The quaint town of West Salem has a history as vibrant as its fall foliage. Before European settlers arrived, this land was home to Ho-Chunk and Sioux communities, rich with Indigenous culture and traditions. Today, the town is a blend of this rich history and the stories of those who have shaped it over the years.
West Salem grew quickly after the arrival of the railroad in 1858. Originally the site of the County Fairgrounds and the County Hospital, West Salem has always been a center of county activity. Today it is the home of Lakeview Health Center, the Interstate Fairgrounds, Northern Engraving, Mulder Health Care facility and many small businesses, including a corridor of auto dealerships. Historic sites include the Hamlin Garland House and the Palmer-Gullickson Octagon House.
Main Street, West Salem, 1920. Photograph of Main Street, now Garland Street, in West Salem in 1920. Owned by Norma Schmig.
West Avenue, West Salem, 1920. Photograph of West Avenue in West Salem in 1920. Owned by Norma Schmig.
West Salem Bakery interior, West Salem, ca. 1930. Reprinted photograph of the inside of the West Salem Bakery. Pictured are Fillmore Storandt, Mrs. Hulber, and Joseph Jiracek.
West Salem Depot, West Salem, n.d. Reprinted photograph of the Depot in West Salem for the Chicago and North Western Railroad.
West Salem Canning Company employees, West Salem, circa 1916. Photograph of women who worked at the West Salem Canning Company circa 1916. It was also referred to as the West Salem Packing Company.
D.H. Nelson telling the story of the free sewing machine, West Salem, Wis., n.d. Postcard of D.H. Nelson telling the story of the free sewing machine outside of Farmer’s Store building. The Masonic Lodge can be seen to the left.
M.H. Roberts Store, West Salem, n.d. Reprinted photograph the M.H. Roberts store.
Men outside Fleischman’s Blacksmith Shop, West Salem, circa 1920s. Postcard of three men standing outside of Fleischman’s Blacksmith Shop circa 1920s. Shop was operated by Art Fleischman.
Men playing cards, West Salem, n.d. Reprinted photograph of four prominent businessmen in West Salem playing cards. John Meyer is pictured.
Sand Lake Coulee Homemakers, West Salem, 1950. Photograph of Sand Lake Coulee Homemakers at their 25th Anniversary celebration in 1950 at Maple Grove in West Salem. Pictured are Esther Belling, Ms. Hanson, Annie Hohman, Susie Hensel, Agnes Schilling, Anita Gunlach, Ruth Bucklin, Emma Holseth, Nellie Moos, Bertha Hauser, Tillie Kenyon, Louis, Gen. Jolivette, Mrs. A. E. Smith, Mrs. Abuett, Alma Hess, Gertie Belling, Gertrude Johnson, Lillian Shilling, Ruth Hanson, Marie Phelps, Lillian Sobkowiak, Wendtland, Mrs. R. Kleinsmith, Sadie Brotz, Mrs. Rosendahl or Mrs. Kleinsmith, Keppel, Mae Flynn, Gustie Hauser, Gen Marcou, and Mrs. Fred Kramer. Donated by Joan Dolbier.
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