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Quaker Pride

Alumni Association unveils renovations

Visitors to the renovated Salem High School Alumni Association space at 330 E. State St. in downtown Salem will see banners hanging from high above in the two-story atrium and display cases chock full of Salem High School history, with everything from old-style cheers and band and athletic uniforms to class rings, cleats and beanies, and of course, Quaker Sam. Visitors can peruse the memorabilia displays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

SALEM — Quaker pride runs deep in the newly-renovated Salem High School Alumni Association office and lobby.

Quaker banners hang high from a new hanging system in the two-story atrium and images of Quaker Sam can be seen from practically every direction in the facility at 330 E. State St.

Display cases stuffed with memorabilia and artifacts from days gone by greet visitors, no doubt provoking treasured images in the minds of Salem High School alumni peering through the glass.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our renovation,” SHSAA Executive Director Audrey Cleveland Null (’76) said.

The $450,000 project to replace the facade, strengthen the building and renovate the lobby area began in June 2019, with contributions to the capital campaign called “Building for the Future” totaling nearly $332,000.

(Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

The project officially ended with the recent arrival of the furniture, which was purchased locally through MacMillan Office Supply with assistance from Denne Gorby (’70) from MacMillan’s, and Mitzi Garret Beach (’64), who designed the interior space.

“We’re very happy with the look of the lobby design,” Null said.

The banner system, which works electronically to easily hang banners or change them out, was donated by BOC Water Hydraulics, owned by Todd Olson (’81), who also served as the Building Renovation Chairman overseeing the project.

One of the banners says, “Embracing the future while honoring the past” as a symbol of the alumni association. The other banner honors the 50th class, the SHS Class of 1970. Both banners were donated by UPS Store owners Jeff Stewart (’70) and Robin Fisher Stewart (’72).

The outside of the building, with the two-story window and huge lit vertical sign with Quaker Sam on one side and Quaker Lady on the other, has been visible for months. The interior, though, has only been open since summer due to the pandemic.

(Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

“We want to encourage our alumni and residents of Salem and the area to visit. This truly is an asset. We’re proud to be in downtown Salem,” Null said.

The desire to stay downtown was a driving force for the renovation, rather than finding a new location.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, with possible future Saturday hours on Second Saturdays. Null said if a group from out of town calls ahead, she will try to accommodate them.

She’s noticed increased alumni visits from all over, including Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, Florida and the Columbus area and throughout Ohio.

The updated showcase displays were organized and designed by board member Mickey Cope Weaver (’60), with assistance from Susie Cope (’65), Vicki DeJane Zeigler (’65) and Helen Potter Hayes (’57). They’re also helping with a new project to archive all the memorabilia, along with volunteers Jean Kiliman Esposito (’71) and Lu Ann Limestahl Cole (’71).

(Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

“Every week we have alumni stop in with articles of clothing, jewelry, yearbooks, sports items, choir, band, Quaker Sam and Quaker Lady,” Null said.

Famous disc jockey Alan Freed graduated from Salem High School before coining the term “rock and roll,” with some of his posters in the SHSAA archives. Artwork and books created by Salem alumni are on display. An arrangement of the Alma Mater by Stephen Navoyosky (’53) is framed. She also said there’s a lot of unique jewelry and pins, lots of class rings and lots of Quaker Sam memorabilia donated by classes over the years. There’s a display of Town Crier Quaker Sam drawings by Perry Calvin that were used in the Salem News in the 1950s to signify a win or a loss by the Quakers. One display each year represents the class celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Extra yearbooks are available to purchase for a donation of $5 each and donations of old yearbooks are accepted.

Open stairs lead to the wide open second floor with a large space for meetings and events, with tables and chairs donated by the SHS Class of ’58. There’s even a skylight.

“There’s a lot of pride and generosity from our alumni and that’s truly inspiring to see,” Null said.

(Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

She announced that the All Class Reunion that was sidelined this year by the pandemic has been reset for Aug. 7, 2021. Class reunions cancelled this year may be rescheduled for next year also.

SHSAA continues to provide educational opportunities for Salem High School seniors and graduates and this year awarded $318,250 in scholarships.

To donate or to learn more about SHSAA, visit www.salemohioalumni.org. Also visit the SHSAA Facebook page or call 330-332-1427.

(Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

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