes about 300 operatives,
and the daily output is $50 hides, the
quality Of the leather being second to
none. Other industries include a wagon
works, planning mill, mattress works,
lumber yards Of magnitude. Then. too,
Salem is on three railroads, and in close
proximity to inexhaustible coal fields, |
which easily and satisfactorily solve the
question OF cheap fuel for manufacturing
purposes a problem that seriously han
dicaps so many sections.
While the mineral deposits Of Salem s |
nearby mountains have not been de- |
Veloped, expert miners who have made
he examination are willing to stake |
their regulations upon the existence of
abundant quantities Of coal copper, sill |
yer, and gold within an hours drive of |
he town.
These facts are becoming known and |
Appreciated, as is indicated by a rapid /
Increase in population. The only con-
,lusion to be reached by any judicious
business mind from the above facts is |
hat nothing but suficient capital and
business energy and enterprise are want
ng TO develop Salem into one Of the /
foremost business and residential sec
ions in the world.
Roanoke College Cfor Menu.
Roanoke College, the pride Of Salem
Ind an institution which has made this
'own famous as an educational center,
5 recognized as one OF the leading COL
eyes in Virginia. 1t was chartered in
$50 by the Legislature Of Virginia, DR..
David F. Bittle being its first president,
md 1t owes its existence and its final
Iuccess through years Of bitter struggle /
o this man Of sainted memory.
The college is centrally located In spa
'ious grounds, comprising twenty-four