PHOTOS: Salem's Old-Time Independence Day Celebrations

Happy 4th of July, Salem.

A big thanks to Nelson Dionne for sharing these unique vintage photographs of the bonfires that were centerpieces of Salem's old-time Independence Day celebrations.

An article in an Indiana Paper, The Star, from July 9, 1904 addressed Salem's bonfire tradition.

"Probably in no city is there a more unique manner of ushering in the Fourth of July than in Salem, Mass.," the publication reported.

"Upon Lookout hill and are lighted two hugs piles of barrels just as the clocks toll the midnight hour. Situated as these piles are, upon the highest hills in the vicinity, the flames, as they leap skyward, illuminate the country for miles around as brightly as shines the liberty whose birth they commemorate," The Star reported.

Once a pile included 2,000 barrels, and was 50 feet tall, according to the publication.

Be sure to read more about the tradition here.

Thank you, Nelson, for these great holiday pieces of history.