Salem...what's it like today (Sioux Falls, Rapid City: house, school, living in)

[J. Laws]

It's been a long time since I was in Salem...curious what the town is like today?

Jim

[Jammie]

Hi. We live about 30 miles west of Salem and used to go there often. My great aunt used to live there, but she's gone now so it's been a couple years since we were there. It's a friendly little town, but it seems to be going the same direction that all the small towns around here are going and that's not uphill. LOL

We noticed that the bowling alley isn't open anymore. They do have a small cafe on main street and as far as I know, it's still open. They had closed the little cafe right where you come off the interstate and head into town, but we've heard it's been re-opened. They have a steak house south of town and that seems to be flourishing. They still have their nursing home and of course, their funeral home.

I don't know how many years ago you were there, but it probably hasn't changed much since then except for less people.

[J. Laws]

I was orginally from Rapid City and did not spend a great deal of time with the "flat landers" out there. My dad had a School of Mines fellow student who ran an implement dealership in Bridgewater...which I am sure was/is much like Salem.

I saw on the one of the online realestate sites a 2sty Victorian with loads of this and that on a big corner lot for $80,000. Sounded interesting as the prices in Rapid City seem to have escalated like all cities.

Thanks for responding.

I now live in the Casa Grande area (between Phx and Tucson) but inclined to seek more gentle living in Chadron or ? that has some relative closeness to some form of educational opportunities.

Jim Laws

BTW my dad was born in Waubaugh (sp?).

[Jammie]

Oh you're so fortunate to live where the winters are warm. I'm wondering if your Dad was born in Wabay? Not sure if that's spelled right, but that's the only thing that comes to mind. Yes, Bridgewater is going downhill, too. My hubby's Mom's family was from Bridgewater. You may be familiar with Alexandria since you know that area. That's where we lived for many years. It's probably one of the nicest and friendliest towns around, but it's the same as the other small towns. No jobs, no Drs., etc.

[J. Laws]

It has been many years ago since I last drove through Bridgewater and it was not doing well then...amazed it is still on the map.

I grew up in Rapid City and we did have a small ranch in the Black Hills by Rockerville on the way to Mt. Rushmore. Unfortunately, first mom passed on then dad remarried and when he died we had an estate battle with his widow so we had to sell the portion that was left to us..however, my other two sisters wanted to sell also and I didn't..we sold and now the prices for Black Hills land know's no limits.

We may not have snow but when we go for over four months with over 100 degrees (some extended periods it may stay over 110) then it makes you wonder what and where is the best place..also the wind blows here just like on the Plains and the dust is terrible....as was yesterday.

I have heard of the name Alexandria but do not know if I was ever there.

Also, I heard of this development to have a new community in South Dakota dedicate to those with hearing impairment. I have had the occasion to teach Subtance Abuse in the prisons and as well as Substitute in the K8 classes but thought of getting a "signing" language certificate and possible have a sense of being more helpful in the education process.

Thanks for your comments.

Jim

[Mehlbrechs]

Salem is still up and running with three bars,a golf course, a grocery store, four gas stations, a business district with around thirty businesses, a national guard armory and five restaurants. Salem is close to Sioux Falls making it a great place to live because one is close to a lot of fun.