Salem Old Settler’s throws ‘long overdue’ party

SALEM—Tradition of 139 years continued at Old Settler’s in Salem, over the weekend.

The small town brings together life-time Salem community members, their families, new community members, and even community member who only spent a short amount of time in the town.

A pancake breakfast and fun run started off the fun weekend themed “The Party’s Overdue in 2022.

The park is filled with fun activities throughout the day including carnival rides, BINGO, a bags tournament, and kiddie tractor pedal pull.

All throughout the day, people would come and go to the shaded BINGO tent to play a few rounds as they cooled off.

Elaina Holtkamp, Addie McGehearty and Kylie Walderbach played for a few rounds.

Anticipation built as each BINGO card slowly covered more spaces and people began to notice how close to BINGOs they each were.

“I need one more,” one participant could be heard saying as the number caller took the opportunity to sing B-I-N-G-O.

“BINGO!” King Griffin yelled excitedly.

“Winner, Winner,” the caller said.

4-year-old Elsie Coffin nabbed second place in her category of pedal pull, and shared her secret to such success.

“I pulled a little harder and then I go a little more and a little more,” Elsie said. “And then I got this golden trophy!”

Elsie’s grandpa Darryl shared that his favorite part of Old Settlers is simply the people.

His son, and Elsie’s father, Phil Coffin shared a few of his favorite memories growing up with Old Settler’s.

“I remember we would have a greased pig contest,” Phil said. “And we would hunt for change I a straw pile.”

Mary Savage and Marilyn Smithburg manned the iconic over 65 check in table.

Anyone over the age of 65 is invited to be a part of Salem history by signing the ledger and grabbing that year’s ribbon.

A frame of some of these different ribbons is on exhibit at the Lewelling House Museum just down the road.

The house is full of Salem history surrounding the Quaker involvement with the Underground Railroad, and even a number of hand sewn quilts.

According to Savage, this year was the third volume of the ledger which began in 1883 with the first Old Settler’s.

“I enjoy looking back and seeing where my grandmother signed in,” Savage said.

She also talked about how her grandfather refused to sign in, but she could find the signature of his brother.

The two women enjoyed sitting under a large shade tree with a nice breeze as they chatted about the past.

“As kids you always looked forward to it all year,” Smithburg said. “I’ve always enjoyed the parades.”

Savage also said the parades are one of her favorite parts, “especially the horse groups.”

“Knight Heartly always rode the big ‘ol bicycle in the parade,” Savage recalled.

Overall, “I think Salem Old Settler’s is about meeting up with your old friends.” Smithburg said. “It really is a community reunion.”

The weekend came to an end with a community church service and potluck Sunday morning, followed by one last competition of horseshoes.

Until next year, Salem Old Settler’s Days have settled.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com