Salem Senior Center

Salem Senior Center

1055 Erixon NE

Salem, Oregon 97303

The concept of an activity center for older adults was initiated by a group of retirees who became incorporated in 1967 as the Salem Area Seniors. The City of Salem became involved with senior programming with the appointment of a Senior Citizen Coordinator in 1970.

A official dedication ceremony was conducted on June 25, 1971. This was the program and its presents and honorees:

Welcome:

Robert Maxey, Director

Regional Parks & Recreation Agency

Dedicatory Remarks:

Robert E. Lindsey, Mayor

City of Salem

James Young

Assistant Secretary for Housing Management

Senior Citizens Response:

Chet Arterburn, President

Salem Area Seniors

Presentation of Plaque

Salem Area Seniors Glee Club

Edith Brydon, Director

Mayor: Dr. Robert E. Lindsey

City Manager: Robert S. Moore

City Council:

Edwin J. Stillings

Donald Cushing

John R. McCulloch

Dewey A. Rand, Jr.

Peter C. Courtney

Ellen Lowe

Gary Benson

Ellen Schneider

Salem Park Board

Richard Seideman

Dr. Edwin F. Snider

L.J. Marker

Al L. Chamberlain

Gary Benson

Phil Settecase

Ann Lau

Jack Thornton

Curtis Culver

Architects: Blanchard & Lamen

Contractor: L.D. Mattson

Robert G. Yost, Salem Senior Center at 1055 Erixon Street, North East, Salem, Oregon. Rear view. This 16,300 square foot facility is operated by the City of Salem., WHC Collections 1999.020.0002

Early in 1973, the City received a generous gift from an anonymous individual and the City Council allocated Revenue Sharing Funds for the Senior Center. A committee of nine seniors, appointed by the Chairman of the Salem Park Board, researched the needs of the senior adults and surveyed the community for a suitable site.

In December, 1973, the senior citizens united in a successful fund drive. However, the soaring cost of construction kept ahead of revenue. It was not until monies from the Community Development Block Grant Funds became available in May, 1975, that the total project was assured.

The City of Salem and its senior citizens are justly proud of the Salem Senior Center. It is a modern, one-story structure, tastefully decorated. The 16,300 sq. ft. facility includes a large multi-purpose room, kitchen, classrooms, activity lounge, craft and hobby rooms, and gift shop.

It’s 60′ x 80′ auditorium may be divided into two program areas with the automatic folding door. An attractive lounge, and the activity room, provide many happy hours of unscheduled activities. The craft wing includes woodworking and lapidary shops, photo lab, a multi-purpose craft room, and the Kraft Gallery – – our sales outlet. A classroom may be used by two compatible classes, simultaneously. Parking will accommodate 93 cars.

In 1998, a police substation was added to the Salem Senior Center, allowing Salem Police Officers to use a room in the Senior Center for a satellite office.

Compiled by Monica Mersinger

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Bibliography:

Salem Public Library, Ben Maxwell collection, Senior Center government dedication documents HMC-183 Salem (Or.) – Buildings, structures, etc.

This article originally appeared on the original Salem Online History site and has not been updated since 2006.