The people that built and designed our building
probably did not envision how much it would serve
our community and impact the lives of people for so
many years. Built in 1915 for the cost of $17,775.00,
it was used as the Salem High School. Nine years
later in 1924, the gymnasium was completed at a
cost of $65,000.00. Used as a high school from 1915
to 1950, this building was a source of education and a
variety of scholastic and athletic activities. In 1951,
Salem Community High School was moved to its
present location and the building became the Junior
High School and was used to educate sixth, seventh,
and eighth grade students. In 1959, the existing
cafeteria, second & third floor classrooms, and band
room were added as the school's population grew. In
1979, Franklin Park School was completed and the
children were moved there to continue their
education. The building sat empty from this time
until Thelma Bailey purchased it at  auction in 1981.
This woman's drive and determination began the
process of turning the abandoned building into what
it is today. Mrs. Bailey invested over $100,000.00 of
her own money to make several of the initial and
vital repairs and then formed a volunteer Board of
Directors to oversee and operate the center.
Salem Community
Activities Center

416 East Oglesby
Salem, Illinois 62881
(618) 548-6261
Our Past