"Little Williamsburg"

I'm celebrating Independence Day all this week -- at least on my blog.  Mr. Forest Manor had his out-patient surgery last week, and thankfully, he's doing well.  After I picked him up from work this afternoon, we drove to Old Salem so I could take some pictures while they still had their historic flags out for the Fourth of July.  I grew up in this area and have pretty much lived nearby all my life, and I never get tired of Old Salem.  I LOVE it there.  Years ago we read in a local newspaper or magazine (can't remember which) that Old Salem is like a "Little Williamsburg".  That was probably a tad ambitious :)  Old Salem is quite a bit smaller than Williamsburg, and they don't offer as many events; but it is quite old for this country, and I think it's charming.  You can read my second post about Old Salem HERE.

Old Salem was built in 1766 and features a living history museum that interprets the restored Moravian community. The Moravian church has its origins in ancient Bohemia and Moravia, in what is now the Czech Republic.  To escape religious persecution, the Moravians came to America, where they settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Salem (now Winston-Salem), North Carolina.  Like Williamsburg, Old Salem does historical re-enactments, and the tour guides and interpreters all wear 18th century traditional Moravian costumes.


George Washington visited Salem in 1791 and slept at the Old Salem Tavern.  And this has nothing to do with Colonial America or July 4th; but... the first Krispy Kreme store opened in Old Salem in 1937;)  The doughnuts were made using potato flour, an old Moravian practice.  So that's it for facts in this post; let's look at some pictures.

Hanging in front of this shop is the Grand Union flag, commonly regarded as the first (unofficial) American flag.

Below is the Betsy Ross flag on the Single Brothers House.

This home is flying the 23-Star American flag (effective dates 1820-1822).

I really love seeing these flags from different periods of American history.  Here are the rest of the pictures.  I wanted to get a picture of The Salem Tavern, where George Washington stayed during his visit, but I ran out of time.

The next building is the old Market Fire House.

and the water pump for the fire house

The Single Brothers House...

The Boys School

Home Moravian Church in the background...

...and a closer view.

"Butcher, baker, candlestick maker..."  :)

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you're celebrating the history of your town, wherever it may be.  I'm linking to Seasonal Sundays hosted by The Tablescaper.  Won't you join us?

Denise