Historic Salem — Local services in West Salem

Thomas Leonard came to this area in 1851 from New England. Pleased with what he found, he returned to New England to bring his family. His first home was a log cabin located on the site of the present Coulee Region Christian School. It marked the beginning of the settlement.

A mile to the northeast lay another village, Neshonoc, founded by Monroe Palmer. The two villages were rivals until the railroad came through the area. Leonard offered land free to the railroad it would construct a depot in the village, while Palmer wanted to sell his land to the railroad. With the coming of the railroad, Leonard’s village grew and Neshonoc died, with many of its homes and buildings being moved to what is...

Nestled in the heart of West Salem, Wisconsin, "Historic Salem" is a charming haven for lovers of antiques, collectibles, and used books. Located in the scenic beauty of what locals fondly call "God's country," this cozy shop is owned by Errol Kindschy, a passionate bibliophile who sells and barters an eclectic array of vintage volumes and rare finds. Stepping down into the book-lined basement feels like entering a forgotten world where every shelf whispers stories waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you're a casual browser or a devoted bookworm, a visit to 99 Jefferson Street promises a delightful journey through time and tales you won’t...

Visit. This. House.

The old man, Errol, who owns and lives here, is wonderfully funny and intelligent. Carve out some time to sit and listen to his stories about local history and his own life and experiences. I simply cannot express how much my wife and I enjoyed hearing everything he had to say.

The house is full of very well priced antiques, and unlike many antique stores, it did not feel cluttered. The entire basement is given over to books. Most of them are multiple decades old. Some over a century. I easily spent over an hour down there.

You'll be glad...