May, 1888 – The Capital Journal proposed that the Oregon & California Railroad (now Amtrak) build a depot on Court at 12th Street. The rationale was passengers allowed a 20-minute stop in Salem could view the capital, the new East Salem School, and some of the residences in that part of the city.
The Salem Depot in 1889
East Salem School at 12th and Center Streets
Ben Maxwell’s Salem, Oregon: Nuggets of History from the Salem Capital Journal. pg. 2.
May 21, 1903 – President Theodore Roosevelt visited Salem. He spent his time touring the city, giving speeches, and meeting locals.
Ben Maxwell’s Salem, Oregon: Nuggets of History from the Salem Capital Journal. pg. 66.
8 a.m. May 19, 1910 – Asahel Bush Jr. and his aunt, Sally were test driving their new family electric “runabout” (i.e. car). They lost control of the vehicle at High and Court Streets, crashing through the Opera House Pharmacy. Ben Maxwell describes the scene:
“Inspired by the sweet scents arising from the chaos it created, Aunt Sally’s new electric buggy climbed over the debris and bore down on the prescription counter. Here it stirred up a havoc of pills, powders, tonics, solutions, and things chemical and things vegetative, ranging from Opodeldoc to ‘Oh! Be Joyful.'”
Ben Maxwell’s Salem, Oregon: Nuggets of History from the Salem Capital Journal. pg. 100.
May 1891 – Asahel Bush erected a watering trough in front of his bank, Ladd and Bush Bank at the corner of State and Commercial Streets. The trough was to allow teams of horses to drink without check reins being loosened, and there was a lower trough installed for canine use. (Note: it is not present in the image below).
Ben Maxwell’s Salem, Oregon: Nuggets of History from the Salem Capital Journal. pg. 14.
May 1892 – The landlord of the Willamette Hotel (previously Chemeketa House, later Marion Hotel), posted this note in every room: “Caution – Never blow out the gas. Turn the key until it stops – then leave it alone, as you may turn it on again, which is sure death. If you don’t understand gas – call for a candle”
Ben Maxwell’s Salem, Oregon: Nuggets of History from the Salem Capital Journal. pg. 19.
Salem Historic Landmarks Commission 
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